Small Business Opportunity Center Accelerator Program

About

The Small Business Opportunity Center Accelerator Program, organized by Virginia Commonwealth University, offers aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners in specific regions of Virginia access to business training, technical support, co-working space, and networking opportunities, with a focus on under-resourced entrepreneurs and various trade industries.

Benefits

• 🎓 Business Training
• Access to business training and certification programs.
• 🛠️ Technical Support
• Technical support provided by students and faculty.
• 🏢 Co-Working Space
• Access to co-working space for program participants.
• 💰 Funding Training
• Training on investment and funding opportunities.
• 🌐 Networking Opportunities
• Opportunities to connect with a network of professionals and potential investors.
• 📚 Intellectual Property Workshops
• Workshops focused on intellectual property protection.

Eligibility Criteria

• 🌍 Geographic Eligibility
• Open to entrepreneurs in specific regions of Virginia, including Arlington, Charles City, Chesterfield, Fairfax, Henrico, Prince George, Stafford counties; Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Richmond city.
• 💼 Business Stage
• Must be an entrepreneur with a willingness to start or currently operating a business, particularly targeting under-resourced but potential entrepreneurs, including student entrepreneurs.
• 🏢 Industry Focus
• Priority given to trade industries such as manufacturing, information technology, and professional services, but other industries are also accepted.

Participation Commitments

• 📍 Program Duration
• Participation required from February 2026 to February 2028.
• ⏰ Ongoing Commitment
• No specific application deadline; rolling admissions imply ongoing engagement.

Target Region

Specific regions in Virginia, USA

Target Sector

Focus on trade industries including manufacturing and IT