Local Business Journalism Fellowship 2026 | 4-Day Expenses-Paid Training in Washington, D.C.

Brief Information

Local Business Journalism Fellowship 2026 is a tuition-free, four-day intensive training program for U.S.-based journalists. Organized by the National Press Foundation, the fellowship will take place from April 26–29, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

Selected participants will receive airfare, hotel accommodation, and some meals fully covered. The application deadline is March 23, 2026.

Key Dates & Details

Program Name: Local Business Journalism Fellowship 2026

Organizer: National Press Foundation (NPF) – https://nationalpress.org

Sponsor: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Location: Washington, D.C., USA (In-person)

Dates: April 26–29, 2026

Application Deadline: March 23, 2026

Funding: Tuition-free; airfare, hotel, and some meals covered

Number of Participants: 35 journalists

Eligibility: Journalists based in the United States

Overview

The Local Business Journalism Fellowship 2026 is designed to support journalists who cover business issues in their communities. As small businesses employ nearly half of the U.S. workforce, reporters need deeper insight into the forces shaping local and national economies.

This four-day fellowship in Washington, D.C. will provide exclusive briefings with:

• Leading economists
• Small business owners
• Policy experts
• Industry leaders

Participants will explore the infrastructure behind American businesses and analyze the policies and practices that drive stability, innovation, and sustainable growth.

The Local Business Journalism Fellowship 2026 will focus on critical issues such as:

• Small business trends and economic resilience
• Housing and labor challenges
• The impact of artificial intelligence on business
• The caregiver economy
• Investigative approaches to businesses and nonprofits

Through expert-led sessions and peer exchange, fellows will strengthen their ability to report on complex business topics that directly affect local communities.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Local journalism plays a vital role in explaining economic change. The Local Business Journalism Fellowship 2026 equips reporters with context, data-driven perspectives, and direct access to high-level sources—enhancing the quality and depth of business reporting across the U.S.

Eligibility

The Local Business Journalism Fellowship 2026 is open to:

• Journalists based in the United States only
• Reporters working in any media format (print, digital, broadcast, nonprofit)
• Freelancers (with a letter from an editor expressing interest in publishing work informed by this training)

Additional requirements:

• Attendance is mandatory for all sessions
• Applicants must provide a letter of recommendation
• Editors must commit to releasing reporters from newsroom duties during the training

The National Press Foundation values diversity and strongly encourages applications from:

• Journalists of color
• Reporters working in news deserts
• Journalists from local and nonprofit news organizations

Application Details

To apply for the Local Business Journalism Fellowship 2026, applicants must submit their materials before March 23, 2026.

What’s Covered?

This is a fully funded journalism training opportunity, including:

• Tuition-free participation
• Round-trip airfare
• Hotel accommodation
• Some meals

Only 35 journalists will be selected, making this a competitive and prestigious opportunity.

For broader context on U.S. economic policy and business trends, applicants may explore resources from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce:
https://www.uschamber.com

FAQ

Official Link

For full program details and to apply, visit the official page:

👉 https://nationalpress.org/training/apply-local-business-journalism-fellowship-2/

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