The GAMA Horizons Fellowship is a eight-month accelerator program for prospective and newly established tabletop game publishers and retail store owners
About Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Horizons Fellowship
Opportunity Details
The GAMA Horizons Fellowship is a eight-month accelerator program for prospective and newly established tabletop game publishers and retail store owners. It was created by GAMA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to help address the needs of communities that have been historically underrepresented in the tabletop industry.
Now in its fourth year, the Horizons Fellowship connects participants with industry professionals who will serve as mentors and peer coaches, and will provide access to grants and resources essential to developing and sustaining successful business relationships. The new cohort of Fellows will start the program in September. This year’s program will include travel and accommodations for GAMA Expo in Louisville, KY from February 23-27, 2025, and the Origins Game Fair June 18-22, 2025.
Benefits of Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Horizons Fellowship
- 1-year complimentary membership in GAMA valued at $300
- A $1,000 grant for business or operational expenses
- Travel Stipends and Lodging for GAMA Expo and Origins Game Fair
- Booth opportunities at GAMA Expo and at Origins Game Fair
- Complimentary retailer box following GAMA Expo (for retailer participants)
- Virtual classes and panels featuring industry experts and leaders
Why Apply
- You’ll meet other inspiring, committed Fellows at a similar point in their gaming careers.
- You’ll be part of a community of Fellows from multiple years, all supporting each other and sharing their experiences
- Networking! The connections you make through GAMA, especially at the Expo and through mentors; are likely to impact your business in positive ways for years to come.
- A fantastic chance to receive regular mentorship and tailored advice in a structured way, every month.
Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Horizons Fellowship Requirements
Businesses that are at least 51% owned and/or operated by members of historically underrepresented communities based on (but not limited to) race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and ability are eligible to apply. Applicants must apply to one of four categories:
Publishers
- Prospective publisher in the process of creating a tabletop game or starting a tabletop game publishing business
- Newly established publisher already producing tabletop games
Retailers
Eligibility Criteria
They 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.
- This program is only for businesses that are at least 51% owned and/or operated by members of historically underrepresented communities
- 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 3 years or an online retail business with a strong desire to open a brick & mortar retail store.
- For legal reasons, all participants must be at least 18-years-old, and residents of the US or Canada.
Application Date and Process
Apply Here
Application Deadline
31 July, 2025
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Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Horizons Fellowship
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