Baltimore County, MD. (Nov. 2, 2026) – The Community College of Baltimore County is launching a small business accelerator program geared toward companies based in Essex, starting in January 2027.
The CCBC Center for Business Innovation and Trades’ Growth Lab Accelerator Program will offer participants business support, including eight interactive sessions focused on topics such as financial health, marketing strategy, leadership, operations and technology. A similar initiative last year focused on Randallstown businesses.
Business owners will also receive one-on-one business coaching and networking opportunities, as well as seed funding of up to $5,000. The program is funded by CCBC’s partners the Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation, Wells Fargo and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship’s Everyday Entrepreneur Program.
Interested parties can learn more in a general information session at CCBC Essex on Nov. 4, 6-8 p.m. We ask that guests please RSVP to attend.
The application opens Nov. 4 and is due Dec. 6, after which a panel of CCBC faculty and community leaders will select the top applicants to participate in the program. The chosen companies will spend their four-month session developing an actionable growth plan before a final pitch competition and graduation ceremony on April 27.
CCBC’s Growth Lab Accelerator Program provides hands-on support to help established small businesses identify barriers, pursue growth opportunities and execute strategies for long-term success in targeted communities. Participants engage in class sessions, coaching and mentorship designed to enhance business operations, marketing and financial management, while also developing a personalized growth plan to guide their next steps.
Learn more about CCBC’s Center for Business Innovation and Trades by emailing Delise White at dwhite5@ccbcmd.edu.
