Date and Time
Monday May 11, 2026
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM EDT
1. Program Kickoff: Vision, Goals & Growth Mindset
Topics:
- Assessing your business’s current stage
- Defining a powerful long-term vision
- Setting growth goals
- Identifying hidden barriers to scale
- Understanding the mindset shift from “operator” to “CEO”
2. Strategic Planning Intensive
Topics:
- Building a 12-month strategic plan
- Prioritizing initiatives
- Resource & capacity planning
- KPI development and accountability
Dwayne is an experienced executive and operator who brings real-world perspective to business growth.
3. Venture Capital & Angel Investment Readiness
Topics:
- When VC funding makes sense (and when it doesn’t)
- Understanding equity, valuation & investor expectations
- How to pitch an investor
- Preparing financials for investors
- How to avoid predatory investment
4. CDFI Capital & Access to “Free Money”
Topics:
- What CDFIs are and how they support growing businesses
- Low-interest loans, lines of credit & flexible capital
- Federal/state/local grants
- Navigating “free money” programs (grants, incentives, workforce subsidies)
- How to prepare a strong funding application
5. Financial Systems for Scaling
Topics:
- Cash flow mastery
- Building a business that can run without you
- Funding growth safely
- Pricing for scalability
- Understanding profitability levers
6. Achieving Sales Excellence
Topics:
- Defining what’s needed to reach an achievable goal
- Doing the math for the year and setting clear targets
- Understanding deal flow
- Evaluating sale price
- Improving conversion rates
- Managing time to win
7. Operations: Building a Business That Works for You
Topics:
- Hiring, onboarding & team structure
- Delegation systems
- Automations and tools
- SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)
- Time freedom through operational excellence
8. Emotional Well-Being & Founder Sustainability
Topics:
- Stress management for leaders
- Emotional intelligence and communication
- Avoiding burnout
- How to stay in your zone of genius
- Mental resilience for growth seasons
9. Pitch Deck, Presentation & Capital Strategy Lab
Topics:
- Crafting your pitch deck
- Storytelling for investors, banks & partners
- Financial projections and ask structure
- One-on-one coaching with SME mentors
10. Graduation & Pitch Showcase
Format:
- Participants present their 1-year Strategic Growth Plan
- Optional Pitch to investors, CDFIs & business leaders
- Certificate presentation
- Networking reception hosted by the Chamber
Location
New Castle County Chamber of Commerce
920 Justison Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
Fees/Admission
For Members Free
Future members 25.00 per class 250.00 for the Cohort
Website
https://business.ncccc.com/events/details/ncccc-small-business-growth-accelerator-cohort-9305
Contact Information
Jeanne Kress
Send Email
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Description
Helping Established Businesses Scale, Strengthen & Succeed
This accelerator is built for small businesses that have moved past the startup phase and are now focused on scaling, strengthening internal systems, and unlocking new opportunities for funding, revenue, and long-term sustainability. The program blends strategy, capital access, marketing, operations, and founder well-being—providing a full 360° approach to business growth.
- 8–10 weeks
- Weekly sessions (2 hours)
- In-person or hybrid
- Capstone: A 1-year Strategic Growth Plan + Investor/Capital Pitch
- Graduation & pitch showcase at the Chamber
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