Micro Business accelerator Criteria
Criteria for MBA
Application
The Micro Business Accelerator application is required for participation into our annual cohort. This cohort will consist of a select group of small business owners and entrepreneurs who will complete our 24-week business accelerator curriculum.
Required Criteria:
- Must be a small business operating in the state of Alabama.
- Submit a completed Micro Business Accelerator application.
- Complete the required essay or video submission within your completed application. Applications submitted without the required essay or video will not be considered for participation in the cohort.
- Must be able to provide at least 1 year of business tax returns.
- The Owner or manager (day-to-day operations) must be available to attend weekly workshops and business improvement team meetings. There is a minimum attendance requirement of 80% participation (20 of 24 modules) to all modules to receive credit for certificate completion.
- Must demonstrate good character through philanthropic efforts in your community. Examples include but are not limited to charitable giving or volunteerism.
- Must be in business for at least 36 months.
Essay/Video Submission Criteria
Applicants must submit a short essay or video sharing the story of your business. The video or essay should address the following:
- Why are you interested in the Micro Business Accelerator and what tools/knowledge do you hope to bring back to your business community?
- What are the greatest strengths and most pressing challenges facing your business?
- When you are confronted with people, ideas, or experiences different from your own, how do you interact with them?
Applications can be completed online by choosing an area application closest to where your business is located.
Please note: If you are located within an area or county not listed and wish to apply, please choose the Jefferson County application.
DEADLINES
Applications for the 2024 Micro Business Accelerator opens June 3rd. The application deadline is July 26th. Cohort participant selections will be contacted starting August 19th. The orientation for the 2024 Cohort will commence on August 28, 2024, with the first module slated for September 4, 2024.