Google's Bootcamp to coach aspiring news entrepreneurs

San Francisco: Google on Monday announced that it is looking for its next group of aspiring journalism entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into real businesses.

"We're looking for our next group of aspiring journalism entrepreneurs to mentor every step of the way as they turn their ideas into real businesses," the company said.

Applications are now open to US residents for the 2021 Google News Initiative (GNI) Startups Boot Camp.

As per Google's blog post, the boot camp will include a real-world practical curriculum, relevant case studies, weekly one-on-one coaching, and support from peers working toward similar goals.

The programme will run from September 7 to November 5 (with a one-week break) and aims to accept 24 projects. The application window will close on August 1.

The launch team includes experienced coaches, the entire LION Publishers staff and the LION News Entrepreneurs community, as well as the team at the Google News Initiative.

"If you're a journalist who's ready to start a new project, we're here to help," said Phillip Smith, Director and Creator of GNI Startups Boot Camp.

Smith added that the boot camp will benefit the journalists with the collective experience and wisdom of founders who have very likely faced the challenges they are about to face themself.

The selected journalists will also benefit from a curriculum based on the GNI Startups Playbook.

The Startups Boot Camp provides training, support and funding for the journalists.

Google said that later this year, it will also open applications for its first Startups boot camp dedicated exclusively to Canadian founders.