Bridgeport, CT
MULTICULTURAL SMALL BUSINESS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
Our next Multicultural Small Business Accelerator Program is being held in Bridgeport, CT at the University of Bridgeport. The program will begin October 16, 2024 and run through November 20, 2024. Registration is open from August 28 to September 25, 2024. Don’t miss out! Space is limited to 100 qualifying participants. Applications are first come, first served.
Program Highlights
The M&T Bank Multicultural Small Business Accelerator Program is an intensive weeks-long program designed to develop a diverse set of businesses. The Lab promotes business and financial inclusion through empowerment, providing owners with access to information, tools, resources, and connections they need to grow and thrive. Participants are presented with tools and opportunities to increase their visibility, accelerate their business, and achieve success.
Creating a Business Plan
Learn what it takes to create an effective business plan through discussion on setting goals, knowing your industry, what finances you have in place, and much more!
All About Credit
Curious about credit and how it can affect your business? As part of M&T Multicultural Small Business Accelerator Program, we will dive into the importance of credit, accessing capital and how you package your credit application.
Marketing & Branding
Learn how to make your business stand-out among the competition through an in-depth discussion on branding and marketing so you can be prepared to get the word out on your diverse business.
Pitch Tips
You have everything that you need to scale and grow your business, but your business needs funding. As part of the series, we will provide you tips and tricks when presenting to potential investors. Learn how to present with ease and how to make your business plan shine.
Accelerator Program Overview
This program celebrates and empowers locally owned small businesses through education and spirited competition. It will be held at University of Bridgeport.
University of Bridgeport
Carlson Hall Room 153
303 University Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Program Eligibility
Open to existing small business owners who meet the following criteria:
- Business located in Greater Bridgeport Metropolitan Area
- Have been in business 60 months or less
- Annual business revenue of $300,000 or less
Schedule
- Registration: August 28 to September 25, 2024
- Applications will be decisioned on or around October 5, 2024
- In-person attendance required
- Classes run every Wednesday from 6-8pm ET
- Beginning: October 16 2024
- Ending: November 20, 2024
Curriculum
- Business Planning
- Credit Fundamentals
- Marketing & Branding
- Networking & Community Resources
Live Pitch Competition
- Prizes:
- 1st place - $6,000
- 2nd place - $4,500
- 3rd place - $3,000
- 4th place - $2,500
You must be a resident of the city where the lab is being held. Please refer to the specific location terms and conditions.
Yes, the principal owner needs to be a permanent legal resident of of the greater Bridgeport Metropolitan area. See Terms and Conditions.
We are open to different kinds of multicultural – racially & ethnically diverse small owned businesses. To qualify, the principal owner must be 18 years or older, a permanent legal resident of the greater Bridgeport Metropolitan area, be in business from 60 months or less and have annual business revenue of $300,000 or less. See Terms and Conditions.
To register, please review the Terms and Conditions. If eligible, you can enter here.
About M&T Multicultural Banking
At M&T, we understand that the needs and desires that our Multicultural communities have are distinctive. We are committed to meeting those unique needs, whether you are Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, an immigrant, refugee, LGBTQ+, a person with different abilities, or a combination. Here at M&T, we celebrate you and empower you with the financial tools and resources you need to thrive. We are investing in the growth and sustainability of our diverse small business and communities.
