A 12-week mastermind from NABOB and Onyx Impact for 25 Black creators ready to operate like media companies — with the data, distribution, and deal structure to match. Cohort culminates at the Creator Upfronts in October 2026.
The creator economy is projected to reach $528 billion by 2030. Brands are spending. Audiences are watching. And Black creators are driving the cultural momentum behind the entire category.
But influence doesn't automatically translate into equity. Most creators — especially Black creators — are still operating without the measurement frameworks, IP infrastructure, and partnership access that turn cultural relevance into durable revenue.
That's the gap this program closes.
The NABOB Creator Mastermind is a 12-week, high-intensity program designed for creators who are already generating revenue and are ready to build the business that scales behind it. The curriculum addresses the three areas the industry has repeatedly flagged as barriers to partnership at scale: measurement, content infrastructure, and deal readiness.
Standardized analytics, audience insights, and reporting frameworks that brands actually recognize and buy against.
Production pipelines, IP development, and cross-platform distribution systems that scale beyond a single voice or show.
Partnership structure, rate cards, brand safety documentation, and direct exposure to the buyers writing the checks.
NABOB is not a startup initiative. It is the institutional backbone of Black-owned media in America — the only national trade association with the policy relationships, industry credibility, and distribution infrastructure to build a program of this scale and sustain it beyond a single cycle.
"This is not a one-time program. It is the beginning of an annual institutional platform that will define creator enterprise for a generation."
Powered by Onyx Impact's Invest in Black Media initiative — a strategic platform focused on accelerating investment in Black-owned media, storytelling, and infrastructure.
Applications close June 15, 2026 · Cohort of 25 · Program runs July – October 2026
The inaugural 25 creators will be announced after the June 15 application deadline.
The NABOB Creator Mastermind delivers something the creator economy has been missing: a curated, vetted, enterprise-ready pipeline of Black creators — trained in the measurement, infrastructure, and deal structure your teams already work with.
Partner with us before the Upfronts. Get inside the program before the rest of the market sees the cohort.
25 creators filtered for business readiness, not just reach.
Audience insights reported in formats your media planning teams use.
Documentation, IP clarity, and partnership terms prepared at the cohort level.
Be in the room in October when these creators present integrated media offerings.
Limited slots for brand partners at the program level.
Partnership opportunities range from curriculum sponsorship to Upfronts presenting rights. Contact us for full inventory.
Tell us a little about your team and we'll send full partnership inventory and schedule a conversation.
We're assembling a faculty of senior operators, executives, and strategists to lead sessions, mentor cohort members, and participate in the Upfronts. If you've built a media business, led creator partnerships at scale, or shaped the business side of this industry — we want to hear from you.
The portal opens. Apply early — applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Final deadline. Finalists notified by late June.
25 creators revealed publicly. Program onboarding begins.
Curriculum intensive. Masterclasses. 1:1 mentorship. Brand partner touchpoints.
The industry-facing showcase. Creators present to brands and buyers. Deals get made.
The program is fully funded through NABOB and Onyx Impact's Invest in Black Media initiative. Selected creators do not pay tuition. Travel to in-person convenings and the Upfronts is the participant's responsibility unless otherwise arranged.
Plan for 8–10 hours per week over 12 weeks. This includes live cohort sessions, 1:1 mentorship, peer work, and applied exercises on your own business.
The program is primarily virtual with select in-person convenings. The October Creator Upfronts is an in-person milestone in Washington, D.C.
The program is platform-agnostic. We welcome podcasters, video creators, newsletter operators, live streamers, and multi-platform media businesses. What matters is that you're already operating at scale and ready to build beyond a single show or channel.
Yes. Selection considers trajectory, not just current metrics. We're looking for creators with clear ambition and operational readiness — if that's you, apply and let the committee decide.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through June 15, 2026. Finalists will be contacted by late June. The full cohort will be announced publicly on July 1, 2026.
25 creators. 12 weeks. One Upfront. Applications close June 15, 2026.
This application takes about 20 minutes. You'll be asked for audience data, revenue context, and a clear statement of what you're building. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
25 creators. 12 weeks. One Upfront.
Applications close June 15, 2026.
Apply Now →