TORONTO – Streaming service Paramount+ in Canada, BIPOC TV & Film and the National Screen Institute (NSI) announced Monday they have partnered to launch the new Elevate program, providing business development mentorship and resources for BIPOC-owned production companies.
The 13-month Elevate program runs from January 2024 to March 2025. Applications are now open until Nov. 30 and eligible participants can apply here.
“Through the ELEVATE program, participants will be provided with tailored mentorship and coaching, expert financial and business guidance, access to industry decision-makers and networks and critical resources to help bridge the gap and accelerate their growth trajectory,” a press release says. “The program aims to foster long-term sustainability, economic empowerment and representation within the industry and encourage greater export of Canadian creative content.”
The Elevate program “is designed through a trauma-informed lens to consider the socioeconomic impacts of systemic oppression and barriers these (BIPOC) communities have experienced,” the release adds. “ELEVATE will inject flexible funding into BIPOC production companies and facilitate connections with funding opportunities, financial institutions, and potential investors to enable BIPOC producers to access the necessary capital for business growth.”
“The ELEVATE program is an important initiative that will dovetail with specific project-based funding already available for BIPOC-owned production companies, offering the tools and resources to elevate their businesses beyond individual projects,” Doug Smith, senior vice-president of streaming and content licensing for Paramount Global in Canada, said in the release.
“ELEVATE is a vital branch of BIPOC TV & Film’s three-year strategic plan to build, fortify and sustain BIPOC entrepreneurs and businesses in the screen sector,” said BIPOC TV & Film’s executive director, Kadon Douglas. “Sustainable and thriving production companies are critical to building power and autonomy for BIPOC creators, and transforming the stories we tell and legacies we build for the future of Canadian content.”
“ELEVATE is our response to requests from BIPOC producers who seek business development support,” said Joy Loewen, NSI’s CEO. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Paramount+ and BIPOC TV & Film to deliver a groundbreaking initiative designed to address existing disparities and barriers faced by BIPOC producers. We believe ELEVATE will accelerate the growth of BIPOC production companies in both the domestic and international markets.”
The Elevate initiative is the second partnership Paramount+ in Canada has announced recently that reinforces the streamer’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, the release says. In September, the company announced a collaboration with the Black Screen Office for the Black Creators Festival Initiative.
