Accelerator

A microbusiness growth accelerator for current and aspiring entrepreneurs in Texas, Alabama and Georgia.

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with U.S. Small Business Administration.

SBA PRIME

LiftFund is a proud recipient of the 2022-23 SBA PRIME Grant to support and expand our business support services to underserved markets in Texas, Alabama and Georgia. Learn more about our PRIME activities below, or by contacting Bridget Ross, Vice President of Business Support.

About

The Grow Now Accelerator is a comprehensive training program designed to help current and aspiring entrepreneurs gain knowledge and resources to start and strengthen their businesses.

The Grow Now Accelerator consists of five sessions ranging from marketing to sales to financials delivered by LiftFund staff and local business experts. Participants will have the opportunity to meet and learn from fellow business owners in a hybrid learning environment. Laptops will be provided to the first 10 eligible applicants. The program culminates with a graduation celebration and networking event.

Grow Now Accelerators will be offered in the below areas. Click on each location for Accelerator details:

Houston Area (en español)

Virtual Info Session:
Thursday, March 16 2023 6:00-7:00 pm CST
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Dates: 4/13/23 – 5/11/23 | Application Deadline: 3/31/23
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El Paso Area

Virtual Info Session:
Tuesday, April 18 2023 6:00 – 7:00 pm MST
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Dates: 5/16/23 – 6/13/23 | Application Deadline: 5/5/2023
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El Paso Area (en español)

Virtual Info Session:
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 6:00 – 7:00 pm MST
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Dates: 5/17/23 – 6/14/23 | Application Deadline: 5/5/2023
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San Antonio Area

Virtual Info Session:
Thursday, June 15, 2023 6:00-7:00 pm CST
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Dates: 7/13/23 – 8/10/23 | Application Deadline: 6/30/2023
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Laredo Area (en español)

Virtual Info Session:
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 6:00-7:00 pm CST
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Dates: 7/11/23-8/8/23 | Application Deadline: 6/30/2023
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McAllen Area

Virtual Info Session:
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 6:00-7:00 pm CST
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Dates: 7/12/23 – 8/9/23 | Application Deadline: 6/30/2023
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Moundville, AL

Virtual Info Session:
Tuesday, July 25, 2023 6:00-6:30 pm CST
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Dates: 8/19/23 – 9/12/23 | Application Deadline: 8/10/2023
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McDonough, GA

Virtual Info Session:
Wednesday, July 19, 2023 6:00-7:00 pm EST
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Dates: 8/16/23 – 9/13/23 | Application Deadline: 8/9/2023
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Newnan, GA (en Español)

Virtual Info Session: Thursday, July 27, 2023 5:30-6:00 pm EST
Dates: 8/15/23 – 9/14/23 | Application Deadline: 8/8/2023

Curriculum

The Grow Now Accelerator will include the following modules. Each sessions lasts two hours and includes expert-led instruction, group discussions and exercises.

1: Business Model Canvas

The objective of this session is for participants to examine and refine their business model. Using the Business Model Canvas as a tool, participants will learn where their strengths and weaknesses lie. At the end of the session, participants will be able to identify and convey their unique value proposition to current and prospective customers.

2: Branding

Using the unique value proposition from the previous session, this class will focus on tips and tricks for pitching your business in a variety of formats to a variety of audiences. After this session, participants will feel confident giving a compelling 30-second overview of their business to any stranger they encounter. We’ll also talk about tools for strong visual presentations of your business including capabilities statements, business cards, and brochures.

3: Digital Marketing

In this session, we will discuss the top 10 things your business should have in place in order to be discovered online. Using the provided checklist and recommended tools, participants will walk away from this session knowing exactly what steps they need to take to ensure they have a solid online presence to market their products or services.

4: Sales Strategy

Small business owners are often the sole sales rep for their company. In this session, we will help you learn how to create a sales process from building a pipeline of prospects to closing a deal to retaining your customers. Having a process in place will allow you to involve others in selling or product or service and sets the foundation for growth.

5: Business Financials and Funding

A crash course on the 3 big financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement) and what they tell you about your business’s current and future financial position. In addition to covering accounting basics, this class will provide you with tools and recommendations to gain control over your finances and learn about different options for funding.

Graduation

Celebrate your journey and commitment to your business with your fellow classmates! This session will include an opportunity for each participant to present their business to their peers and local business leaders.

Who is LiftFund?

LiftFund is nonprofit community development financial institution with a 27-year track record of elevating underestimated and underserved communities across its 15-state footprint. Since 1994, LiftFund has provided over $415 million in opportunity funding and business education to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.