Berlin Incubator for Media in Exile is a programme for independent media from Belarus and Russia. BIMEX will provide support to enable media outlets to develop strategies after relocation and to understand their main needs; to register new legal entities or create remote editorial offices; to raise funds; and to launch a new project with a German partner.
Media teams already relocated to Germany or those planning to relocate are invited to participate. Due to the support of the German government participation in the incubator is free of charge. Mentorship programs and other forms of support are available for the participants, as well as an opportunity to get additional funds and grants during the program. Selection of the participants will be made upon submitting a written application through an online form and a selection interview.
Deadline for application: October 6, 2022, 12 am (CET).New deadline: October 10, 2022, 12 am (CET)
Interviews to be held: October 4-12, 2022.
The first phase of the programme will be held from October to mid-December 2022 in Berlin. In the initial phase, modules will include workshops, trainings and individual consultation on developing a media financial module and organizational structure; German tax and legislation; human resources; fundraising and grant applications. BIMEX provides participants mentorship on launching and managing new organizations and media products. In the second phase, media will test new products, develop organisations in exile and can implement joint projects with German partners.
Phase 2 will run until May 2023. During this phase participants have an opportunity to further develop and implement their projects, with support provided by a global professional media development agency. This programme will include legal consultation, bespoke mentorship, access to expert training in the use of digital tools and platforms. The exact content of this programme will be developed with the participants during Phase 1 according to their needs.
The program modules include training, study visits and individual consultations between October and December 2022. After the first stage, the best media teams will participate in the program’s second phase in 2023.
Relocation and legal issues in Germany
Developing a sustainable business model after relocation
Strategic planning
Basics of organizational management in Germany
Forms and models of management
Taxes and accounting (in gGmbH, gemeinnütziger Verein)
Labor, human resources and freelance management
Optimization and development of a simplified media model in exile
Partnerships in the management and launching of joint projects
Development of cooperation with media and other relevant stakeholders in Germany
Mentoring and consulting support
Basics of financial management in Germany
International translations and alternative solutions
Budgeting, accounting, monitoring and controlling
Taxes for organizations and freelancers
Outsourcing of financial accounting
Media grants in Germany and in the EU: projects and structural funding
Pitching and promoting project ideas
Writing grant proposals
Basics of project management and grant management
Donations and crowdfunding
Partnership projects
Sponsorship & Advertising
Development and testing of new products
Risk Assessment and Security Protocols
Visa and legal issues in connection with a relocation
Cybersecurity
IT solutions for remote editorial office
Co-working
Innovation Lab
Space for meetings and events
Studio for podcast recording
Networking and development of cooperation
Establishing and developing your organisation in Berlin
To apply for participation in the incubator program you would need to fill out a short application form online before October 6 October 10, 2022, and attend a selection interview. An independent panel will evaluate applications. We will inform you of the selection results via e-mail. Please, read the FAQ section below before submitting the application.
The program is open to teams of journalists and media organisations from Belarus and Russia with a strong commitment to editorial independence and high standards of journalistic ethics;
Application can be submitted by media teams that have relocated to Germany or can travel to Berlin to participate in training workshops;
Applicants must not be connected to a political party, political institution, or sanctioned businesses and individuals;
Applicants must have published stories on Belarus or Russia in the past 6 months in the country or from exile;
Applicants must have a clear concept for their media, a 12 month plan, and a budget for their media project;
Applicants may be subject to due diligence, as part of the selection process.
The decisions will be made by an expert panel comprising independent journalists and media experts, as well as jinn, JX Fund and Thompson Reuters Foundation representatives, based on the strength of the concept, plan and budget.
Photo by Ivan Sumlikin on Unsplash.
© BIMEX, 2024
