For small businesses, bookkeeping is tedious but necessary, and marketing is essential but not simple to execute. AI tools can help with both — if you know how to use them. That’s the idea behind a revamped accelerator out of the DC Chamber of Commerce.

The three-year-old Small Business Accelerator Program is focusing this year on how entrepreneurs can use AI to boost business. The cohort of 10 announced today ranges from a bakery to a real estate company, and entrepreneurs will get connected with mentors, learn tech skills at workshops and develop a 12-month business plan for growth.

“AI is here to stay. How do we embrace it?” DC Chamber president and CEO Chinyere Hubbard told Technical.ly. “Not to take jobs, but really just allow you to be more efficient in your practice and your business.”

“AI is here to stay. How do we embrace it [to] allow you to be more efficient in your practice and your business.”

Chinyere Hubbard, DC Chamber of Commerce

Accelerators were traditionally designed for early-stage, high-growth startups, but there’s been a trend in other industries adopting the model, including in consumer goods. 

The chamber’s pivot to an AI focus was inspired by member feedback and surveys, Hubbard said. Many business owners indicated they were already using the tech, but wanted more concrete guidance on how to best deploy it. 

Programming for the accelerator, which runs now through December, is organized by Darius Clair, local tech leader and founder of angel investment network Deals Venture Group. It will include guidance on topics like how to build agents and use models to predict financial outcomes. There’s no direct funding via the accelerator, but participants will be connected to potential customers and grants, Hubbard said, and each receives a year’s DC Chamber membership, which offers access to events and other discounts. 

Operational costs are covered with funding both private and public, including $35,000 allocated by the DC Deputy Mayor’s Office of Economic Development (DMPED). The city has recently made moves to fund entrepreneurial programming, including $2 million in grants for accelerator programs (this $35,000 is separate) and a venture capital fund for the city’s startups. 

“Small businesses power so much of DC’s economic engine,” Deputy Mayor Nina Albert told Technical.ly. “That’s why DMPED is proud to fund the DC Chamber’s Small Business Accelerator Program — it’s one way we invest in the economic success of the district.”

Small businesses are a large part of the local economy — they employ half of DC’s residents, according to the US Small Business Administration, and make up 98% of the total businesses in DC.  

Outside of the AI skills, Altus Workforce Solutions founder Patrick Scott is excited to learn business tips from peers. 

“I’m looking forward to having my thoughts and approach challenged and open to learning new ways of looking at things,” Scott said.  

The DC Chamber is still actively seeking mentors from various sectors and experience levels to pair with the cohort: Get in touch if interested.  

Meet the cohort 

  • American Veteran Arts Collective is a workforce development nonprofit that connects veterans and military families to careers in arts and culture.
  • DFs Cake Lounge is most known for its rum cake, and also sells pudding and cheesecakes. 
  • Altus Workforce Solutions consults the public sector, education organizations and nonprofits in workforce development, including development training for youth and coaching managers in communication. 
  • Cypher is a tech company working with customers across industries to turn historical data, using AI, into narratives to use for pursuing funding. 
  • Groom Guy is a brick and mortar store for men’s haircuts and suit services. 
  • Southeastern Blend sells a variety of coffee beans and has garden products coming soon.  
  • H & H Development Group is a real estate firm focusing on property development and management, including consulting with construction of new buildings. 
  • Papierdoll Factory sells statement jewelry, handbags and apparel sourced from across the world.  
  • Courtney Ramsey & Co. is a portrait photography studio specifically designed for women and queer people, focusing on maternity events.  
  • Tides and Limes is a travel planning company focused on services in North America, Europe, the Caribbean and small cruise lines. 
 This story has been updated to clarify that Darius Clair is curating the accelerator programming.