County Announces Small Business Accelerator Program in Partnership with M&T Bank

The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights and M&T Bank are partnering to offer a new 10-week business accelerator program to small businesses based in the County. The program will teach early-stage and minority entrepreneurs the essentials of business planning, operations, credit building, digital communication and financial management.

Top business mentors, coaches and subject matter experts will lead the intensive 10-week bootcamp at no cost to participants. To apply, click here.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 19. Enrollment is based on a competitive application process. The program begins on Jan. 11.

“Only about half of new businesses survive past five years and about eight out of 10 Black-owned businesses fail within their first 18 months,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “In order to address these inequities and assist in building minority ownership and wealth throughout the County, we must do better. We are thankful to M&T Bank for this partnership with our Office of Human Rights. This program will help entrepreneurs, especially those who are traditionally underserved, reach new heights and access important resources. I encourage small business owners to apply for this exciting opportunity.”

To be eligible businesses must be:

• Based in Montgomery County
• In business for at least two years
• Generating revenue
• In good standing with the County and State licensing departments

Businesses that do not meet eligibility requirements may apply, but must include a compelling reason why they should be considered.

“M&T Bank is passionate about helping small-business owners in Montgomery County grow and sustain their businesses so that our communities thrive,” said AJ Nwoga, vice president and senior branch manager of M&T Bank’s Germantown branch. “This curriculum was intentionally developed to give the County’s entrepreneurs the tools and skills they need to overcome obstacles to success.”