MEDIA
GARAGE
Tuning your media operation.
The Concept
A 6-month sustainability accelerator for independent media organisations in Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine.
The name came from Formula 1. A pit stop. A moment to change the wheels, tune the engine, and go back into the race knowing what you changed and why. What most journalism startups in the region need is not another grant, but time to stop and look at themselves.
The Process
Diagnostics
Deep SWOT analyses across financial, editorial, and management dimensions.
Warsaw Sessions
3 in-person intensives over 6 months focused on strategy and management.
Mentorship
20 mentors matched to specific needs, including burnout prevention.
Sustainability
Moving from 100% grant reliance to diversified income and stable profit.
First Cohort
The Ukrainians
UkraineIndependent media group: three online resources, plus a Storytelling Studio and School of Literary Reporting.
Diez
MoldovaYouth-oriented news site helping young Moldovans be informed and proactive.
Moldova.org
MoldovaIndependent outlet known for human rights, video stories, and long reads; a comprehensive source since 1997.
ShoTam
UkraineMedia focused on positive transitions: volunteers, responsible business, and community change-makers.
"For me Media Garage was a life changing event. Never before had I thought about the ways to make media financially sustainable. And all of a sudden they gave me a dozen examples from experienced practitioners that turned my professional world upside down."
Serhii Kolesnikow, co-founder ShoTam