WFLA Daytime spotlighted this year's recruitment for the Minority Business Accelerator's 2026 Cohort! Host Maggie Rodriguez interviewed Edwin Narain, Chair Elect of the Tampa Bay Chamber Board of Directors, and Michael Flores, Chair of the 2024 Cohort and executive with JPMorgan Chase. The accelerator is designed for Black and Hispanic owned businesses in five counties of the Tampa Bay region - Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Manatee. The curriculum spans nearly two years and covers key subjects, from accounting to human resources to legal.
Click here to see the full Daytime interview.
When the tv host showed photos on screen of the 2023 World Chambers Congress in Geneva, Switzerland, Narain said it was an incredible moment for our Tampa Bay Chamber - one of only 2 U.S. chambers of commerce invited to present before the panel of international judges.
Flores, who's had a front row seat to the progress of entrepreneurs in the 2024 Cohort, says the accelerator is deeply rewarding for the sponsor companies involved as well as the participants. Results are inspiring thanks to the mentoring, coaching and bridging to supplier diversity programs. Sponsor companies help cover the costs of cohort participants, he said, and many stay connected long after the cohort has graduated.
September 9, 2024 WFLA TV Daytime Interview Segment. From L to R: Chamber Vice President of Economic Inclusion & Leadership Programs Avril Stinson, Chair of MBA 2024 Cohort Michael Flores, WFLA Daytime Host Maggie Rodriguez, and Chair Elect of Chamber Board of Directors Edwin Narain.
The deadline to apply for the next cohort of the Chamber's Minority Business Accelerator is September 18, 5pm. Click here for details and online application.