Frederick County, MD
MULTICULTURAL SMALL BUSINESS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
Our next Multicultural Small Business Accelerator Program is being held in Frederick County, MD, this program is 100% virtual via Cisco Webex . The program will begin February 18, 2025 and run through April 22, 2025. Registration is open from November 11 to January 24, 2025. 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. This 10-week program will be held online
This program is 100% virtual via Cisco Webex
Program Eligibility
Open to existing small business owners who meet the following criteria:
- In business a minimum of 24 months
- Business must be revenue producing
- Must have access to an electronic device (personal computer, tablet, smart phone, etc.) in good working order, with a camera, capability to connect to Cisco Webex, and Internet access
- Must be a Frederick County based business
- 18 years of age or older as of the date of the Competition. As the Competition will be entirely virtual, each participant in the (“Entrant” or, if in the plural, “Entrants”)
Schedule
- Registration: November 11 to January 24, 2025
- Applications will be decisioned on or around February 4, 2025
- This program is 100% virtual via Cisco Webex
- Classes run every Tuesday from 5-6:30pm ET
- Beginning: February 18, 2025
- Ending: April 22, 2025
Curriculum
- Business Planning
- Credit Fundamentals
- Marketing & Branding
- Networking & Community Resources
Live Pitch Competition
- Prizes:
- 1st place - $5,000
- 2nd place - $3,000
- 3rd place - $2,000
Total Prize Amount: $10,000
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 Frederick, MD (and surrounding towns). 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 of the greater Frederick area, be in business from 24 months 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.
