The 12-week accelerator will select five publishers, five creators and one creator-in-residence, with each participant receiving a $10,000 non-dilutive cash grant. Applications close October 1.
THE WORD
Key information:
- BOMESI is accepting applications for the fifth cohort of its accelerator program.
- Cohort 5 will include five publishers, five creators and one creator-in-residence.
- Each of the 11 selected participants will receive a $10,000 non-dilutive cash grant.
- The 12-week curriculum will be presented in partnership with New Majority Ventures.
- BOMESI has graduated 32 publishers and creators across four previous cohorts, securing $675,000 in non-dilutive funding for participants.
- Applications are being accepted through YouNoodle until October 1.
The Black Owned Media Equity and Sustainability Institute, better known as BOMESI, is accepting applications for Cohort 5 of its accelerator program. The opportunity is designed for Black-owned media publishers and independent creators who are ready to strengthen their businesses and take their platforms to another level.
This year’s accelerator expands eligibility beyond publishers to include creators, reflecting how the media industry has continued to shift toward creator-led platforms, independent storytelling and direct relationships with audiences.
Cohort 5 will include five publisher positions, five creator positions and one creator-in-residence. Each of the 11 selected participants will receive a $10,000 non-dilutive cash grant, meaning recipients will not have to give up ownership in their companies or platforms in exchange for the funding.
Participants will also complete a 12-week curriculum presented in partnership with New Majority Ventures. The program will combine BOMESI’s core programming with additional masterclasses led by experts who can help participants improve their operations, expand their audiences and build more sustainable businesses.
ABOUT BOMESI
Founded in 2020 by media entrepreneurs Rhonesha Byng and DéVon Christopher Johnson, BOMESI was created to address the financial, technological and operational barriers facing Black-owned and diverse-owned media companies.
According to BOMESI, the organization serves as a bridge between independent media owners, advertisers, technology companies and other industry partners. Through funding, training and strategic partnerships, it helps media leaders strengthen their businesses, improve their infrastructure and reach larger audiences.
BOMESI’s work is centered around three major areas: ecosystem development, education and economic empowerment.
- Ecosystem: BOMESI connects publishers, brands and advertising technology companies to build a more equitable media network. Its nationwide community includes more than 300 Black-owned and diverse-owned media platforms.
- Education: The organization provides media owners with technical training, masterclasses and resources covering areas such as advertising technology, search engine optimization, content management systems, data monetization and artificial intelligence.
- Economic empowerment: BOMESI works to move diverse-owned media companies beyond short-term corporate support and toward sustainable revenue, long-term investment and direct relationships with major advertising buyers.
The organization’s mission is to unite, advance and empower diverse-owned media businesses by developing equitable technology infrastructure, increasing sustainable advertising investment and providing the training needed to support culturally representative voices.
Its initiatives include the BOMESI Accelerator, the annual BOMESI Summit, capacity-building grants, financial coaching, advertising partnerships and industry events that connect independent media founders with decision-makers.
BUILDING ON FOUR PREVIOUS COHORTS
Across its first four accelerator cohorts, BOMESI has graduated 32 publishers and creators and secured $675,000 in non-dilutive funding for participants. The accelerator serves as one part of the organization’s broader effort to remove capital barriers and help independent founders develop businesses that can survive and grow over the long term.
For emerging publishers and creators, Cohort 5 offers more than a cash grant. Selected participants will gain access to business education, experienced industry professionals and a national network built around strengthening Black-owned and diverse-owned media.
Applications are being managed through YouNoodle and will close on October 1. Publishers and creators interested in the opportunity can apply for BOMESI Accelerator Cohort 5 here.
SOURCES
- BOMESI Foundation — Our Work
- BOMESI Accelerator Cohort 5 application
- BOMESI Cohort 5 program announcement
- CXMMUNITY social media coverage
