2024 Micro Business Accelerator

The application period has now closed.

The 2024 Micro Business Accelerator cohort is specifically created to support 14 startup founders and small business owners who are ready to take their business plan to the next level, dial in their public speaking and pitch skills, and navigate all of the milestones that come with launching, growing, and scaling successful ventures.

By the end of the program, you’ll be armed with a rock-solid business plan, key marketing assets, and a village of peers and expert advisors who will continue to rally around you with support, resources and connections as you launch and scale your business.

What you’ll get

A supportive peer community
8-week intensive business plan training program
Hands-on workshops on storytelling, public speaking, and building strong business credit
Monthly Lunchtime Lighting Talks
Personalized mentoring and technical guidance
Curated introductions and networking opportunities
Marketing assets, including professional headshots
The opportunity to win a custom business intro video

Who should apply

YOU! This program will be a good fit if you are a current or aspiring founder or small business owners who:

employs fewer than 5 employees
is deeply committed to working on their business
is hungry for a mutually supportive peer entrepreneur community and are eager to uphold the Give First philosophy
doesn’t yet have a business plan, OR have a business plan that is ready to be dialed up a notch (or ten)
can commit—really commit—to actively participating in 80% or more of the program dates

There are no limitations on business type, stage, revenue or geography (so long as you can make it in to Vibe Coworks Poulsbo for our in-person activities).

A maximum of 14 current or aspiring startup founders and small business owners will be admitted to Cohort II. Individuals who applied to Cohort I and were not offered a seat are warmly welcomed to apply again.

Entrepreneurs who have historically been excluded from business ownership opportunities and resources, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), people with disabilities, veterans, women, LGBTQ+ people, and returning citizens are especially encouraged to apply.

Cost

Zero. Zilch. Nada!

Thanks to grant funding, the Matchstick Lab Micro Business Accelerator is free to apply for, free to participate in, and there is no equity exchanged.

The program has been made possible thanks to funding provided by the Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA), through a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce secured by the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance.

Time commitment

Cohort members are expected to attend 80% or more of the key program dates outlined below.

Generally, you should expect to commit a minimum of 5 hours per week for the duration of the program, which includes individual work that you are doing on your business throughout the week at times of your choosing, as well as the scheduled training classes, workshops, and mentoring sessions.

If you cannot commit to the time outline above in this season of life, please wait to apply to the program until your schedule has evolved so that we can offer a seat to others who are at a point where they can commit the time.

I came into the program really burned out and wanted to exit my previous career but I felt like couldn’t make the jump. Being accepted into this program was the catalyst for me to leave ASAP. It’s been the best thing for me and for my family.
MBA cohort member

Thank you so so much for everything! This program came at my rock bottom and I can never fully express my gratitude… I would love to be able to pay it forward. This is an amazing program!
MBA cohort member

My heart is full of gratitude. As a black woman and immigrant, I came to this country without any idea about my future as professional. I found my own way to bring my roots and share them with my new country. It’s a huge accomplishment. Thank You Matchstick Lab for this opportunity. Thank you for thinking of small business.
MBA cohort member

We were so incredibly grateful to be a part of this program. I have to admit I’m a little sad that it’s over. This program has been immensely helpful— including in unexpected ways.
MBA cohort member

Key dates

FEBRUARY 9
Applications open

FEBRUARY 28 – **NEW DATE!**
8am
Application period closes

MARCH 14 – **NEW DATE!**
Cohort II announced

MARCH 19
10 – 11am I Vibe Coworks
Cohort II Meet + Greet

APRIL 22
9:30am – 12:30pm I Vibe Coworks
Workshop: Credit smarts for business owners

MAY 13
9:30am – 12:30pm I Vibe Coworks
Empower your voice: Storytelling and Speaking Mastery Workshop

JUNE 4
4 – 6pm I Vibe Coworks
Graduation celebration + Pitch night

Lunchtime lightning talks

Join fellow Matchstick Lab Microbusiness Accelerator Founders and members of the general public for monthly lunchtime lightning talks guaranteed to spark new ideas, conversations and collaborations.

BYO lunch and arrive at 11:30 for conversation and networking. Lightning talks begin at 12pm and end promptly at 1pm. Advanced RSVP is requested but not required.

From passion to paycheck: Monetizing your creative talents

FEBRUARY 20 I 11:30 – 1pm I Vibe Coworks
Speakers:
– Josiah Mokelu, Lucidity Media Group
– Nick Edmundson, Wandering Weddings
– Wendy Phillips, Wendy Phillips Design

Scaling up: How to grow your one-person business into something bigger

MARCH 19 I 11:30am – 1pm I Vibe Coworks
Speakers:
– Darice Grass, Oxalis Kitchen
– Jefté Sanchez, Phosphorus Creative
– Ryan Denny, Trash Transporter

Your bookkeeper called: Here’s what they want you to know about smart business finances

APRIL 16 I 11:30am – 1pm I Vibe Coworks
Speakers:
– Erin Sorenson, Kitsap Bank
– Johnathan Campbell,
–

Courageous conversations: Taking risks for personal and professional growth

MAY 21 I 11:30am – 1pm I Vibe Coworks
Speakers:
– Cara Wilson, Traction Leadership
– Caroline Reis, Flossy
– Gabi Colby, Deep Routes PNW

Business plan training workshops

The BE$T Business Basics class is an eight-week course that is a required component of Cohort II.

The three fundamentals of business

Wednesday, March 27 I 2:30 – 4:30pm I Vibe Coworks
Analyze the core requirements of all businesses and help you figure out if you have what it takes to run your own business.

Defining your business

Wednesday, April 3 I 2:30 – 4:30pm I Vibe Coworks
Learn how to define your business in the eyes of your customers and competitors by examining the features of your business, its benefits, and your business strategy.

Licenses, insurance and taxes

Wednesday, April 10 I 2:30 – 4:30pm I Vibe Coworks
Dive into legal issues, risk assessment, and tax planning through actionable tips to help avoid common small business mistakes.

Costs + pricing

Wednesday, April 17 I 2:30 – 4:30pm I Vibe Coworks
Learn how to estimate the costs involved in running your own business, and how to best price your product or service.

Cash flow + break even

Wednesday, April 24 I 2:30 – 4:30pm I Vibe Coworks
Get clear on the concept of cash flow and test your business model’s cost and pricing structure to calculate when you will begin to make a profit.

Branding + marketing

Wednesday, May 1 I 2:30 – 4:30pm I Vibe Coworks
Master the fundamentals of brand identity, create systems to maintain your brand, and learn how to navigate the different ways to market your product or service.

Creating a sales plan

Wednesday, May 8 I 2:30 – 4:30pm I Vibe Coworks
Get actionable tips on how to sell your product or service and create a sales plan to continue driving a profit

Crafting your business plan

Wednesday, May 15 I 2:30 – 4:30pm I Vibe Coworks
It’s time to tie it all together! You’re now ready to describe your business model and include the nine key elements you will need to explain how and why your business works. This session is a culmination of the concepts presented in prior weeks.

The 2024 application period has closed.

The Matchstick Lab Micro Business Accelerator is a dedicated five month program designed to accelerate the entrepreneurial endeavors of underrepresented entrepreneurs and small business owners in Kitsap. Fourteen seats are available in Cohort II.

Meet Cohort I