BBB, Greater Atlanta Celebrates Graduation of Small Business Accelerator Cohort

ATLANTA, Ga. — BBB, Greater Atlanta proudly celebrates the graduation of 32 entrepreneurs who successfully completed the BBB Breakthrough Accelerator, a 12-week business development program designed to strengthen businesses, build marketplace trust, and position entrepreneurs for sustainable growth. To compose the cohort, we engaged our partners to nominate business owners. These partners included: Greater Wealth Works, Roswell, Inc., Atlanta Black Chamber of Commerce, Dekalb Chamber of Commerce, and Henry County Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout the program, participants engaged in expert-led educational sessions, practical business coaching, peer collaboration, and meaningful connections with experienced business leaders from across Metro Atlanta. Together, they explored the foundational elements every growing business needs—from financial management and marketing to artificial intelligence, government contracting, leadership, and building a trustworthy business.

More than a business development program, the BBB Breakthrough Small Business Accelerator created a community where entrepreneurs learned from one another, challenged one another, and built relationships that will continue well beyond graduation.

“Strong businesses don't grow in isolation—they grow within strong ecosystems,” said Kimber Armstrong, Strategic Partnerships Lead for BBB Greater Atlanta and Program Director for the cohort. “One of the greatest privileges of this program has been watching entrepreneurs encourage one another, share their expertise, and celebrate each other’s successes. When we strengthen individual businesses, we strengthen the communities where our families live, work, and thrive. That’s the kind of impact BBB is committed to creating.”

Throughout the 12-week program, participants received: Business Education & Training, Expert-Led Learning, Networking & Collaboration, Business Resources & Tools and a Pitch Competition: Three finalists will compete during graduation for cash awards totaling $8,000, including a $5,000 grand prize, providing additional resources to help accelerate their businesses.

The impact of the program is perhaps best reflected in the experiences of its graduates:

"This cohort reminded us that growth happens faster when you're surrounded by people who are willing to share their knowledge, challenge your thinking, and genuinely want to see you succeed." — Mark Sterling, Co-Founder & CEO, NuSpira

BBB Greater Atlanta extends its sincere appreciation to the speakers, mentors, judges, community partners, sponsors, and volunteers whose generosity, expertise, and commitment helped make the program a success. Their investment in local entrepreneurs reflects the collaborative spirit that strengthens our regional business community.

The BBB Breakthrough Small Business Accelerator is an initiative of the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust and participating Better Business Bureaus. Originally developed by BBB Pacific Southwest, Central & Inland California, the program is supported by the Truist Foundation and is currently available in California, Arizona, Georgia, and Tennessee.

For more information about the BBB Breakthrough Small Business Accelerator, please contact Kimber Armstrong, Partnership Strategist Lead at KArmstrong@atlanta.bbb.org or 404.309.0793