I’m a woman journalist from the Middle East who has witnessed the critical need for independent media in the region. To this end, I believe the startup culture prevalent in the tech world can be replicated in journalism: it can spur the creation of new digital media enterprises and platforms for underrepresented voices, giving the news ecosystem a much-needed boost.

In 2022, I left my job and, with the support of an ICFJ Knight Fellowship, launched an incubator to help establish women and youth-led media startups. Called the Media and Digital Runway for Arab Journalists (MADRAJ), we select promising startups for six-months of intensive work with media sustainability experts and mentors, who help them develop business strategies. We aim to create a community of independent outlets that will enrich journalism in the region.

Here are my top five recommendations for fellow media entrepreneurs launching startups of their own, drawing from lessons learned during my time with MADRAJ and from working with our innovators.

(1) Close the deal before you leave the room

For one of my first projects, I had my elevator pitch ready for a meeting with a potential funder. This funder loved the idea, and told me to follow up with his team. However, they had too much on their plate and didn’t follow through with me in time. I had to postpone the project until the next funding cycle.

Today, I always have a proposal ready to be signed on my phone, and I try to close the deal before the funder leaves the room.

(2) Don’t make promises when you’re excited

This is the flip side. Sometimes you may be in a strong position, with extra funds, and you feel like saying yes to everything you’re excited about. But there are always critical details you should investigate before you commit to anything, like finding out about legal and financial requirements, or government restrictions that may be obstacles for your project.

Be cautious with your promises. Start with a shared proposal document for your team to contribute to, investigate the viability of the idea, and review the potential risks. The time to get excited is when you sign the contract.

(3) Always have a plan B and C (and D)

Map your network so you know who to turn to if and when something goes wrong.

In a recent major project we led at MADRAJ, we thought we had everything organized and ready to go a few weeks before the launch. But one by one, key players began to drop – there was a family illness, a premature birth, a health crisis. We dipped into our network and filled these spots quickly with great performers.

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by Rawan Jayousi, International Journalists’ Network