Business Growth Accelerator

A comprehensive support program for entrepreneurs offering expert-driven education, coaching, and business-building services at no cost to participants.

Geographic Scope

• Mahoning Valley (Youngstown and Warren, Ohio area)

Focus Areas

• Small business capacity building
• Entrepreneurial readiness and support
• Business fundamentals and operational excellence
• Financial planning and goal-setting

Cohorts and Eligibility

Established Business Cohort:

• Up to 8 participants selected
• Eligibility: Business operating for 4+ years, $20,000-$30,000 in annual revenue, full-time owner involvement
• Includes one-on-one business coaching prior to educational sessions
• Focus on capital readiness and securing funding

Emerging Business Cohort:

• Up to 12 participants selected
• Eligibility: Entrepreneurs not yet meeting established business criteria
• Focuses on foundational business readiness

Program Components

• Two months of weekly sessions covering: marketing, legal, accounting, and business planning
• Industry expert facilitation in strategy, finance, legal, marketing
• Educational and networking sessions
• One-on-one coaching for established business track
• Ongoing support for established business cohort post-graduation
• Technical assistance: financial projections, credit repair, and more
• Access to network of trusted coaches and consultants
• Introduction to six elements of capital readiness: space, capital, markets, peers, capacity, and guidance

Sessions Locations

• The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County (Youngstown)
• Raymond John Wean Foundation Offices (Warren, Ohio)
• Virtual information sessions available

Application Process

1. Application Deadline: March 31, 2025 (for 2025 cohort)
2. Information Session: Virtual information session held March 21, 2025 for interested applicants
3. Application Submission: Apply through the 2025 Business Growth Accelerator Youngstown / Warren page in Entrepreneurship Hub at BridgewayCapital.org
4. Selection: Bridgeway Capital will select qualified applicants based on submitted applications and cohort criteria

Required Materials

Not specified in provided materials

Application Questions/Narrative

Not specified in provided materials