One of the initiatives Talk About Local is involved in gets underway today with the launch of a hunt for news entrepreneurs who want to join a programme of training and mentoring.
The Made project (Media and Digital Enterprise) is being run out of the University of Central Lancashire (UClan) after winning funding from Google to help startups develop sustainable business models.
Here’s what project founder François Nel says:
The ideal candidates will be creative, motivated communicators looking to make factual content in the public interest.
Projects could be news and information, hyperlocal news, niche content or issue based. If it’s in the public interest, we want to hear from you.
The project is looking for up to 30 news entrepreneurs, from anywhere in Europe, who are keen to either start or grow their own news start-up.
Following an initial Startup Weekend (June 15-17), up to five projects will be invited to join the MADE Hothouse, a 12 week mentoring and support programme that will give entrepreneurs one-to-one access to expertise from MADE project partners to develop and grow their enterprises.
Talk About Local will be undertaking training around the community aspect – the other expert support comes from data company ScraperWiki, UCLan’s School of Journalism, Media and Communication and the Northern Lights’ business team.
Applications are encouraged via the MADE website or by emailing FPNel@uclan.ac.uk.
