The BVM Foundation.
Empowering African American entrepreneurs in film, music, and creative industries through mentorship, training, and community investment.
Formerly the Association for Black Gay Films (ABGF). Now operating as The BVM Foundation under Monarch International Ltd.
Training program
Sq ft facility
Community-driven
Based in Georgia
Our Mission
Building pathways for creative entrepreneurs.
Mission
Provide business development assistance, networking and relationship support, mentoring, counseling, and training in the domains of research, product development, technology, finance, and marketing — empowering African American entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses in film, music, and creative industries.
Vision
To create an environment that helps young entrepreneurs with potential to initiate and grow businesses that involve innovation in the film, music, and creative industry-focused technologies — transforming job seekers into job creators.
Why This Matters
Closing the representation gap.
Despite a favorable film industry in America, African American creators remain vastly underrepresented in media ownership and leadership. The BVM Foundation exists to change that — building pathways for Black entrepreneurs to own, create, and lead in the entertainment industry.
African American media ownership
African American spending power
More streaming by Black audiences
Atlanta is 2nd largest film capital in the U.S.
Partnership: The BVM Foundation was established through a partnership between Monarch International Ltd and EBANMAN Inc, combining philanthropic mission with industry expertise.
Our Programs
From idea to industry.
The BVM Foundation offers three pathways for African American creative entrepreneurs — whether you're just starting out, ready to scale, or building remotely.
Incubator Program
A comprehensive program for early-stage creative entrepreneurs. From enrollment through business launch, we provide hands-on support, facilities, mentoring, and resources to help you build a sustainable media business.
- ✓Business development assistance from enrollment to launch
- ✓Access to film studios, labs, and production equipment
- ✓Dedicated mentoring from industry professionals
- ✓Co-working space and individual offices
- ✓Networking with investors and industry leaders
Accelerator Program
For companies that have completed the Incubator or have been screened and accepted. The Accelerator fast-tracks growth with advanced resources, deeper industry connections, and direct pathways to distribution on BVM+ channels.
- ✓Advanced business scaling support
- ✓Direct distribution on BVM+ streaming network
- ✓Equity investment and seed funding opportunities
- ✓In-house consultancy services
- ✓Access to BVM+ production infrastructure
Virtual Incubation
For remote startups who can't be on-site in Atlanta. Participate in the full program under faculty mentorship with virtual access to workshops, networking events, and educational resources.
- ✓Full remote participation in training curriculum
- ✓Virtual mentorship from industry experts
- ✓Access to online workshops and seminars
- ✓Networking through digital platforms
- ✓Pathway to in-person Accelerator program
What every participant receives.
Business Development
Evaluating ideas, developing work plans, and providing direct support from enrollment through launch.
Networking & Mentoring
Access to experienced mentors, industry connections, venture capitalists, and corporate equity investors.
Education & Training
Conferences, seminars, webinars, industry internships, and a 6-week structured training curriculum.
Infrastructure
Studios, labs, co-working spaces, production equipment, conference rooms, and IT support.
6-Week Training Curriculum
Learn from the best.
Our structured 6-week curriculum covers every aspect of building a media business — from fundraising and production to marketing and distribution. Led by industry professionals and experienced faculty.
Industry Foundations
- Industry Career Skills
- Scheduling and Budgeting
- Safety Training
- Production Life Overview
Fundraising & Investment
- Raising Private Equity
- Preparing Your Pitch
- Creating Your Lookbook
- Preparing Your Investment Package
Business Growth
- Guide to Raising Private Equity
- How to Generate Investment Leads
- Scaling Your Lead Gen System
- Other Avenues of Funding
Creative Production
- Directing
- The Crew
- Screenwriting
- Documentary Filmmaking
Technical Craft
- Production Design
- Location Production
- Cinematography — Lighting, Camera & Lens
- Recording On-Set Audio
Launch & Distribution
- Post-Production
- Becoming a Producer
- Marketing and Distribution
- Casting, Distribution & Festivals
Beyond the curriculum: Participants also gain access to annual seminars, networking events, a data center and library, and ongoing mentorship from a curated pool of industry experts.
Community Impact
Investing in people.
The BVM Foundation is more than a training program — it's an economic engine. Every entrepreneur we support creates jobs, builds wealth, and strengthens the creative ecosystem for generations to come.
For Entrepreneurs
- ✓Transform from job seeker to job creator
- ✓Build confidence through structured mentorship
- ✓Access seed funding and equity investment
- ✓Launch productions on BVM+ streaming network
- ✓Connect with investors and industry leaders
- ✓Gain hands-on production and business skills
For the Community
- ✓Create new jobs in the local creative economy
- ✓Build representation in media and entertainment
- ✓Strengthen the African American business ecosystem
- ✓Reinvest returns into future projects and entrepreneurs
- ✓Develop sustainable, community-driven innovation culture
- ✓Bridge the gap between technical talent and entrepreneurship
Sustainable funding model.
The BVM Foundation operates a self-sustaining model where returns from successful projects are reinvested into future entrepreneurs — creating a cycle of community wealth.
Seed Funding
Competitive funding rounds for project support, with recoupable investments that fuel future programs.
Equity Sharing
Returns through equity in client companies — sharing in their success as they grow.
Educational Revenue
Seminars, workshops, conferences, and training programs that sustain operations.
Facility Services
Infrastructure and service charges for studios, labs, and co-working spaces.
Consultancy
In-house accelerator consultancy services for established businesses.
Reinvestment
All returns are reinvested to benefit as many projects and entrepreneurs as possible.
Apply Now
Start your journey.
Ready to build your media business? Apply to the BVM Foundation Incubator or Accelerator program. We review every application and respond within 2–4 weeks.
Support the next generation of Black creatives.
Whether you're a potential mentor, donor, partner, or aspiring entrepreneur — there's a place for you in the BVM Foundation community.
The BVM Foundation is a registered nonprofit with an autonomous board, dedicated to enhancing the economy of the African American community through creative entrepreneurship.
Mentor
Share your industry expertise with the next generation of creative entrepreneurs.
Donate
Your contribution directly funds seed grants, training programs, and facility operations.
Partner
Organizations can partner with us to provide resources, internships, and distribution opportunities.