Journalists who run small- or medium-sized independent news outlets anywhere in the world can now apply to take part in Elevate, a news business hub launching today from the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ). Newsroom leaders selected for the program will have the opportunity to learn from global business executives and to receive funding to help them take their news operations to the next level.

ICFJ’s Elevate initiative is designed to strengthen public interest journalism at a time when the work of independent news outlets is vital but increasingly difficult. From exposing corruption to delivering life-saving information to fighting disinformation, the journalism that independent outlets produce is essential. Yet many media founders are wrestling with how to help their organizations thrive amid crackdowns on press freedom, difficult economic circumstances and a need for greater training and support.

“We started Elevate because the journalists in our network told us that support on the business side is one of their greatest needs,” ICFJ President Sharon Moshavi said. “So often, the people who found and run news organizations are trained in journalism, not in budgets and management and marketing. Elevate will provide one-of-a-kind coaching, helping media founders grow their business acumen so they can grow their organizations.”