Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Cohort 3 EBE Business Accelerator Graduation

The Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the Cohort 3 graduation ceremony for its Expanding Business Ecosystems (EBE) Business Accelerator Program, marking another significant milestone in elevating small and minority-owned businesses across the state. The joyous event took place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, and celebrated the achievements of an inspiring group of entrepreneurs poised for sustainable growth and success.

With over 60 businesses empowered through this program to date, the EBE Business Accelerator continues to deliver on its mission of providing essential resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for participants. Designed as an intensive 10-week program, the accelerator molds entrepreneurs into confident and capable business leaders by offering a diverse range of learning opportunities.

What Participants Learn
Throughout the program, participants gain essential tools to grow their businesses. The sessions focus on real-world skills that drive sustainable success, from financial management and securing government contracts to strategic marketing and workforce development. Participants learn how to develop effective business strategies, strengthen their financial practices, build dynamic teams, and confidently present their ventures.

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Graduates Spotlight Local Success Stories
This year’s cohort includes two of Spotsylvania County’s newest business owners, Felicia Minor-Calliste and Fallon Hutcherson, who are set to open Success Space at Spotsylvania Towne Center. Their innovative business venture was introduced as part of the program’s signature pitch contest, where participants present their ideas to a panel of judges hoping to earn small business grants.

Mrs. Minor-Calliste, in particular, shone brightly in the competition, taking home the grand prize. Her dedication and vision for Success Space demonstrated the true spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship the program encourages. These local achievements underscore the powerful impact of the EBE Business Accelerator on regional economies.

Pitch Contest Spotlights New Visionaries
During the pitch contest, graduates showcased their business ideas to a judging panel for grants ranging from $500 to $1,500. The panel, comprised of program sponsors and board members, included Savannah Wimbush from Stafford County Economic Development and Amanda Beale from the Capital Readiness Program.

Winners of this inspiring competition included Dawn Rutland of Dajour Publishing and Angelina Nortey of Bespoke Care, alongside grand prize recipient Felicia Minor-Calliste. Their outstanding performances affirmed the potential of small and minority-owned businesses to create lasting change in their communities.

Experts Guiding the Way
The program owes much of its success to its dedicated team of expert facilitators, who bring invaluable knowledge and mentorship to the participants. Key leaders include:

• Ernisha Hall, President & CEO of the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce
• Tracey Hall, Executive VP of Operations at the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce and co-owner of NIRAY LLC, 
• Curtis A. Merriweather, Jr., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Emergent Inc.
• Ford Scott, Lender Relations Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration
• Racquel Reid, Founder of Inclusive Therapy, PLLC
• Chandra Hurst, VP & Senior Business Consultant for JP Morgan Chase Business
• Dr. Gavriel Legynd, CEO of Visioneer IT
• Shanel Evans, Founder of Socially Savvy Consulting

Their efforts have guided participants in refining business models, accessing funding opportunities, and building essential networks for future growth.

Program Funders and Partners
The remarkable strides achieved by the EBE Business Accelerator wouldn’t be possible without the robust support of its sponsors. Cohort 3 was funded by Go Virginia, Dominion Energy, Prince William County Department of Economic Development, Capital Readiness Program, Germanna Community College, Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, Link Bank Foundation, Spotsylvania County Economic Development, and Stafford Economic Development. Their commitment to fostering economic opportunity for small and minority-owned businesses underscores the program’s success.

Cohort 4 Applications Now Open
Looking ahead, the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for Cohort 4, which runs from April 8, 2025, to June 17, 2025, with a graduation celebration on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Applications are now being accepted, and the Chamber invites business owners eager to accelerate their success to apply.

Corporate sponsors are also encouraged to join this impactful initiative. Supporting programs like the EBE Accelerator is a meaningful way to expand economic growth and champion underrepresented entrepreneurs.

The future is bright for Virginia’s business community, thanks to the unwavering efforts of the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce and its partners. The EBE Business Accelerator sets the stage for a thriving, more inclusive economy by fostering growth, breaking barriers, and championing innovation.

For more information or to apply for Cohort 4, visit EBE Accelerator Program. Together, we can accelerate dreams and redefine business success!