Generation Impact Business Accelerator Program

Generation Impact Business Accelerator Program

Status: Program launched 2021; applications opened for second cohort August 1, 2022

Administrator: Progress OKC / The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City

Geographic Scope: Oklahoma City

Purpose

Provide support, guidance and resources for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs to launch and grow small businesses.

Eligibility

• Location: Business must be located in Oklahoma City
• Business Status: Must have a business concept AND at least one year of industry experience or revenue
• Preference: Underserved communities and founders who are Black, Indigenous or people of color (BIPOC)

Program Features

Nine-Week Training Course:
• Business skills and best practices instruction
• Human resources training
• Marketing instruction
• Financial services education
• Hands-on business plan development
• Professional business development facilitator support

Mentorship & Consulting:

Access to network of seasoned business consultants

Professional mentors to refine strategies

Guidance on execution of business plan

Capital Access:

Eligibility for 0% interest, crowdfunded micro-loan through Kiva

Low-barrier micro-loan up to $15,000

Matching funds support (Kiva allows crowdfunding of up to $15,000)

Local community and corporate partners participate in funding

Past Success Examples

• Mekala Littleton (Beloved Bones) used program to produce business plan, connect with advisers/mentors, and secure $15,000 Kiva micro-loan to open brick-and-mortar store at 2828 NW 10th St

Contact

Progress OKC
• Website: www.ProgressOKC.org