EBE Business Accelerator
Capital Readiness & Scaling with Government Contracting
Accelerate, Scale or Start Your Business With the VABCC.
The Expanding Business Ecosystems (EBE) Business Accelerator is a 10-week program designed to help entrepreneurs grow, scale, and strengthen their businesses. Participants gain the skills, confidence, and connections needed to increase revenue, access capital, build their workforce, and pursue government contracting opportunities.
About the EBE Business Accelerator
Through expert-led training, peer learning, and hands-on support, the EBE Business Accelerator equips entrepreneurs with the tools necessary to advance their businesses. The program combines practical instruction with real-world application to help participants build sustainable, scalable businesses.
Entrepreneurs engage in a structured, cohort-based experience that supports both individual growth and collective learning. Participants gain increased clarity, stronger business systems, and expanded access to regional resources that support long-term success.
What the Program Covers
The Accelerator covers core areas critical to business growth, capital readiness, and contracting success.
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Business modeling and strategic planning
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Financial management and profitability
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Sales strategies and revenue growth
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Strategic marketing for scale
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Workforce development and staffing strategies
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Capital readiness and lender preparation
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Local and state government contracting
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Pitch and proposal development
Entrepreneurs also receive guidance on preparing lender-ready financial profiles and pitch decks that position them for funding and procurement opportunities.
Through hands-on workshops, personalized mentorship, and networking opportunities, the EBE Business Accelerator equips participants with the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive market. From learning how to access funding to mastering the complexities of government contracts, we provide practical, actionable support that empowers business owners to grow confidently.
Our program welcomes businesses at various stages, offering a supportive community and expert guidance tailored to each participant's unique needs. Whether you want to expand your market reach, strengthen financial practices, or become contract-ready, the EBE Business Accelerator is here to help you thrive.
Duration: 10 weeks
Cohort 6 Start Date: January 13, 2026
Built for Capital Access and Contracting Readiness
A key focus of the EBE Business Accelerator is preparing entrepreneurs to pursue capital and contracting opportunities with confidence. Participants learn how to strengthen their financial readiness, understand capital requirements, and position their businesses to compete for local and state government contracts. The program emphasizes practical strategies that support long-term revenue growth and sustainability.
More Than a Program. A Business Community
Beyond technical training, the Accelerator emphasizes connection and collaboration. Entrepreneurs build meaningful relationships with peers, mentors, and resource partners across the region, fostering a supportive business community that continues beyond the program.
The cohort-based structure encourages shared learning, trust-building, and collaboration across industries and geographic lines. Graduates leave with stronger networks, deeper community ties, and ongoing access to support through the Chamber and partner organizations.
What Graduates Gain to Grow, Scale, and Sustain Their Businesses
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Increased confidence and business clarity
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Improved access to capital and funding pathways
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Stronger financial and operational systems
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Readiness to pursue government contracts
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Expanded professional networks and partnerships
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Ongoing support beyond graduation
Ready to Scale Your Business?
Graduates leave better prepared to navigate growth, secure funding, and contribute to a stronger, more connected entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Meet Our Advisory Board
Susan Ball
Dr. Shashuna Gray
Tina Lance
Kevin W. Marshall
Business Development Manager, Spotsylvania County Department of Economic Development
Michael Purello
Executive Director, Rivers Region Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Savannah C. Wimbush
Stafford Economic Development, Business Development Manager
Thank you to our Sponsors & Partners!
The program is funded by corporate sponsorships and grants, ensuring it is free for Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce (VABCC) members
As the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Black Business Directory, we're thrilled to announce our strategic partnerships with esteemed organizations. These collaborations are set to spearhead community engagement for our Accelerator program, bolstering its impact through mentorship, business development, training, and educational resources.
Because it's all about empowering success, our partners' invaluable industry experience and insights will help us enhance the Black Business Accelerator and lay the groundwork for future programs to uplift other underrepresented business owner communities.
We extend our sincere gratitude to these partners. Their continuous advice and support are instrumental in creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all business owners. Together, we're redefining the business landscape.
Sponsorship Opportunities are available for the 2025 Accelerator Program
Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Receives $300,000 Grant from GO Virginia for Launch of for Business Accelerator Program.
Richmond, VA — The Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce (VABCC) has been awarded $300,000 through the GO Virginia Region 6 Per Capita allocation to expand its successful Expanding Business Ecosystems (EBE) Business Accelerator program. This substantial investment bolsters small businesses and fosters economic growth in the Agriculture/Controlled Environment Agriculture, Distribution and Logistics, Manufacturing, and Professional Services industry clusters.
With the funding, the VABCC will launch a ten-week program tailored to six cohorts over two years, ultimately assisting 120 businesses. Each cohort will have a specialized focus to meet the unique needs of different industries and demographic groups, including minority-owned businesses, tech startups, and manufacturing companies.
Go Virginia
CRP Logo
Germanna
Stafford EDA
VABCC Foundation
PWC Econ Dev
FRA
Link Bank
Spotsy EDA
2024 Industrial Bank
2024 Wegmans
2024 Dominion Energy
2024 Industrial Bank
2024 Wegmans
2024 Dominion Energy
Virginia Tech
Go Virginia
Toyota
Prince William county community foundation
Frequently Asked Questions
The Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Business Accelerator Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to fast-track the growth and success of businesses. It offers financial support, access to capital, and a variety of business resources.
Take the Next Step with the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce
If you are not yet a member of the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, becoming a member is the next step in continuing your growth beyond the Accelerator. Chamber membership provides year-round access to networking, advocacy, business resources, and continued support designed to help your business thrive.
The EBE Business Accelerator is free for Elite membership tiers and above, making membership an investment that delivers ongoing value well beyond the program.
Join the Chamber to stay connected, access additional resources, and continue building relationships that support your long-term success.