TORONTO — The Banff Spark Accelerator for Women in the Business of Media program is reminding interested applicants the deadline to apply is February 28, while also announcing a new partnership with York University’s Schulich School Business.
Through this new partnership, Banff Spark will provide participants with program instruction and a tailored curriculum developed with the unique entrepreneurial and industry expertise of faculty at Schulich’s Arts, Media and Entertainment Program.
“This exciting partnership will bring our participants high-level training that will equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to build sustainable, globally competitive businesses,” said Jenn Kuzmyk, executive director of the Banff World Media Festival, in the news release.
“Spark is a significant opportunity to build a talent base of diverse leaders and creators who will make Canada a true power in the exploding business of global media,” added Trina Mc Queen, co-director of the Arts, Media and Entertainment Program at Schulich.
Banff Spark provides selected participants with an interactive business planning curriculum, facilitated networking opportunities, mentorship and access to potential strategic business partners. The program includes regional workshops in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, as well as a tailored stream of programming at the 2020 Banff World Media Festival.
Participants will attend Banff 2020 with full registration and a stipend to defray travel costs. In addition, participants will receive one-on-one guidance from a senior industry mentor expertly positioned to help with business plans and financing strategies.
The program is open to women from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario who are established in the media industry and those that are starting out. Content production businesses as well as those that offer related services within the screen-based industries are eligible. Banff Spark has a strong mandate to support diversity and bolster the economic success of all women, including women of colour, Indigenous women, women with disabilities, LGBTQ2+ women and non-binary individuals.
For more information about the Banff Spark program and to apply, please click here.
