“Our Accelerator Programme is another important vehicle to continue creating meaningful change” says trade body’s president, Maura Regan.
Licensing International has revealed a new Accelerator Programme aimed at bridging the gap between underrepresented, diverse entrepreneurs and the resources they need to build profitable, high-growth companies within the licensing industry.
The programme was developed by Licensing International’s IDEA Committee (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility), a group of high-level executives from across the global industry working to advance this cause and conversation.
The launch of the programme was announced at the latest Diversity & Inclusion Workshop Wednesday November 18, which saw executives from Horizon Group USA, Encantos, Marquee Brands and WildBrain discuss challenges and share insights.
“We have always been committed to attracting, developing and retaining the best and brightest from all backgrounds to our incredible industry,” explained Maura Regan, president of Licensing International. “The findings of our study of diversity in the licensing community – conducted by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media at Mount St. Mary’s University and released back in August – made it clear that there is still much work to be done in this regard, and our Accelerator Programme is another important vehicle to continue creating meaningful change.”
Companies chosen to participate in the programme will receive benefits valued at over $100,000 including monthly mentoring meetings with industry leaders, enrolment in the Coursework in Licensing Studies professional certification programme and a one-year Licensing International membership.
To be considered, companies:
- Must be in the brand licensing business
- Can be for-profit or non-profit
- Applicants must be diverse (whether along the lines of race, gender, sexual orientation, age or physical attributes)
Applicants are being accepted from now through to April 30, 2021, with the cohort for 2021 due to be announced the week of May 24.
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