Accelerate Central Florida

Accelerate your business to the top!

Are you ready to move your business to the next level, but not sure how to get there? Get the business knowledge, management know-how, and networks you need to grow your small business. Think like a CEO to increase your revenue, create jobs, and positively impact your community.

View our eligibility requirements below.

Practical Business Education

The African American Chamber of Commerce Central Florida bring you the Accelerate Central Florida Business Program, powered by Interise’s award-winning StreetWise ‘MBA’™ curriculum. This hands-on program provides the knowledge and know-how business owners need to create (and manage) a customized, three-year strategic growth plan.

Supportive Business Network

Once connected, business owners have this revelation: “I don’t have to be alone.” As a participant, you’ll be surrounded by CEOs, like you, who will become your trusted advisors. There is also an alumni group of CEOs, living around the country, for you to connect with for advice and business opportunities.

Access to Capital and Contracting

Prepare for opportunities with government and anchor institutions, and learn from experts in the field of both public and private lending. Preparation for contracting success is a unique feature of the StreetWise ‘MBA’™

National Program Results

Based on 2022 Assessment Data, collected by Interise

96% of Businesses recommend the program
75% of alumni businesses increased or maintained their annual revenues, with an average annual revenue growth of 38%
78% of alumni businesses reported being profitable.
60% of alumni CEOs stay connected to fellow participants, with 29% doing business with each other.
68% of alumni businesses added or retained jobs
$85M: Total value of new financing secured by alumni

Basic Eligibility Requirements

$250,000 – $5,00,000 in annual revenues
One other full-time employee besides the owner(s)
Been in business for at least 2 years
Willingness and ability to attend class for 6-7 months, complete mandatory assignments, as well as complete program surveys as requested

“Learning how to govern my daily activities was huge! Assessing If I was filling my day with being “busy” vs. what was really a revenue generating activity, was my largest takeaway. Being able to discuss it amongst like-minded entrepreneurs was an added plus”.

Buffy BarrottResidential Matchmakers

“Accelerate Central Florida was transformational for our business, and I grew personally as a leader with a laser focus on our 3 Year Growth Strategy. My key learnings were around Revenue Generating Activities (RGAs), Financials (the numbers don’t lie) and Capital Access Strategies, including self-funding and intentional bank relationships. Shout out to my Cohort, we’re family now and supporting each other as we grow together!!!

Kevi LloydMYLE

“I am extremely happy I participated in this cohort. This cohort helped me to identify which KPI’s are most important to my business success and how to effectively interpret my financials to determine which projects are best suited for the company to chase, when to add staff, when to make large purchases, keeping my overhead cost down, etc. This cohort provided many great insights that serve as useful tools to keep your company on a successful path.”

Alfredo BarrottADB Building Solutions

“One of my biggest take-aways was to understand that my business is not like many of the others that were represented, but there are ways to track metrics specific to my field. When it comes to competition, I have something no other agency has and that is “Me”. It is important to bring my uniqueness into the business because that is one of the ways my business will stand out from the others in my industry."

Carrie RobertsAmerican Trustee of Florida

One of the most significant benefits of this program has been the opportunity to develop a strategic growth plan. This plan has allowed me to see the bigger picture and set clear goals for Flamingo Beauty Bar. I now have a roadmap that I can follow with confidence, knowing that it will lead my business in the right direction."

Kenyetta BradleyFlamingo Beauty Bar