NEW YORK — MikeWorldWide is accepting applications for its third annual pro bono PR program supporting small diverse-owned businesses, with a focus on women and minority-owned businesses. Two businesses will be selected to enter a six-month pro bono engagement with the agency that will commence at the top of 2023. The business leaders will work with agency executives to create a custom PR program that will best support their business goals. Now in its third year, the pro bono PR program requires eligible applicants to identify with a historically marginalized group (with an emphasis on women and communities of color); generate less than $5 million in annual revenue; and demonstrate support of a social cause through their business, a new criterion for this year's program. Applications are available here and will be open until 11:59 ET on Nov. 11.

MIAMI — Sloane & Company will be opening an office in South Florida, allowing the firm to serve existing and new clients in the region. Sloane’s move comes as the area experiences growth in financial services, technology, and healthcare industries. Managing director Lauren Nussbaum will become head of the South Florida office and VP Sarah Braunstein will become the office’s deputy head. Both are based in the Miami area.

WASHINGTON — APCO Worldwide sister agency Trilligent has launched a metaverse office on the platform Decentraland. Later this fall, Trilligent will launch its virtual headquarters in Meta’s Horizon Worlds. Trilligent’s presence in the metaverse is powered by the APCO AI Comms Lab, which uses AI-driven solutions to build and protect the reputations of major global brands, governments, and organizations. Based in Dubai, AI Comms Lab helps clients through a data-driven scientific approach based on insights into how companies, organizations and individuals communicate and engage with audiences and how they operate.