SMALL BUSINESS ACCELERATOR | Bridge to Konnect, Inc.

"Empowering Underrepresented Entrepreneurs to Start, Stabilize and Scale"

The B.R.I.D.G.E. Small Business Accelerator

-Program Snapshot

The B.R.I.D.G.E. Small Business Accelerator (BSBA) is a six-month, cohort-based program designed to help underrepresented entrepreneurs build sustainable, scalable businesses. BSBA delivers structured technical assistance, capital readiness, and ecosystem connectivity to ensure entrepreneurs have equal access to education, funding, and market opportunities.

• Women-owned businesses
• Minority-owned businesses
• Historically underserved entrepreneurs
• Startups (0–3 years)
• Early-growth firms (3–7 years)

Who We Serve

75 Underrepresented Entrepreneurs per Cohort

-What you get

What You Get

Each participant receives:

• 120+ hours of training
• Monthly one-on-one advising
• Capital readiness support
• Procurement & certification navigation
• Lender and buyer matchmaking
• Mentor network access
• Digital business tools

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Become a Partner

Program Structure

Phase 1: Foundation

Duration: 6 months
Format: Cohort-based accelerator
Delivery: Hybrid (in-person + virtual)

Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1–2)

• Business diagnostics
• Legal compliance
• Business planning
• Financial literacy
• Bookkeeping systems

Phase 2: Growth (Months 3–4)

• Revenue strategy
• Sales systems
• Procurement readiness
• MWBE/HUB certification

Phase 3: Capital & Scale (Months 5–6)

• Credit readiness
• Loan packaging
• CDFI matchmaking
• Investor readiness
• Demo Day

Program Outcomes

Target Impact Per Cohort:

• 75 entrepreneurs served
• 85% completion rate
• 65% become loan-ready
• 50% revenue growth
• 40% certifications earned
• 40% contracts secured
• 30% access capital
• 75 jobs created
• 90% satisfaction

Leadership & Credibility

BSBA is led by an experienced entrepreneurship team that previously supported 1,000+ entrepreneurs through Houston Community College’s Open for Business Program, funded by a $750,000 Wells Fargo grant and a $168,000 institutional match (total budget: $918,000). The program is further supported by former federal MBDA leadership, bringing deep expertise in capital access and economic development.

Strategic Partners

• Houston Community College
• Harris Health
• Minority Business Development Agency
• Local chambers
• Community Development Financial Institutions
• Corporate procurement partners

Get Involved

Entrepreneurs: Apply to join the next BSBA cohort
Partners: Become a mentor, sponsor, or program partner
Funders: Invest in economic mobility and small business growth