Applications now open for Midlands Minority Business Accelerator program

Columbia Chamber seeking qualified applicants for its class of 2025

 The Chamber is now accepting applications for the Midlands Minority Business Accelerator (MMBA) Class of 2025. The deadline for applications is October 31, 2024 at 5:00 PM.

The Midlands Minority Business Accelerator (MMBA) is a groundbreaking initiative designed to bridge the economic disparities faced by minority-owned businesses in South Carolina. Funded by a generous seed grant from Bank of America, MMBA is a collaborative effort of the Greenville Chamber, Charleston Metro Chamber, and the Columbia Chamber. The program is dedicated to empowering and supporting minority entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to enhance their competitiveness in the market. MMBA is a major economic development tool of the Columbia Chamber.

Qualified applicants will have access to a comprehensive 12-month business development curriculum, tailored mentorship from experienced industry leaders, networking opportunities, and potential access to capital. MMBA aims to equip qualified participants with the skills and knowledge needed to scale their businesses and contribute significantly to the local and state economy.

Qualifications: To be eligible for the Midlands Minority Business Accelerator program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a minority-owned business, defined as at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by individuals who are part of a racial, cultural or ethnic minority group, including women-owned and veteran-owned.
• Must be a small business who meets minimum annual revenue requirements of $200K.
• Must have the equivalent of at least one FTE, beside owner.
• Beyond start-up phase, should have been in operation for at least three years as of the application date.

For more information about the MMBA program, please contact Naomi Walton at 803.733.1113 or visit www.ColumbiaChamber.com.

About the Columbia Chamber

The Columbia Chamber is a private, non-profit, Partner-driven organization comprised of 1,200 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals in Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry and Richland counties. The Columbia Chamber serves as the voice of its Partners and the business community at large on matters of economic, educational, social, cultural and political concern, as well as supports and promotes the success of its partners through networking, professional development, advocacy and leadership. The organization has represented the interests of the local business community since 1902.

To become a Partner or to learn more about the Columbia Chamber, as well as its events, programs and initiatives, visit www.ColumbiaChamber.com.