GAMA diversity drive offers $1,000 grants, mentoring to fledgling board game publishers and retailers

Board games trade organisation GAMA is offering $1,000 grants and peer mentoring to new board game publishers and retailers from under-represented communities.

Applications are open until July 31 for the 2023/24 GAMA Horizons Fellowship, which is eligible for businesses at least 51% owned or operated by people from historically sidelined demographics, which can include race or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion and ability, among others.

The eight-month programme is open to new or prospective US or Canada-based board game publishers already in the process of creating a game or starting their business, and budding or established retailers who have at least begun the process of opening their store.

As well as the grant and peer mentoring, successful applicants also receive a one-year complimentary GAMA membership worth $300, free admission to GAMA Expo 2024 next March with a complimentary hotel stay, and reimbursement for up to $1,000 in travel-related expenses for the journey. Publishers also receive booth space at GAMA Expo 2024.

A statement from GAMA about the programme said, “We welcome as broad a range of publishers and retailers into the tabletop community as possible, but there are some key components that applicants should possess.

“Ideal publisher participants will have an existing title in-market or a late-stage prototype and a strong potential for growth.

“Ideal retailer participants will have an existing brick & mortar retail store established within the past three years or an online retail business with a strong desire to open a brick & mortar retail store.”

Selected applicants will be invited for a virtual interview, with successful candidates announced in early August.

GAMA is also looking for board game industry professionals to act as mentors and peer coaches, as well as presenters for AMA panels and discussions.