Hello Alice Announces Expansion of Small Business Accelerators and Boost Camp Programs for 2024

Hello Alice, the fintech platform connecting 1.5 million small businesses to capital, connections and opportunity, has announced the expansion of its small business accelerators and additional Boost Camp programs for 2024.

In collaboration with leading corporate partners, Boost Camps offer a combination of skills development programs and grant opportunities to small business owners across the U.S. Current Boost Camp partners include Progressive, Etsy, Antares Capital, Tiger Global, Wells Fargo and FedEx.

Launched in 2023 as part of grant programs and now a leading offering for Hello Alice, Boost Camps aim to provide entrepreneurs with intensive training and resources to accelerate the growth of their business, as well as a community of entrepreneurial peers who can provide sustainable support.

Hello Alice’s Boost Camp programs for 2024 include:

• Etsy & Global Entrepreneurship Network’s Creative Business Boost initiative – With support from Etsy’s Uplift Fund, 100 creative entrepreneurs will be selected from eligible participants to receive a $5,000 grant and access to an exclusive Boost Camp coaching program.
  Application period: May 20 – June 21
  ○ Boost Camp Start Date: August 15
• Antares Capital REACH cohort – The Antares REACH Grant Program offers $20,000 in grants to small businesses. Grant recipients will also participate in Antares’ Growth Track Boost Camp program, a digital community that will host monthly business coaching workshops, mentoring, networking and more.
  ○ Application period: June 10 – June 28
  ○ Boost Camp Start Date: August 8
• Tiger Global Impact Ventures – Tiger Global Impact Ventures is offering 500 female tech founders two options for a 12-week digital growth accelerator, giving them access to expert-led sessions, education, mentorship, and a peer support network. ○ Application period: July 1 – July 26
  ○ Boost Camp Start date Group 1: September 4
  ○ Boost Camp Start date Group 2: September 30
• Progressive® Driving Small Business Forward Grant & Booster Camp Program – Progressive is providing $1 million to award 20 deserving businesses with grants of $50,000 each. Grant recipients will be invited to participate in an exclusive 12-week virtual Boost Camp coaching program.
  ○ Application period has ended
  ○ Boost Camp start date: September 10
• Wells Fargo – Wells Fargo will support four virtual accelerator programs over the next 18 months, each supporting up to 500 participants per program, with a focus on business health and credit building practices.
  ○ Application period: To be announced in summer 2024
  ○ Boost Camp start date: early fall 2024
• FedEx – The FedEx® Entrepreneur Fund supports entrepreneurs across the United States by providing them with the financing, resources and networks they need to grow their businesses, including the Boost Camp coaching program.
  ○ Application period: To be announced in the fall of 2024
• ○ Boost Camp Start Date: Winter 2024

“Hello Alice is proud to partner with large enterprises to support small businesses and foster their success,” said Natalie Diamond, VP Business Development at Hello Alice. “Together, we are creating unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurs to achieve brand success, boost financial fitness, and thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. Our collective efforts not only provide access to capital and resources, but also offer tailored guidance and mentorship, equipping small business owners with the insights and support they need to overcome challenges and seize growth opportunities.”

“We are pleased to continue working with great corporate partners who share our commitment to supporting Main Street through critical grants and mentorship programs,” said Carolyn Rodz, CEO and co-founder of Hello Alice. “Small businesses are the engine of our economy, but often lack the funding and resources they need. By partnering with large companies, Hello Alice ensures that small businesses have access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive and create jobs in their local communities. Together, we are building a robust support system that fuels innovation and growth for small businesses across the country.”

The launch of this year’s accelerators follows the successful debut of the Boost Camp program in late 2023, which saw 100 small businesses benefit from programs with industry leaders including FedEx, Comcast, Tiger Global and Antares Capital. Overall, participants experienced significant improvements in their business health.

In the Antares REACH Cohort, 60% of participants reported an increase in their Business Health Score and 93% felt better equipped to tackle challenges and seize opportunities. The curriculum, which covered essential topics such as market validation, digital marketing and financial planning, resulted in 85% of participants feeling more optimistic about their business growth prospects.

John Griveas, owner of Fetch Gourmet Dog Treats and FedEx Entrepreneur Fund Boost Camp participant, said: “Thanks to FedEx and Hello Alice, I not only received funding for my business, but also a family of fellow winners who are all striving to succeed in their businesses. The Boost Camp experience has been transformative and has fueled my passion and drive to take my business to new heights.”

For more information about this year’s Boost Camps, visit https://helloalice.com/funding/grants/.