The DC Chamber just launched an new accelerator program for small businesses

DC-based founders, listen up: There’s a new accelerator in town aimed your way.

To help launch small businesses from underrepresented founders, the DC Chamber of Commerce just opened applications for its inaugural Small Business Accelerator Program. The five-month program is designed to help early-stage founders located in the district. According to the program’s website, five local entrepreneurs will participate in monthly in-person trainings and workshops, attend ecosystem events and access Chamber resources. Founders will also work with a mentor for a minimum of two hours per week.

“The Small Business Accelerator Program is designed to fast-track the development of emerging and underresourced local small businesses in DC by teaching them in a few months what would have taken them years of trial and error to learn,” the Chamber’s description of the program reads.

“As the voice of the business community, the DC Chamber of Commerce looks for ways to uplift all businesses, especially small businesses, to support them in their growth trajectory,” said Angela Franco, president and CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce, in a written statement. “Our Small Business Accelerator Program will provide access to training and mentoring for under-resourced, DC based, small business and we look forward to supporting them on their entrepreneurial journey.”

With the program, the Chamber said on its webpage that it wants to accelerate businesses led by underrepresented founders. The program is designed to aid with strategy, sales, brand recognition, headcount, networking and partnerships. Workshop topics will include raising capital, business development, talent and culture and legal advice.

In order to qualify, companies need to be:

• DC-based
• Led by at least one founder from an underrepresented background
• At least 18 months into operation
• Possessing a most valuable product
• Employing a team of no more than five employees
• Generating at least $10,000 month over month
• Available for in-person trainings

Register by August 18 at noon