The Tea Blend: August 28, 2026

Written By Jayde I. Powell

A blend of opportunities, events, reads, and more.

Opportunities

  • New_ Public is piloting an Entrepreneur in Residence program — a 3-month virtual residency (October 19–January 29) for mission-driven founders with a hunch they want to explore around building healthier social technology. The program offers a $22,500 stipend, $1,500 toward an AI coding tool, hands-on product and strategy support, and introductions to their network. Applications due September 9th.

  • The Stanley 1913 Creators Fund is now accepting 2027 applications — a $50,000 grant program backing early-stage nonprofits driving change in mental health, sustainability, food security, community well-being, and more. Applications close September 13th.

  • SXSW Pitch is now accepting applications for its 19th year — a premier startup showcase at SXSW 2027 (March 16–17 in Austin) putting innovative companies in front of industry experts, media professionals, and VC/angel investors. Early bird entry closes September 13th ($105 fee). Regular entry runs through November 13th ($225 fee).

  • SeriesFest and Shondaland have opened applications for their Women Directing Mentorship — an eighth-cycle competition designed to discover aspiring female directors with unique voices and provide a launchpad for their careers. The winner will receive the prestigious opportunity to shadow a director on an episode of a Shondaland original series. Regular deadline is September 15th ($50 entry fee) and the final deadline is November 1st ($75 entry fee).

  • Travel + Leisure digital editor Veronica Lopez is seeking freelance writer pitches for two beats: celebrity and pop-culture travel news (400 words, ~1 week turnaround) and first-person travel essays and human interest pieces (1,000 words, ~2 week turnaround). Rates are commensurate with experience. Submit your pitch now.

  • Miss Grass is recruiting their first cohort of MG Bud(ie)s — makers, hosts, artists, content creators, and community connectors based in New York or New Jersey who already embody the brand in the wild. In exchange for co-creating content, hosting gatherings, and repping MG IRL and online, Bud(ie)s get product, channel features, event invites, and support for the creative hangs they’re already dreaming up. You must be 21+ to apply.

  • Born Social is building the Born Creator Community — a global network of experienced content creators who create social-first content for leading brands. No large following required. When your profile matches a brief, they’ll reach out with the opportunity, fee, and timelines. Apply now.

  • L’Oréal is now accepting applications for L’Oréalistar — a global creator loyalty program connecting beauty content creators with brand missions, exclusive product access, VIP events, mentorship opportunities, and paid collaborations across L’Oréal’s full brand portfolio. Complete missions to earn stars and redeem them for rewards and career-building experiences. Apply now.

  • Pinterest is now accepting applications to join the Pinterest Creator Community — an invite-only network giving creators access to educational resources, peer connection, and early opportunities directly from the Pinterest team. Apply now.

  • Create & Cultivate is looking for ambassadors to join their Festival Ambassador Program ahead of their flagship two-day festival on September 19–20 in Los Angeles — the world’s largest festival for women in business, featuring 4,000+ attendees, 150+ speakers, and programming across business, culture, leadership, and the creator economy. Earn 10% commission on every ticket you sell, plus exclusive ambassador perks. Apply now.

  • The Manychat Partner Program is an affiliate program for creators, educators, influencers, and digital marketers — earn 30–50% recurring commission for 12 months for every new paid Manychat user you refer, with uncapped earning potential as you hit higher tiers. Apply now.

  • Girls on Campus is offering the She Leads Scholarship — a $1,500 award for high school seniors, current undergraduates, or graduate students who self-identify as women of color, are gender nonconforming, or are allies, and plan to be enrolled in a U.S. accredited school in Fall 2027. Applications close November 25th.

  • Kickstarter has launched the Kickstarter Culture Fund — a $1 million fund offering direct pledges to independent creators’ live Kickstarter campaigns in Art, Photography, Dance, Theater, Film, Fashion, and Music. Campaigns must launch by December 31st. Apply now.

  • The Critics Choice Association has announced the inaugural Critics Choice Creator Awards — a new awards program honoring excellence in digital content including podcasts, micro-dramas, and digital stars. Submissions open October 19th and close February 1, 2027. Mark your calendar now.

