The Midlands Small Business Accelerator (MSBA) is a program of the Columbia Chamber in partnership with the South Carolina Small Business Accelerator. The South Carolina Small 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 small businesses. The initiative provides opportunities for economic growth and prosperity for high-potential small firms. MSBA is the Columbia Chamber's major economic development tool designed to make small businesses more competitive.
Mission
MSBA's mission is to help accelerate the development of high-potential small business enterprises and strengthen and expand our region's entrepreneurial community.
MSBA Advisory Board
The MSBA 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.
MSBA Mentors & Coaches
Mentors and coaches are individuals who agree to work one-on-one with the CEO of an MSBA participant to help them achieve a successful outcome through the MSBA 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?
MSBA 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 MSBA participant, member of the MSBA Advisory Council, or mentor, contact Naomi Walton by email or at (803) 733-1113.
