Bookshop.org, BA to help underrepresented communities open indie bookshops

In the UK, Bookshop.org and the Booksellers Association (BA) have launched a program to help launch and foster new bookshops founded by members of underrepresented communities.

The New Futures program will receive applications from underrepresented communities who feel they have the potential to build viable bookselling businesses. These communities include individuals who identify as Black and other marginalised ethnicities, LGBTQIA+, working class, physically disabled, neurodiverse, sufferers of mental health issues and those with learning disabilities, among others.

Following a shortlisting, mentoring, and judging process, the winner/s will receive support from industry partners—including the BA, Gardners, the Bookseller and Midas— through a program of education and tools toward launching their bookshop.

‘As we welcome the recent progress in the diversification of the range of published authors, we are keen to promote the opening of new bookshops that will match this richness of voices, where books can reach the hands of more diverse readers,’ said BA managing director Meryl Halls. ‘The BA is committed to offering a breadth of opportunities to help its members grow, and we are incredibly excited to be offering mentoring and support to a new member to our family.’

For more information about the New Futures program, click here.

Category: International news