5 Madison small businesses selected for accelerator program | News

MADISON (WKOW) — Five Madison companies led by diverse entrepreneurs have been selected to participate in a local business accelerator program, according to a press release. Bee Made It; House of Flavas; See My Ears; Shante Studios; and Wisconsin Martial Arts & Fitness Center are currently taking part in the gBETA Urban League program through Urban League of Greater Madison and national venture capital firm gener8tor.gBETA Urban League is a free seven-week accelerator program designed to set a path for Black entrepreneurs and other entrepreneurs of color to build successful small businesses in Madison, with a particular focus on entrepreneurs who are interested in becoming a part of the Urban League of Greater Madison’s Black Business Hub, the press release stated.Bee Made It prepares hand-crafted scratch homemade desserts and Southern style baked goods.House of Flavas’ well-known restaurant and catering service recreates the feeling of grandma’s authentic cooking with a family atmosphere.SeeMyEars’ Madison hearing center diagnoses hearing impairments, sells hearing aids and assistive devices, and trains professionals to identify behaviors that indicate hearing impairments.N.Joy Studios provides a comprehensive suite of services including photography, event planning, shows, networking and workshops.Wisconsin Martial Arts & Fitness Center, established in 2016, provides empowerment, self-esteem and awareness to the Madison community by teaching martial arts, jiu jitsu and fitness.Founders of these businesses receive intensive concierge coaching and access to the combined network of Urban League and gener8tor mentors, customers, corporate partners and financial professionals.Nearly 60 entrepreneurs applied for the program. The five selected companies were chosen based on their growth potential and brick-and-mortar readiness. “It has been a joy getting to know these fantastic entrepreneurs and jumping in with them to help grow their businesses,” said Molly Dill, managing director at gener8tor, who is leading this cohort of gBETA Urban League. “gBETA Urban League has a tangible impact on the creation and success of Black businesses in Madison.”The program is made possible by a partnership with Urban League of Greater Madison.“Urban League of Greater Madison is proud to continue offering this program to Madison entrepreneurs as we continue to expand the Black Business Hub and its impact in Greater Madison,” said Dr. Ruben Anthony, Jr., president & CEO of Urban League of Greater Madison.At the end of the gBETA program, the entrepreneurs will pitch their companies to community partners and the public at a showcase event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 6 at the Black Business Hub, 2352 S. Park St. in Madison. RSVP here to attend.Small businesses interested in learning more about gBETA’s programming and resources or applying to a future program can visit the gBETA Urban League website, or reach out to Molly Dill at molly@gener8tor.com.Those interested in mentoring these companies or getting involved in other ways are also encouraged to connect.

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