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NextStage Black Business Accelerator Program

 

Applications Open: January 1, 2026
Program Starts: Spring 2026
Program Ends: Fall 2026​

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The Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce is proud to launch its inaugural NextStage Black Business Accelerator Program—a 6-month entrepreneurial support initiative designed to help Black-owned businesses grow in revenue, profitability, and prominence. This accelerator provides individualized business assessments, customized work plans, and one-on-one technical assistance to help business owners refine operations, enhance capacity, and scale sustainably.

 

Program Goal

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The goal of NextStage is to help Black business owners:

  • Maximize operational efficiency

  • Strengthen business sophistication

  • Drive increased profitability and revenue

 

Black-owned businesses continue to face systemic challenges in accessing capital and resources. Disparities in lending practices, the racial wealth gap, and the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have all contributed to obstacles for growth. NextStage directly addresses these barriers by providing the tools, strategies, and networks needed to thrive. If Black businesses accounted for 14.2% employer firms (equivalent to the Black population), there would be 806,218 more Black businesses.

 

Program Benefits

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  • No cost to participate

  • Membership in the Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce (SCBCC)

  • Custom work plan with trackable milestones to accelerate growth

  • Monthly peer roundtables for networking and idea-sharing

  • Access to Black/African American executives and leadership networks

  • Language support available, as needed

  • Collaborative social media campaign to promote participant businesses across SCBCC platforms

  • Spotlight opportunities at the 2026 Launching Black Excellence Awards Gala and/or State of the Coast Conference

  • Cross-sector business promotion throughout the SCBCC network

 

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

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  • Identify as African, Black, or Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC)

  • Own a for-profit, pre-established business (minimum of six (6) months in operation)

  • Business must be founded or registered in the State of Florida

  • Business must not be a franchise or affiliated with a national chain

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Applications open January 1, 2026.

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Don’t miss the opportunity to take your business to the NextStage.

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