A panel of reviewers with a breadth of experience in the book industry has been assembled by the Book Industry Charitable (Binc) Foundation to select the second cohort of BincTank entrepreneurs. Applications will be accepted through Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST., a one-week extension to the original application deadline.
Bookmobiles, pop-up stores and brick and mortar storefronts are eligible models. Stores that qualify are either not yet open or opened on or after July 1, 2024. Businesses interested in moving from one model to another, like a pop-up moving to a bricks and mortar location, are also eligible. The entrepreneurs and proposed businesses must be in the U.S. or a U.S. territory. An FAQ document with more detailed information about eligibility is also available for review.
“By extending the deadline to apply by one week we hope to see even more entrepreneurs complete the application process,” said Ken White, BincTank program manager.
The panel of reviewers:
Kimberly Brock is the adult book buyer for Joseph-Beth Booksellers; previously she was a master bookseller there for eight years. Kim serves on the Education Task Force and DEI Council for the American Booksellers Association and Binc’s BincTank Committee. Kimberly holds a BA in Liberal Arts from Xavier University in Cincinnati and is currently working for a Masters in Publishing from The George Washington University in Washington, DC.
Rockelle Henderson’s career in the publishing industry, spanning over 30 years, is now centered on her role as the owner of Rock Inked, Inc., a marketing agency focused on developing strategic plans that maximize a book’s reach to its target audience. With her deep industry knowledge, Rockelle has recently expanded her focus by launching Rock Inked Literary, an initiative aimed at fostering and promoting more diverse storytelling in the publishing world.
Kalani Kapahua studied creative writing at Canisius University and graduated from the University of Denver’s Publishing Institute. He currently works as an inside sales representative with HarperCollins and was previously the store manager of Third Place Books Ravenna and has held committee roles with the Washington State Book Awards, Seattle City of Literature, and Seattle Public Library. He is a contributing reviewer at The International Examiner.
Hannah Oliver Depp is the co-owner of Loyalty Bookstores in Petworth, DC, and Silver Spring, MD. She holds a Masters in English from American University. Hannah is a founding member of the American Bookselling Association’s Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and serves on the board of Bookshop.org and as the president of the New Atlantic Independent Bookseller’s Association (NAIBA).
“We are grateful to the reviewers for their time and expertise, and for sharing in our belief that every community deserves their bookstore,” said Pam French, Binc’s executive director.