GAMA Horizons Fellowship

The GAMA Horizons Fellowship is an eight-month accelerator program designed for prospective and newly established tabletop game publishers and retail store owners. This initiative, created by GAMA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, aims to address the needs of communities historically underrepresented in the tabletop industry.

📅 Opportunity Details

• Date Published: July 08, 2025
• Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
• Category: Fellowship, Grants
• Opportunity Locations: Canada, United States
• Eligible Locations: Canada, United States

📝 About the Fellowship

Now in its fourth year, the Horizons Fellowship connects participants with industry professionals who serve as mentors and peer coaches. It provides access to grants and resources essential for developing and sustaining successful business relationships.

The 2025 cohort will begin the program in September. Highlights of this year’s program include:

• Travel and accommodations for GAMA Expo in Louisville, KY (February 23-27, 2025).
• Participation in the Origins Game Fair (June 18-22, 2025).

🎁 Benefits of the Fellowship

Participants in the GAMA Horizons Fellowship will receive:

• 1-year complimentary membership in GAMA (valued at $300).
• $1,000 grant for business or operational expenses.
• Travel stipends and lodging for GAMA Expo and Origins Game Fair.
• Booth opportunities at GAMA Expo and Origins Game Fair.
• Complimentary retailer box following GAMA Expo (for retailer participants).
• Virtual classes and panels featuring industry experts and leaders.

Why Apply?

• Connect with other inspiring Fellows at a similar stage in their gaming careers.
• Join a supportive community of Fellows from multiple years.
• Build valuable networking connections through GAMA, mentors, and events.
• Receive structured mentorship and tailored advice every month.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

The program is open to businesses that are at least 51% owned and/or operated by members of historically underrepresented communities based on (but not limited to) race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and ability. Applicants must apply to one of the following categories:

Publishers

• Prospective publishers in the process of creating a tabletop game or starting a tabletop game publishing business.
• Newly established publishers already producing tabletop games.

Retailers

• Prospective retailers in the process of opening a tabletop game retail business.
• Newly established retailers currently engaged in the sale of tabletop games to end consumers.

Additional Requirements

• Businesses must be 51% owned and/or operated by members of underrepresented communities.
• Ideal publisher participants should have an existing title in-market or a late-stage prototype with strong growth potential.
• Ideal retailer participants should have an existing brick-and-mortar retail store established within the past 3 years or an online retail business with plans to open a physical store.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and residents of the US or Canada.

📅 Application Process

• Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
• Apply via the official application form.

For more details, visit the GAMA Horizons Fellowship page.

🌟 Sponsor Organization

The Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is the sponsor of this fellowship.

For more information about GAMA, visit their official website.

Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to grow your tabletop gaming business and connect with industry leaders! Apply before July 31, 2025.

• 1-year complimentary membership in GAMA valued at $300
• A $1,000 grant for business or operational expenses
• Travel Stipends and Lodging for GAMA Expo and Origins Game Fair
• Booth opportunities at GAMA Expo and at Origins Game Fair
• Complimentary retailer box following GAMA Expo (for retailer participants)
• Virtual classes and panels featuring industry experts and leaders