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ACCELERATOR2023-02-25T13:37:18+00:00

BUSINESS ACCELERATOR

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The BOBKC Accelerator Program is a free, one-year program offered twice a year in Kansas City. This program offers a unique combination of immersive business training, mentorship and access to an extended professional network. Anyone with a dream to start or grow a business or nonprofit is encouraged to apply.

PRIMARY BENEFITS

  • Absolutely no cost to participate.
  • Cohort model featuring up to 15 entrepreneurs per class facilitates collaboration and teamwork.
  • Practical, intensive sessions with content specialists cover critical early-stage business challenges (i.e. value proposition, fundraising, bookkeeping, pricing, social media).
  • Opportunity to win seed money each quarter.
  • Open to all individuals in and around the Kansas City area.
  • A team of three dedicated Mentors to guide each entrepreneur take the business idea to the next level.
  • Proven ability to provide entrepreneurs with increased confidence, clarity, and connections.
  • Lifelong membership in the BOBKC community!

HOW IT WORKS

BOBKC’s year-long Accelerator Program is broken into two distinct phases:

During the first three months:

  • Entrepreneurs attend classes as part of a “cohort” (up to 15 other entrepreneurs) taught by content specialists twice a week. Classes will be a mix of online and in-person.
  • Entrepreneurs meet online with their very own team of three Mentors for 90 minutes every week to help guide them in taking their idea to the next level.
  • At the end of three months, an in-person Showcase and Celebration event is held for entrepreneurs to celebrate their Accelerator Program accomplishments with friends, family and community.
  • Total weekly time commitment is 8-10 hours including 5 hours of classes, 1.5 hours of online mentor meetings, and additional time to work on your business.

For the remaining nine months:

  • Entrepreneurs meet online with their mentor teams once a month for 90 minutes
  • Entrepreneurs meet with their cohort teams once per quarter.

Throughout the year-long program, there are quarterly opportunities to receive small cash prizes.

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WHO SHOULD APPLY

The Accelerator Program is open to all individuals located in or near an Kansas City and is offered at no cost.

BOBKC’s program works with individuals across a wide range of industries and it is open to people who are still in the idea stage, people with a hobby looking to take it to the next level, or those looking to pivot and grow an existing business or nonprofit.

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THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications typically accepted up to six months prior to each community’s Accelerator Program start date. Applicants submit their application online.

Applications must be submitted 3-4 weeks prior to program start date.

All applications are reviewed by a team of BOBKC Volunteer Readers who will provide helpful feedback to all applicants.

BOBKC selects applicants for an in-person interview at and will choose final cohort candidates within 7-10 days from interview.

Entrepreneurs selected to be in the program will have a team of three mentors. Mentors are volunteers with a wide range of business experience who are committed to helping entrepreneurs move forward with their business idea. Entrepreneurs are paired with their mentors through a fun and fast-paced Mentor Matching event where everyone has the opportunity to meet and rank who they are most interested in working with. BOBKC will uses the rankings along with schedule availability to create the teams.

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FAQ’s

Q. Do I have to be a Kansas City resident in order to participate?2023-02-25T04:50:16+00:00

A: A: You should live in or near the Kansas City Area, even if it is held virtually.

Q. How do I know if I am a good fit?2023-02-25T13:37:32+00:00

A: You are a good fit for The BOBKC Accelerator if you can answer yes to these questions!

  • Are you looking to launch a business or move your business forward?
  • Are you interested in practical, hands-on learning and coaching with a group of other entrepreneurs like you?
  • Are you open to constructive criticism to benefit your business?

If you answered yes to these questions, then you should be a good fit. Our staff is always happy to speak with you about your business before you apply.

Q. What kind of ideas are BOBKC looking for?2023-02-25T04:52:52+00:00

A: BOBKC is interested in ideas from all industries – including nonprofits.

Do I need a business plan?2023-02-25T04:53:54+00:00

A: A business plan is not required. You just need to show us your passion, dedication, and indicate that you’ve done some initial research.

Q. Does my co-founder or entire team need to participate?2023-02-25T13:34:18+00:00

A: One co-founder should serve as the point person and commit to attending all classes, mentor meetings and events. If other co-founder(s) can join for some meetings, it is helpful but not required. For the initial interview, it is ideal if all founders are present if possible.