The Midlands Minority Business Accelerator, a program of the Columbia Chamber, is pleased to announce eight businesses that were selected to take part in the inaugural year of the program.

“The Columbia Chamber is excited to launch the Minority Business Accelerator program to help grow businesses in our region. We are delighted to have such a strong inaugural class and look forward to witnessing their success,” said Jean Cecil Frick, Chamber Board of Directors Chair.

The Minority Business Accelerator supports and scales high-potential minority-owned firms by providing targeted training, access to business coaches, and access to large corporations. Participants undergo intensive training for the first six months following the internationally-recognized Interise StreetWise ‘MBA’ curriculum led by instructor Wendell Jones. Then, participants work closely with financial experts, coaches, and MBA peers on their three-year Strategic Growth Action Plans and implementation of learnings for the last six months….

To qualify, businesses must be based in the Midlands, socially or economically disadvantaged (minority, veteran or woman-owned, as well as those serving lower-income communities), and a member of the Columbia Chamber.

2022 Midlands Minority Business Accelerator Cohort:
Allison Sullivan, Bluestein Attorneys
Rozalynn Goodwin, Confidence by Gabby
Elias Lykes, Defender Firearms & Training
Heather Leigh, Greenhaven Memorial Gardens
William Patterson, Patcon Industries
Debi Schadel, Flock and Rally
Nathaniel Abraham, Carolina Panorama
Niketa Galloway, Bizzy Kidz Kab Company