The Columbia Chamber’s Midlands Business Accelerator program recently graduated 2025 program participants and announced the 2026 class.
The Midlands Business Accelerator (MBA) helps scale high-potential firms through targeted training, dedicated business coaching, and direct access to large corporations. Participants complete an intensive program built around a rigorous curriculum developed by Wendell Jones. Participants collaborate closely with financial experts, business coaches, and peer cohorts to create a customized three-year Strategic Growth Action Plan. This plan is tailored to each business and outlines the specific strategies and tactics the owner and team will implement to drive revenue growth, strengthen financial management, and improve access to capital.
Graduating from the 2025 program were seven local small business owners. At the December 3rd graduation ceremony, Kelly Simmons III received the MBA Excellence Award for his dedication and growth throughout the program.
The 2026 class will kick off their program in January:
• M. Lee Hughes, Ace Handyman Services
• James Glover, Complete Comfort Air
• Noralba Hurtado, Clean and Fresh
• Crystal Masincupp, Agent, Edward Jones
• Delanore Troupe, Emryn Virtual Solutions
• Quan Jenkins, Eunoia Soul Apothecary & Wellness
• Michael Parkins, Green-Guard Commercial Cleaning
• Kristen Javis, Javis Financial Services
• Karen Erinfolami, Karen’s Kitchen and Catering
• Joni Floyd, Magic Touch Alterations and Embroidery
• France Jackson, Rice & Gravy Studio
The Midlands Business Accelerator is a program of the Columbia Chamber in partnership with the South Carolina Business Accelerator. The South Carolina Business Accelerator is a statewide initiative formed by Greenville Chamber, Charleston Metro Chamber and the Columbia Chamber.
Funded with a seed grant from Bank of America, the initiative was designed to advance economic inclusion across the state of South Carolina by helping to reduce the economic disparities. The initiative provides opportunities for economic growth and prosperity for high-potential owned firms. MBA is a major economic development tool of the Columbia Chamber and is designed to make businesses more competitive.
