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.
Starting a business is hard, and we want founders who have made the bold decision to go out on their own to feel supported throughout their journey to success. We created Matchstick Lab to provide an on-ramp for more founders to tap into the collective strength of our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Alanna Imbach, CEO Vibe Coworks
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
My mentor was phenomenal. I really can’t express enough how much I appreciate all of his business insight. My peer group mentor was also amazing and helped me see my worth.
MBA cohort member
As a community bank that is committed to growing our local economy and supporting entrepreneurs, Kitsap Bank is proud to partner with Vibe Coworks on this innovative program. Through Matchstick Lab, entrepreneurs have access to a business ecosystem that supports the growth of innovation right here in our backyard.
Tony George, President and Chief Operating Officer, Kitsap Bank
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.
2024 cohort sponsors + partners
Funding for the 2024 Matchstick Lab Micro Business Accelerator program at Vibe Coworks has been provided by the Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA), thanks to a grant made by the Washington State Department of Commerce and secured by the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance.
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