MONO Announces Brand-In-Residence Accelerator Program for Diverse Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

Dynamic design-driven advertising and branding agency that creates and elevates brands with its unique blend of strategy and creativity, MONO is excited to announce its new Brand-In-Residence Program designed to help diverse entrepreneurs in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area scale their business. The selected business will receive education, mentorship, and access to agency leaders and other business leaders, as well as the use of MONO’s office space and accompanying resources for six months. 

The pandemic changed the mindset of many and led to an unprecedented rise in entrepreneurs as people left jobs that did not inspire them for the opportunity to start something new. As this has continued, it has become evident that being passionate about an idea is often not enough. One of the keys to any successful start-up is building a powerful brand to help guide and propel the business - MONO's programme is built to help these start-ups do just that. 

“We know the power branding and marketing has, and we have seen many times how it can transform a business. We’re eager to share our resources and knowledge and give back to the entrepreneurs in the community we love. By creating a programme specifically for minority-owned businesses that offers education, mentorship, and a space to grow their business, we hope we can help guide businesses to their full potential,” said Jim Scott, co-founder, and CEO of MONO. 

The new programme is based on a successful pilot with Skntones, a brand and creative agency founded to transform modern culture through media, events, and products. Beginning in 2022, MONO has offered Skntones the use of office spaces and the resources that come with it (internet, printing, studio and equipment access, etc.), as well as help with their own branding and introductions to potential clients. With several projects and initiatives in the pipeline, Skntones have been proof that this programme works and will continue their brand residency at MONO.

Stephon Atuti, one of the founders of Skntones, described the partnership with MONO as a game changer. “One of the biggest challenges we faced developing our brand and building our business was having access to the right resources and knowledge. Connecting with multiple people at MONO, from strategy to finance to the leaders of the business, they helped us bridge that gap. They gave our creativity and brand a way to be expressed and developed while giving us a space to collaborate and create real relationships and a physical place to call home.”

To qualify, applicants should be an LLC, B-Corp, S-Corp, or other registered entity (sole proprietorships are not allowed), BIPOC-owned businesses in the Twin Cities or surrounding areas, who have been in business between four and 18 months, with no more than seven office-based employees. The business may be selling a service, creating content (such as a podcast), or offering product(s) in an online or physical store that would greatly benefit from brand development.

All applications must be received by July 15th. To apply, please visit here.