Thank you for your interest in participating in CCBC’s Growth Lab Accelerator Program!

Are you an existing small business owner ready to grow, pivot, or overcome challenges in your business located in Essex, MD? Apply to CCBC’s Center for Business Innovation & Trades' Growth Lab Accelerator Program, and you’ll gain access to one-on-one coaching, expert-led workshops, and the chance to earn up to $5,000 in seed funding to help your business thrive. Participants will also compete for an additional monetary prize during the final Pitch Competition and Graduation.

The Growth Lab Accelerator is made possible through the generous support of CCBC, The Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation, Wells Fargo, and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship’s Everyday Entrepreneur Program. This 14-week program—valued at over $20,000—is offered at no cost to selected participants.

How is the Growth Lab Organized?

Business owners accepted into the program will participate in biweekly sessions held every other Tuesday from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the CCBC Essex campus. The program will run from January 19 through April 27, 2027.

Each session focuses on key areas of business growth such as improving operations, building a strong marketing strategy, enhancing leadership skills, and accessing funding opportunities. In addition to group learning, participants will receive personalized one-on-one coaching to work through their specific business goals.

Throughout the program, participants will have the opportunity to receive seed funding, earning up to $2,500 by mid-program and another $2,500 at program completion, based on participation and progress. The program concludes with a Pitch Competition and Graduation Ceremony on April 27, 2027, where at least one standout business will receive additional seed funding.

Key Dates:

•  Program Dates: January 19, February 2, February 16, March 2, March 16, March 30, April 13, and April 27.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible to participate in the Growth Lab Accelerator Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an established and actively operating small business.
• Be based in Essex, MD.
• Be able to commit to attending in-person sessions every other Tuesday evening from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
• Be open to mentorship, feedback, and applying learned strategies to their business.

Participants must maintain active engagement throughout the program to remain eligible for seed funding.

Additional Information:

The Growth Lab Accelerator is designed to create a supportive, collaborative environment for business owners to learn from one another, share challenges, and access the resources needed to achieve sustainable growth. Each session features experienced entrepreneurs, subject matter experts, and networking opportunities to help participants strengthen their skills and confidence as business leaders.

For more information, contact innovation@ccbcmd.edu or visit ccbcmd.edu/innovation.