The Midlands Business Accelerator (MBA) is a statewide initiative designed to help established small businesses grow, scale, and thrive. Hosted by the Columbia Chamber in partnership with the Greenville and Charleston Metro Chambers, the program offers a hands-on, year-long experience for business owners ready to take their company to the next level.
Through in-class sessions, CEO peer groups, and a live-case analysis approach, participants build a customized three-year Strategic Growth Action Plan tailored to their business. The curriculum focuses on sustainable growth, job creation, revenue expansion, and access to capital—equipping participants with the tools, network, and support needed to fuel long-term success.
MBA Events:
- January 2026 – Kickoff: The MBA Kickoff event is the first gathering where the incoming class is introduced to the program and its objectives. This event sets the stage for the year, fostering initial connections and outlining the path toward business growth and development.
- May 2026 – Joint Session: The Joint Session is a full-day event where MBA participants across the state come together to learn, collaborate, and build connections. This session fosters fellowship and shared learning experiences, uniting business leaders to advance their growth and development.
- August 2026 – SGAP: The SGAP (Strategic Growth and Action Plan) is a full-day event where MBA participants present their carefully prepared business plans and objectives to a panel of local business leaders and experts. This session provides a platform for participants to showcase their strategies, receive valuable feedback, and gain insights to drive their business growth and success.
- December 2026 – Graduation: The MBA Graduation is a celebratory event marking the culmination of the program, where participants are recognized for their achievements and growth over the course of the year. This formal occasion honors their hard work and dedication, and provides an opportunity to reflect on their journey, celebrate their success, and network with fellow graduates, mentors, and business leaders.
- Presenting Sponsor recognition with Chamber social media promotion
- Top billing logo placement on digital and print promotional materials
- Seat on the MBA Advisory Board (subject to prior approval)
Sponsor logo with hyperlink on MBA webpage page and eCommunications
- Welcome the cohort at MBA’s Kickoff Session, Joint Session, Graduation, and Alumni events
Opportunity to place an item in the Joint Session swag bag provided to all SCBA participants (subject to prior approval)
Comprehensive Return on Investment (ROI) report
First right of renewal
- Executive Sponsor recognition with Chamber social media promotion
- Seat on the MBA Advisory Board (subject to prior approval)
- Sponsor logo included on digital and print promotional materials
Sponsor logo with hyperlink on MBA webpage page and eCommunications
- Opportunity to attend the MBA Kickoff Session, Joint Session, Graduation, and Alumni events
Opportunity to place an item in the Joint Session swag bag provided to all SCBA participants (subject to prior approval)
Comprehensive Return on Investment (ROI) report
First right of renewal
- Visionary Sponsor recognition with Chamber social media promotion
- Seat on the MBA Advisory Board (subject to prior approval)
- Sponsor logo included on digital and print promotional materials
Sponsor logo with hyperlink on MBA webpage page and eCommunications
- Opportunity to attend the MBA Kickoff Session and Graduation
Opportunity to place an item in the Joint Session swag bag provided to all SCBA participants (subject to prior approval)
Comprehensive Return on Investment (ROI) report
First right of renewal
- Impact Sponsor recognition with Chamber social media promotion
- Sponsor logo included on digital and print promotional materials
Sponsor logo with hyperlink on MBA webpage page and eCommunications
Opportunity to place an item in the Joint Session swag bag provided to all SCBA participants (subject to prior approval)
Comprehensive Return on Investment (ROI) report
First right of renewal
- Supporter Sponsor recognition
- Sponsor logo included on digital and print promotional materials
Sponsor logo with hyperlink on MBA webpage page and eCommunications
Opportunity to place an item in the Joint Session swag bag provided to all SCBA participants (subject to prior approval)
Comprehensive Return on Investment (ROI) report
First right of renewal
- Sponsor will either pay the full amount or provide all non-alcoholic drinks for the event in exchange for full sponsorship benefits. All in-kind arrangements must be agreed upon in writing.
- Exclusive Refreshment Sponsor recognition with Chamber social media promotion
- Sponsor logo included on digital and print promotional materials
Sponsor logo with hyperlink on MBA webpage page and eCommunications
Opportunity to place an item in the Joint Session swag bag provided to all SCBA participants (subject to prior approval)
- Sponsor’s product will be exclusively served at MBA events
Comprehensive Return on Investment (ROI) report
First right of renewal
Elevate your brand's visibility and demonstrate your commitment to supporting local owned 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 bi-monthly class days, offering valuable networking opportunities and aligning your brand with a program dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and community development.
- MBA Class Day Sponsor recognition with Chamber social media promotion
- Sponsor logo on printed and digital class day specific materials
- Opportunity to distribute promotional materials to the MBA participants
- Attend the class day and welcome the cohort
Comprehensive Return on Investment (ROI) report
- Recognition as a Graduation Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Company name or logo and hyperlink on the MMBA Graduation webpage
Recognition in MMBA specific eCommunications
Company name or logo featured on digital and printed materials related to MMBA’s Graduation
- Opportunity for a company representative to attend MMBA’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 graduates. This exclusive sponsorship provides prominent recognition within the esteemed network of MBA alumni, offering unparalleled opportunities for engagement and collaboration.
Exclusive MBA Alumni Program Sponsor recognition with Chamber social media promotion
- Top billing logo placement on digital and print promotional materials
Sponsor logo with hyperlink on event-specific registration page and eCommunications
Welcome the cohort at all MBA Alumni events
Comprehensive Return on Investment (ROI) report
First right of renewal
Forge meaningful connections and foster engagement within the MBA Alumni community by becoming a Connection Sponsor. Your sponsorship will contribute to building a vibrant network of local small businesses, enhancing opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Connection Sponsor recognition
- Logo placement on digital and print promotional materials
Sponsor logo with hyperlink on event-specific registration page and eCommunications
- Welcome the cohort at all MBA Alumni events
Comprehensive Return on Investment (ROI) report
First right of renewal
For more information about sponsorships and events, please contact Ashleigh Conner at (803) 733-1138 or by email: aconner@columbiachamber.com.