Applications for the 2025 Midlands Minority Business Accelerator cohort have closed.
Applications for the 2026 cohort will open in mid-2025.
The Midlands Minority Business Accelerator (MMBA) is a program of the Columbia Chamber in partnership with the South Carolina Minority Business Accelerator. The South Carolina Minority Business Accelerator is a statewide initiative formed by the Greenville Chamber, the Charleston Metro Chamber, and the Columbia Chamber.
Funded with a seed grant from Bank of America, the initiative was designed to advance economic inclusion across the state of South Carolina by helping to reduce the economic disparities experienced by minority-owned businesses. The initiative provides opportunities for economic growth and prosperity for high-potential minority-owned firms. MMBA is the Columbia Chamber's major economic development tool designed to make minority businesses more competitive.
Mission
MMBA's mission is to help accelerate the development of high-potential minority business enterprises and strengthen and expand our region's minority entrepreneurial community.
MMBA Advisory Board
The MMBA Advisory Board provides strategic guidance to the program and its operating team. Members of the Board serve as ambassadors of the program in the Midlands region. The Board provides advice on program structure and content that helps improve the performance of program participants.
MBA Mentors & Coaches
Mentors and coaches are individuals who agree to work one-on-one with the CEO of an MMBA participant to help them achieve a successful outcome through the MBA program. Typically, the assistance provided is centered on specific goals established by the participant in their three-year strategic growth plan developed during the program's first half.
Interested in Becoming a Coach?
MMBA is successful due to the network of leaders it accesses. These coaches and mentors help participants make better decisions and offer real-world, real-time solutions.
Meet the Interise Program Instructor
Wendell Jones has taken on various leadership and mentoring roles throughout his life as evident by his many ventures and accomplishments. He holds a degree in finance from Wofford College and is a distinguished member of Liberty Fellowships, South Carolina's equivalent to Crown Fellows.
To learn more about becoming an MMBA participant, member of the MMBA Advisory Council, or mentor, contact Naomi Walton by email or at (803) 733-1113.
