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BIPOC Business Accelerator Program

 

The Multicultural Development Center of Iowa offers a business accelerator and incubator program focused on helping Early Stage and startup businesses by providing an intensive 12-week training program designed to accelerate the growth and development of new and existing BIPOC-owned companies in Johnson County. In addition, program participants will be exposed to professional services including legal, accounting, product development, rapid prototyping, debt financing, and other support services. This business incubator program focuses on the needs of entrepreneurs from historically disadvantaged and underserved communities.

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Not all accelerator programs are created equal so why invest your time in our business accelerator program?

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  • As part of the program, MDC Iowa instructors, business coaches, and mentors invest over 100 hours of training and support for each small business owner and entrepreneur to help ensure your success.

  • Every successful business starts with a plan (Business Model Canvas) and we'll help you create or validate yours

  • Graduates of the INCUBATE program receive access to the following benefits:

    • Technical assistance - computer equipment, websites, business cards, marketing, legal and accounting services, etc. (based on financial need and program funding - not everyone will receive technical assistance, and the amount and type of assistance is determined solely by the program director)​

    • Credit builder loans ($500)

    • Small-dollar-loans (up to $2,500)

    • Micro-loans ($5,000 to $50,000) (based on qualifications including 2+ years of tax returns and financial statements that support the ability to repay the loan)

    • A dedicated business coach to help with business plan creation, financial forecasting, and business strategies

    • An industry-specific mentor

    • Professional services (legal and accounting) through a membership

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BIPOC Business Accelerator Program Application

PLEASE READ THIS STATEMENT BEFORE COMPLETING THE APPLICATION PROCESS

 

MDC Iowa's BIPOC Business Accelerator program (INCUBATE) is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners define or refine their business model, evaluate growth opportunities within their current operating model, and identify gaps that may prevent them from achieving long-term and sustainable success. The application process is not intended to be difficult but some questions may be more advanced than your current business stage. If you don't know the answer, it's okay to type "I don't know" or "N/A". Please allow us a few days to review your initial application and contact you with any additional questions. Not all applicants will be invited to participate in the program but we make every effort to assist each entrepreneur and small business owner that requests assistance.

 

Please remember, this is a class that is designed for each participant to get out of the program what he/she/they put into it. If you choose not to participate in the weekly sessions or invest the time in the homework then you are likely not at a point in your journey where you can be successful in this class. If you are unable or willing to put in 2-3 hours per week then we ask you to delay your application until you are in a position to make the necessary time commitment.

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