The Tampa Bay Chamber is currently recruiting for its sixth cohort of the Minority Business Accelerator (MBA). The organization recently held the Community Information Session, which provided a detailed summary of the program and its benefits to interested business owners. Applications are now open for the 2022 cohort, and will close on September 16th at 5pm.
The Minority Business Accelerator first began in December 2017. It has since graduated three cohorts, with the fourth cohort graduating later this year. The program helps Black and Hispanic business owners grow their businesses within Tampa Bay. The MBA helps these businesses identify and overcome growth barriers, connect to corporate decision-makers, and uncover potential funding opportunities. Members are also given advice from top talent and mentors in the area to help them compete in the local market more effectively.
Related: Small Businesses Participate in Construction of Hanna Avenue City Center
The Tampa area has a rich cultural and ethnic diversity. Many of the area’s small businesses are minority-owned. The Tampa Chamber sees this as an opportunity to expand job opportunities and consumer options throughout the region. With this cohort, they aim to come closer to providing true equal opportunity for business owners and entrepreneurs in Tampa Bay and throughout Central Florida.
Applications are now open. The participants for the sixth cohort will be announced at the Chamber’s 137th Annual Meeting on December 1st.
