We encourage women-, veteran-, LGBTQ+-, and minority-owned small business owners, as well as businesses serving low-income communities, to apply that are:

• Focused on building trust and creating lasting impact
• Eager to learn, connect, and grow through education, mentorship, and peer support
• Prepared to put proven strategies into action to increase revenue and build a sustainable future

• 12 weeks of expert-led education covering sales and marketing, branding, legal fundamentals, financial management, operations, leadership, and more
• Dedicated one-on-one mentorship
• Access to trusted tools and resources
• Meaningful connections and networking opportunities with peers, mentors, and industry leaders
• Accountability partners to help maintain momentum
• Exclusive benefits designed for entrepreneurs, available during and after the program

• Committing to the full program duration
• Attending at least 10 of the 12 in-person weekly workshops, which will consist of one 2.5-hour, nightly workshop per week
• Completing a participation agreement
• Completing business assessments (pre- and post-program evaluations, as well as 6-month and 12-month follow-ups)
• Meeting regularly with mentor throughout the cohort
• Actively participating in workshops, cohort discussions, and an accountability pod
• Joining national alumni network

This program will begin April 9, 2026.

If you have further questions regarding BBB Breakthrough Small Business Accelerator, please contact Victoria Dwelle, Director, Small Business Accelerator Program at 423-805-7103 or victoriad@chattanooga.bbb.org