Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development is excited to announce the development of a Minority Entrepreneurship Training Accelerator (META). This pilot program, developed and delivered by Upper Shore Community Development Partnership and Rivers and Roads Consulting, is now accepting applications. Funding for the project is being provided through Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development, Upper Shore Regional Council, and Maryland Department of Commerce.
META is designed to provide five minority-owned businesses in Queen Anne’s County with the tools, resources, and foundation needed to scale small sole proprietorships into thriving and growing business operations. The program will provide a hands-on business coach and mentor that will work closely with each participating small business to guide them through the drafting of a business plan, the creation of marketing collateral, and establishing relationships with local banks, bookkeepers, insurance providers, and attorneys as needed. Additionally, each of the selected businesses will receive a microgrant for strategic growth initiatives that align with their mission. The goal of the program is to place these minority-owned businesses on a path toward realizing increased revenues, improving resilience to economic shocks, and becoming job creators.
Deadlines & Program Dates
Friday, February 2: Last day to apply, with applications due by 5pm
Friday, February 16: Applicants are notified
Thursday, February 22, 6pm: META begins, with monthly meetings thereafter on the 3rd Thursday of each month (3/21, 4/25, 5/23, 6/20, and 7/18).
Applicant Requirements
Participating businesses must be minority-owned with annual business revenues no higher than $22,000, interested in seeing their ventures grow, and in being part of a network of minority entrepreneurs. Applicants will be asked to provide information on their business, including financials as well as commit their time and efforts to complete the program.
META Application
Apply online here.