The Midlands Business Accelerator (MBA) is a prominent economic development tool of the Columbia Chamber, working in collaboration with the South Carolina Business Accelerator (SCBA). Formed by the Greenville Chamber, Charleston Metro Chamber, and the Columbia Chamber, the SCBA is a statewide initiative supported by a seed grant from Bank of America. 

MBA provides a comprehensive 100-hour program spread over a calendar year. Through 14 in-class sessions, CEO mentoring groups, and the application of a live-case analysis method, participants engage in a year-long immersive journey. This journey empowers minority-owned businesses by guiding them in developing a customized three-year Strategic Growth Action Plan. With a focus on job maintenance, creation, and quality, as well as revenue growth and increased access to capital, MBA equips participants with the tools and support necessary for sustainable growth. By offering business development services, targeted training, and access to partnership opportunities with large corporations, MBA drives economic development and wealth creation, ensuring the success of small businesses in the Midlands region.

  • Exclusive recognition as the Presenting Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
  • Top billing in MBA advertising
  • Opportunity for a company representative to have a seat on the MBA Advisory Board (subject to prior approval)
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on MBA event webpages
  • Recognition in MBA specific eCommunications
  • Company name or logo on printed and digital MBA materials for full year of sponsorship
  • Opportunity to address the cohort at MBA’s Kickoff Session, Joint Session, and Graduation
  • Opportunity to provide a speaker/panelist for an MBA Class Day (subject to prior approval)
  • Opportunity for a company representative to attend all MBA events
  • Opportunity to place an item in the Joint Session swag bag provided to all SCBA participants (subject to prior approval)
  • Opportunity for a company representative to present certificates to MBA graduates at graduation
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level next year 


 

  • Exclusive recognition as the Executive Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
  • Opportunity for a company representative to have a seat on the MBA Advisory Board (subject to prior approval)
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on MBA event webpages
  • Recognition in MBA specific eCommunications
  • Company name or logo on printed and digital MBA materials for full year of sponsorship
  • Opportunity to provide a speaker/panelist for an MBA Class Day (subject to prior approval)
  • Opportunity for a company representative to attend all MBA events
  • Opportunity to place an item in the Joint Session swag bag provided to all SCBA participants (subject to prior approval)
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level next year 
  • Exclusive recognition as the Executive Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on MBA event webpages
  • Recognition in MBA specific eCommunications
  • Company name or logo on printed and digital MBA materials for full year of sponsorship
  • Opportunity to provide a speaker/panelist for an MBA Class Day (subject to prior approval)
  • Opportunity for a company representative to attend all MBA events
  • Opportunity to place an item in the Joint Session swag bag provided to all SCBA participants (subject to prior approval)
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report
  • Recognition as an Impact Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on MBA event webpages
  • Recognition in MBA specific eCommunications
  • Company name or logo on printed and digital MBA materials for full year of sponsorship
  • Opportunity to provide a speaker/panelist for an MBA Class Day (subject to prior approval)
  • Opportunity for a company representative to attend MBA’s Graduation
  • Opportunity to place an item in the Joint Session swag bag provided to all SCBA participants (subject to prior approval)
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report


 

  • Recognition as Supporter Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on MBA event webpages
  • Recognition in MBA specific eCommunications
  • Company name or logo on printed and digital MBA materials for full year of sponsorship
  • Opportunity for a company representative to attend MBA’s Graduation
  • Opportunity to place an item in the Joint Session swag bag provided to all SCBA participants (subject to prior approval)
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report


 

Elevate your brand's visibility and demonstrate your commitment to supporting businesses by becoming a Class Day Sponsor for the MBA Program. This exclusive opportunity allows you to directly engage with participants during one of our monthly class days, offering valuable networking opportunities and aligning your brand with a program dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and community development.

  • Recognition as an MBA Class Day Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media  
  • Company name or logo on printed and digital materials related to your company’s sponsored Class Day
  • Opportunity to distribute promotional materials to the MBA participants during your sponsored Class Day
  • Opportunity for a company representative to address the MBA participants during your sponsored Class Day
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report 
  • Recognition as a Graduation Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media   
  • • Company name or logo and hyperlink on the MBA Graduation webpage
  • Recognition in MBA specific eCommunications
  • Company name or logo featured on digital and printed materials related to MBA’s Graduation
  • Opportunity for a company representative to attend MBA’s Graduation
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report 

MBA Alumni Association 

The MBA Alumni Association is a dynamic network that supports and connects graduates of the Midlands Business Accelerator program. An exclusive online community provides secure virtual interactions, allowing alumni to connect, collaborate, and share insights. The association also hosts two events per year, offering valuable opportunities for alumni to reconnect, exchange ideas, and advance their business development.

As the MBA Alumni Program Sponsor, you will play a vital role in supporting the ongoing success and growth of Midlands Business Accelerator (MBA) graduates. This exclusive sponsorship provides prominent recognition within the esteemed network of MBA alumni, offering unparalleled opportunities for engagement and collaboration.

  • Exclusive recognition as the MBA Alumni Program Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media

  • Top billing in MBA Alumni advertising

  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on MBA Alumni event webpages

  • Recognition in MBA Alumni specific eCommunications

  • Company name or logo on printed and digital MBA Alumni materials for full year of sponsorship

  • Opportunity for a company representative to address the audience at MBA Alumni events (subject to prior approval)

  • Sponsorship fulfillment report

  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year   

Forge meaningful connections and foster engagement within the Midlands Business Accelerator (MBA) community by becoming a Connection Sponsor. Your sponsorship will contribute to building a vibrant network of minority-owned businesses, enhancing opportunities for collaboration and growth.

  • Recognition as a Connection Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media 

  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on MBA Alumni event webpages

  • Recognition in MBA Alumni specific eCommunications 

  • Company name or logo on printed and digital MBA Alumni materials for full year of sponsorship

  • Opportunity for a company representative to attend each MBA Alumni event 

  • Sponsorship fulfillment report    

For more information about sponsorships and events, please contact Ashleigh Conner at (803) 733-1138 or by email: aconner@columbiachamber.com.