Substack, an online publishing platform, has announced the launch of “Substack Local,” an initiative to support the local news ecosystem by offering a total of USD 1 million to select independent writers. Up to 30 news writers will be chosen by a panel of independent judges.

The program will offer mentorship from experienced journalists, a cash advance (of up to USD 100,000), and business support, including expert advice, subsidized access to health insurance, and design services. Each writer will receive 15% of their subscription revenue in the first year. After the first year, the writer will receive 90% of subscription revenue, while the platform switches from a take rate of 85% to 10%.

Via this initiative, Substack is also entering a new partnership with New Zealand-based Stuff, a journalist-led news media website. Stuff will launch two new Substack publications that aim to cover news in under-served regions in New Zealand. 

Founded in 2017, Substack offers a publishing platform that encompasses design, analytics, and payment infrastructure to assist newsletter subscriptions. The platform enables writers to focus on content creation and monetization via subscriptions. Substack has more than 500,000 paid subscribers as of March 2021.