hydra onion

Calling all Black creatives, creators,
& digital storytellers!

Applications closed

Whether you’re a full-time, part-time, or some-time content creator, we know making a living as a creator is hard work. Behind the glamour of photoshoots, brand gifts, and celebrity events are platform changes, unpredictable finances, and the feeling like you’re working 24/7.

While there’s no one way to successfully build your creator business, we know that working to grow your influence beyond social channels by creating your own website can be a catalyst for success. We also know that having access to the right resources and mentors can take creators to the next level.

Introducing the
Black Creator Program

A 6-month accelerator program dedicated to helping Black creators build a successful presence on the open web and take their digital careers to the next level.

Powered by SHADE and Google for Creators, the Black Creator Program will invite 100 Black creators to receive funding, mentorship, education, and more.

Connect

With subject matter experts and other creators to exchange information and best practices to build a successful presence on the open web

Build

A home base on the web that is uniquely you, while learning how to use beginner-friendly and best-in-class web tools

Receive

Grant money during the program to invest in items like production equipment to catalyze your web creation

If you’re interested in applying to be one of our Black Creators, click the link below.

You’ve got questions,
we’ve got answers.

Frequently asked questions to help you learn more about the Black Creator Program.

How long is the program?

The program is six months and will last from September 2022 to March 2023. It will consist of both live sessions at least once a month and office hours.

How do I apply?

Fill out the Google Form above, and we will review your application. 

How do I qualify?

You qualify if you:

– Live in the United States

– Are at least 18 years old as of September 1, 2022

– Have at least a one (1) year history of regularly publishing high-quality content on social platforms

– Do not already own a website or blog on which you post content

– Are not a media publication

– Self-identify as Black or African American

How many people will be selected?

We will select 100 creators to join the program. 

How will participants be selected?

We will review all applications submitted via the Google Form to learn more about you and understand why you would like to be a part of this program. We seek to create a mix across content categories and creator types. Unfortunately, we only have a limited number of spots and may not be able to accept all qualified applicants. Either way, you will receive a notification from us on whether you’ve been accepted into the program or not.

What if I already have a website?

One of the primary goals of this program and the curriculum is to assist participants in creating a website from scratch. Therefore, we are prioritizing and specifically recruiting creators that do not already have a website or blog where they post content. If you feel that you could benefit from such a curriculum despite already having a website, please include additional justification in your application and whether you’d be willing to start from scratch. 

Can I apply if I've been a part of the Black Creator Program in the past?

If you’ve already participated in the Program, you are not eligible to participate again. 

What if I have more questions?

Feel free to get in touch with our team at hello@shade.co