Business Accelerator 2026 Application

The WBEC ORV Business Accelerator (ORVBA) is a six-session virtual program designed to empower and sustain the growth of emerging entrepreneurs with annual revenues of $1,000,000 or less through targeted business development education. Through expert-led instruction, pitch practice, and interactive learning, participants gain actionable tools to accelerate sustainable growth. The program culminates in an in-person Pitch Competition at Fifth Third Bank, where participants showcase their journey with a polished 3 - 5 minute pitch.

Time Commitment: ORVBA is a comprehensive 5-month business development program. Sessions will be held virtually beginning in April.

Acceptance Criteria:

Must be a small business with an active product or service (early-stage businesses welcome).
Annual revenue of under $1 million.
Open to small businesses; WBENC certification is not required.
Ability to commit to all seven sessions and actively participate in discussions and pitch practice.
Willingness to complete action steps and apply learnings between sessions.

Participants should be motivated to develop core business skills, including branding, sales, financial fundamentals, legal/IP awareness, and pitching, and be willing to actively network and collaborate with fellow cohort members.

Program Dates:

March 11 - 3:00pm - Virtual Information Session - Click here to register
April 15 - 9:00am - 12pm - Session 1: Kickoff & Business Foundations
April 29 - 9:00am - 12pm - Session 2: Sales & Financial Basics
May 20 - 8:30am – 12:30pm - Session 3: Risk Management, Cybersecurity & Legal Essentials
June 10 - 8:30am – 12:30pm - Session 4: Branding, Marketing, Verbalize Your Value
July 15 - 8:30am – 12:30pm - Session 5: Maximizing AI
July 22 - 9:00am - 12pm -Session 6: Supplier Engagement – Innovating for Growth
Late August - 9:00am - 12pm - In Person - Cincinnati, Ohio - Graduation & Pitch Competition

Program Registration: $530

One registration to WBEC ORV Regional Conference (Catch the Wave) held in Louisville, KY August 24 & 25 -$525 value
Six subject matter expert led business development sessions
Financial Literacy education from Fifth Third
One professional mini headshot session - $250 value
Six group pitch coaching sessions - $750 value
AI certification (CPD Standards) - $500 value
Cybersecurity Certificate (CyberSure LLC) - $200 value

Timeline & Expectations:

Submission Window: March 4, 2026 - March 27, 2026
Interview Window: Rolling Interviews
Notification of Acceptance: March 31, 2026

Click here to view a copy of the Business Accelerator 2026 application.

*Please note, submitting an application does not ensure acceptance.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Keitiaunna Lowe (Dr. K) at klowe@wbecorv.org

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