The Business Accelerator was designed to help small business owners through the first two years of business. This program will provide a system of support functions through peer relationships and a mentorship program and will outline requirements for each participant for accountability.

Requirements

· Weekly Monday morning meetings at the Chamber office to share resources and experiences among the group
· Monthly educational forums taught by a chamber member with expertise in one of the following areas:
          Quickbooks
          Time Management
          Human Resources Management
          Target Marketing
          Strategic Analysis
          Cash Flow and Forecasting
          E-Commerce
          Utilizing Technology
          Financing Resources
          Managing Growth
· Semi-Annual meetings with assigned mentor to revise the business plan
· Annual meetings with all participants, mentors, and chamber staff to discuss the program and any additional resources needed

Participants are required to provide the following to chamber staff and mentors for review:
· Monthly Quickbooks prepared financial statements
· Semi – annual revised and mentor approved business plans
· Long-range plan completed at the last mentor meeting just before 2-year graduation

Qualifications

· A new business or in the first year of operations
· Have less than five employees
· Commit to the program via payment and a contract
· Attend TSBDC workshop at Vol State on “How To Start a Business”
· Submit a completed business plan to Charles Alexander for review
· Charles will submit candidates for review to the Chamber Staff/Selection Committee

In addition to the above provided resources, the Chamber allows participants the use of the Business Accelerator Room and Small Conference Room at no charge and also provides each participant with a two-year Chamber membership.

If a participant fails to meet the above outlined requirements for support and accountability, the participant will be placed on a 90-day probationary period where they must comply with the program or they will no longer be allowed to participate.