Small businesses employ nearly half of the U.S. workforce, yet in 2026 they are navigating a host of challenges that threaten their growth and survival.

To help journalists covering business in their communities, the National Press Foundation will provide four days of exclusive briefings with economists, small business owners and other top experts to dive into business infrastructure across America today, as well as what policies and practices fuel stability, innovation and growth for companies large and small.

Apply to NPF’s Local Business Journalism Fellowship, scheduled for April 26-29, 2026 in Washington, D.C., by March 26.

This is tuition-free training, and NPF will cover airfare, hotel costs and some meals, with sponsorship from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Thirty-five journalists will be accepted to the program.

Topics to be explored will include trends in small business, housing, labor, the impact of AI, the caregiver economy and investigating businesses and nonprofits.

This competitive program is open to journalists based in the U.S. only.

Attendance is mandatory for all sessions, and by providing a letter of recommendation, editors commit to freeing their reporters from newsroom obligations during the training.

We greatly value diversity in all our programs and particularly seek applications from journalists of color, those reporting in news deserts and reporters for local and nonprofit news organizations. Journalists in any medium are encouraged to apply. Freelance applicants should have a letter from an editor indicating an interest in publishing work that may be informed by this training.

Speakers will be added here as they are confirmed.

This fellowship is sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as part of a journalism training and award program. The National Press Foundation is solely responsible for its content.