Eligibility

My project is in the idea phase, can I still apply? 

Absolutely. Idea phase is welcomed and encouraged.

Can multiple people working on the same project apply?

We want to ensure that there are a variety of projects in the program and so we are only accepting one person to represent each project for the program.

What if I’m not based in the U.S. 

Anyone from around the world can join, so long as you can fully commit to the dates and times, and understand that our program is designed from a U.S centric experience, given our current team. Similarly, please do note that currently we only have the staffing capabilities to deliver this program in English.

Do you have educational requirements for INKubator?

Absolutely not! Unlike many traditional incubators that select participants based on their level of schooling, their social, educational or professional affiliations. 

My project is not incorporated as a business. Can I still apply?

Absolutely. You do not need to be incorporated!

I don’t use social media/don’t have many social media followers. Does that matter? 

Nope! We don’t care about any of that.

 

Programming

Why don’t you focus on external success factors like funding and scale? 

Funding and scaling are important for growth, as a business we totally get that! There are many programs available that address this need and we also know that BIPOC ideas are not funded at anywhere near the rate white, cis men-owned ideas are. This is a huge problem. Incubating our actual ideas and building community is an equally critical current need of BIPOC creators. This is where we come in. This program is not about individual and business advancement.

 

Cost + Funding

What’s the cost for participants to join the INKubator?

The INKubator is 100% free-of-cost for selected participants. Most U.S. based incubators actually charge participants to join, which actually perpetuates race and economic inequities in terms of resources, opportunities and experiences for BIPOC creators across all sectors. We ain’t down with that. Cost will never be a barrier for participants in our program.

How are you funded? 

Currently the majority of our operations budget for INKubator is self-funded. We are currently actively fundraising through company sponsorships and individual donations to ensure that we’re also sustaining as a small BIPOC owned and operated business. If you know anyone who can support us financially, please lead them to our fiscal sponsorship page at https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/bipoc-inkubator.

Does INKubator provide funding opportunities?

At this time we are not providing funding for participants’ projects. 

 

Application Details

In addition to the base eligibility requirements listed, what are you looking for in the application that will have me be noticed?

Great question. We’re looking for heart. We’re looking for people who have a strong desire to be in this exact type of community learning opportunity. That said, be authentic in your application. We’re less concerned about polish, proven “success” in the conventional sense, or anything like that. We are looking for folks with the fortitude and passion to usher in a new future, and are working on projects that will aid in moving us in the direction of an equitable world. We want to see that you are ready and open for a community based program designed for interpersonal/group transformation.

Do you have an application cap, before you close the open call?

Yes, once we hit 200 submissions, we will officially close the open call process. Make sure you submit early! We’ve made this decision intentionally to balance the desire to make this as accessible to as many applicants as possible, while being honest about our small team’s capacity to compassionately and thoughtfully review each application with the care it deserves.

What does the selection process look like?

  1. We will accept the first 200 applications into our official review process, and notify applicants of application acceptance as having: 1) met the criteria and 2) completed the application.

  2. If you advance to the next round, we will reach out to you by September 9th and ask you to submit a 5 minute video by September 12th by 5pm PT. Please preemptively block out time on your calendar to make sure you have time to do this.

  3. A diverse selection committee will review accepted applications.

  4. All selected participants will be notified no later than September 16th by 5pm PT.

 

What Happens After I Apply?

What can I expect after I apply?

Whether or not you are selected, you will receive notice by no later than September 16th.

Will I receive any kind of feedback if I’m not selected? 

Unfortunately, as a small team, we do not have the capacity to provide feedback on your application but we will certainly let you know if you haven’t escalated to the next stage.

If I don’t make it this time, can I reapply? 

Yes, for sure. 

When will you have dates for future programming? 

Please be sure to sign-up for our newsletter to be kept in the loop on 2023 INKubator dates. 

 

Data

What will you do with my data?

As Black, Indigenous and People of Color, we’ve had a long history of data used against us or to control us. By acknowledging that reality and the impact of that shared experience of harm, we are committed to being transparent about how we will use data. All information collected through the INKubator program application will be stored in a secured cloud, and used for internal purposes relating to this program only. We will not share, sell, or compromise your personal data in any way to anyone. Please note we will request your permission via a media release  should we want to use anything you shared during the program  i  e.g. a great piece of your feedback that we’d like to use in future INKubator marketing materials.