EVENTS

  • GROWN Magazine is hosting the FoundHER Summit 2026 on September 2nd at Shopify NY in Manhattan — a curated one-day experience for founders, creators, corporate-preneurs, and multi-faceted women of color who are building differently. Featuring fireside chats, strategy panels, a small business marketplace, a live pitch session, and a cocktail hour. Our very own Jayde I. Powell will be on the panel. Get your tickets now.

  • Represent is hosting the Nashville Creator Summit on September 10th at Ampersand Studios on Music Row — a one-day gathering for creators, industry professionals, and brand partners featuring an opening keynote with Tiffany Hardin, fireside chats, panels, a creator pitch competition, expert 1:1 sessions, and a content studio. Only 200 seats available. Use code TEATIME for 25% off your ticket.

  • Content & Chill ATL is hosting Content & Chill ATL on September 12th from 11 am–2 pm at The Lola in Atlanta — a one-day gathering of founders, creatives, and content experts dedicated to leveling up your content so you can level up your brand. Our very own Jayde I. Powell will be speaking. Use code JAYDE10 for 10% off your ticket.

  • The Reelies is hosting The Reelies Awards 2026 on September 13th in Atlanta — the first Instagram Reels award show celebrating small entrepreneurs, creators, and marketing pros, with a red carpet, award ceremony, and after-party. Use code JAYDE for 20% off your ticket.

  • IAB is hosting the 2026 IAB CreatorFronts on September 15th at Convene 360 Madison Avenue in New York City — the industry’s first and only upfront-style marketplace built entirely around the creator economy. Invite-only for qualified brand marketers, media buyers, and agency professionals. Register now or request a pass.

  • Adweek is bringing Brandweek 2026 to Atlanta on September 15–17 at Southern Exchange — three days of conversations, collaboration, and networking with industry-defining marketers from brands like Coca-Cola, Starbucks, Crocs, and more. Speakers include Dr. Bernice A. King, Ben Cohen (Ben & Jerry’s), and Atlanta Hawks CMO Melissa Proctor. Register now and use code JaydeP30 for 30% off your ticket.

  • Women in Influencer Marketing (WIIM) is hosting a NYC End of Summer Mixer on September 16th at 6:30 pm in Kip’s Bay, New York City — an intimate evening featuring a fireside chat, networking activity, drinks, light bites, and a few surprises. Open to WIIM members and guests of all genders who work in influencer marketing. RSVP now to save your spot.

  • Pinterest is hosting Pinterest Presents 2026 — a free virtual global marketing event on September 17th featuring real-life results, platform innovations, and strategies for driving measurable growth. Register now to tune in live or get the replay.

  • Podcast Movement NYC is coming to Terminal 5 in Manhattan on September 17–18 — two days of programming for serious podcasters across writing, production, growth, monetization, and the business of running a show, featuring live recordings, a diverse speaker lineup, and thousands of podcasting professionals from around the world. Open to all. Register now.

  • Molly Godfrey is hosting the first annual Women of LinkedIn Summit on September 18th at Fabrik DUMBO in Brooklyn — a one-day in-person summit for women using LinkedIn to build real businesses, covering content strategy, offers, PR, video, and storytelling, with a private happy hour with speakers to follow. Only ~100 seats. Tickets are $450.

  • Create & Cultivate is hosting their flagship festival on September 19–20 in Los Angeles — the world’s largest festival for women in business, featuring 4,000+ attendees, 150+ speakers, and programming across business, culture, leadership, and the creator economy. Get your tickets now.

  • The Clios are hosting Clios on Culture on September 22–23 at Pier Sixty in New York City — a two-day premium, immersive event at the forefront of creativity, marketing, and culture, featuring conversations with athletes, artists, creators, and brand leaders, live podcast recordings, curated meals, hands-on experiences, cocktails, and a live music performance. Presented by TikTok. Single tickets start at $1,199; group rates at $899. Get your tickets now.

NEWS & READS

REPORTS & RESOURCES

  • Adobe Express’s AI Snapshot for Small Business surveyed 850 U.S. small business owners and solopreneurs on how they’re using AI to stay competitive — finding that 79% believe a clear point of view is what makes people follow them, 64% say AI is also making it easier for brands to blend together, and nearly half heavily edit AI-generated content before publishing. The takeaway: in the age of AI, taste and brand voice are the real differentiators.


JOBS & GIGS

Jayde I. Powell http://www.twitter.com/jaydeipowell
Next

The Tea Blend: July 30, 2026