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Writer's pictureSherbaz Muhammad

The Google News Initiative Pre-launch Lab Program (US and Canada)


In the ever-evolving landscape of journalism, innovation is the driving force that propels the industry forward. Recognizing the significance of fostering early-stage entrepreneurs in the realm of news and information, the Google News Initiative is proud to present the Pre-launch Lab Program. This transformative initiative is designed to equip aspiring journalism entrepreneurs with the tools, guidance, and support needed to launch successful and trusted digital news organizations.


A Journey of Innovation and Empowerment


The Google News Initiative Pre-launch Lab is an immersive eight-week program set to commence in October 2023. Designed to be fully remote, this program is tailored to help entrepreneurs not only navigate the complexities of the digital journalism landscape but also prepare to launch news organizations that are not only successful but also rooted in trust and credibility.


Paving the Way for Entrepreneurial Success


This program is an invaluable opportunity for solo founders and teams of aspiring entrepreneurs who have identified a community's need for reliable news. The Pre-launch Lab offers the guidance and coaching required to launch, or further develop, news offerings that provide effective solutions grounded in the principles of journalism.


Key Benefits:


-Zero Financial Barriers: The Pre-launch Lab is committed to eliminating financial obstacles. There are no fees, tuition costs, or income sharing agreements. The focus is solely on empowering you for success.


- Journalism-Centric Curriculum: The program offers a laser-focused and hands-on curriculum, designed to equip you with practical skills and actionable insights that are directly applicable to the journalism field.


- Engaging Live Seminars: Weekly live video seminars allow you to connect with a close-knit cohort of like-minded journalism entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration and idea-sharing.


- Personalized Coaching: Beyond the seminars, you will receive one-on-one coaching on a weekly basis, helping you move your idea forward from inception to launch. Quarterly coaching for a year after the Pre-launch Lab ensures continued growth and development.


Anticipated Outcomes


Participating in the Pre-launch Lab program offers a wealth of tangible outcomes, including:


- Articulating Your Vision: Learn to concisely and compellingly describe your business idea.


- Strategic Forecasting: Develop realistic revenue forecasts for various timeframes, helping you plan for sustainable growth.


- Goal-Oriented Planning: Craft a set of objectives and a comprehensive plan to achieve them within the next three months.


- Community Understanding: Gain a deeper understanding of your community's needs and tailor your project to meet those needs effectively.


- Confidence in Viability: Through small-scale experiments, gather objective data to validate the viability of your business idea.


- Technology Acumen: Acquire insights into the technology and tools best suited for your venture.


- Long-Term Relevance: Cultivate a mindset of continuous innovation, ensuring your project remains relevant and impactful for years to come.


Eligibility Criteria


To be part of this transformative journey, consider the following eligibility criteria:


- You should be based in, and have plans to launch your venture in the U.S. or Canada.


- Comfortable fluency in written and spoken English is essential, as all sessions and assignments will be conducted in English.


- You can participate individually or as a team, with a maximum of two participants per team for the Pre-launch Lab sessions and coaching.


- A background in journalism or a strong passion for the community you intend to serve is preferred.


Embrace Innovation with Google News Initiative


The Google News Initiative Pre-launch Lab Program is more than an opportunity; it's a platform for innovation, collaboration, and growth in the world of journalism. By joining this program, you embark on a journey that not only equips you with the necessary skills but also empowers you to create a lasting impact within your community. For more detailed information, visit the official Google News Initiative website and explore the possibilities that await you.

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