The 2024 Minority Business Accelerator Cohort marks the third group of promising and dynamic entrepreneurs taking the next steps in advancing their businesses. This year, 21 organizations will make up the talented cohort, with Wendell Jones instructing the group utilizing the internationally-recognized Interise StreetWise ‘MBA’ curriculum.

“We are enthusiastic about the businesses accepted into the program this year. The 21 business owners will have the opportunity to work with financial and business strategy advisors from across our region who have committed to providing mentor support and assistance in completing their Strategic Growth Action Plans (SGAPs). The SGAP is the entrepreneur’s blueprint to scale their business which will assist them in playing a larger role in growing our local economy,” said Richard Waring, VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Chamber.

In the past two years, the MBA program has proven to positively impact the growth and scalability of the business participating, leaving businesses healthier and better suited for the future. Waring spoke to the impact of the program, saying, “The true benefits of the program are more readily seen after the 6-months of classroom instruction have been completed and the business owners are able to implement their learnings into their operating strategy.”

As we successfully matriculate and graduate cohort members, their impact on our region is amplified by their participation in our rapidly growing minority business ecosystem.

– Richard Waring, VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce

One of the lesser seen benefits of a thriving minority-owned business ecosystem is the impact these businesses have on their communities, creating opportunity for future prosperity. As the number of successful minority-owned businesses grow, improvements to the narrowing of the racial-wealth gap, advanced opportunities for employment of minorities and the addition of diverse voices to the business community follow. Waring also spoke to the goals of the MBA program focusing not just on the participating businesses but the overall minority business ecosystem. “The goal of the Minority Business Accelerator is to provide entrepreneurs with technical assistance, mentoring and steps to build capacity.  As we successfully matriculate and graduate cohort members, their impact on our region is amplified by their participation in our rapidly growing minority business ecosystem. The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce along with partner agencies such as the South Carolina Association of Community Economic Development (SCACED) and HI Mark Capital are actively leading the charge to foster and sustain this ecosystem”

The 2024 cohort begins their MBA journey on January 22, with a year of opportunity and education ahead of them. Please join the Chamber, the Strategic Thinking Group, MBA founding partners Bank of America, City of Charleston, City of North Charleston, Charleston County, Coastal Community Foundation and Cummins in welcoming this year’s entrepreneurs.