Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open through October 31, 2024.

The Midlands Minority Business Accelerator (MMBA) is a program of the Columbia Chamber in partnership with the South Carolina Minority Business Accelerator. The South Carolina Minority Business Accelerator is a statewide initiative formed by the Greenville Chamber, the Charleston Metro Chamber, and the Columbia Chamber.

Funded with a seed grant from Bank of America, MMBA is an initiative designed to advance economic inclusion across the state of South Carolina by helping to reduce the economic disparities experienced by minority-owned businesses. The initiative provides opportunities for economic growth and prosperity for high-potential minority-owned firms. MMBA is a major economic development tool of the Columbia Chamber and is designed to make minority businesses more competitive. Its mission is clear: to accelerate the development of minority-owned businesses to strengthen and expand our region's minority entrepreneurial community.

The SBA's Lender Match tool can help connect small businesses with applicable lenders.

WJ Partners invests in companies whose EBITDA is less than $10 million, with particular focus given to professional, industrial and consumer services companies.

The SC Community Capital Alliance provides funding to companies in underserved communities in South Carolina to support local economic development.

Route 2 Capital Partners invests in and loans to southeastern U.S. companies whose revenue is at least $10 million.

Ranger Aerospace invests in aerospace and aviation companies in partnership with other institutional investors.

Loma Capital invests in Hispanic-led, early-stage startups or growth-stage companies.

Liberty Hall Capital Partners is a private equity firm that invests in aerospace and defense companies.

JJE Capital Holdings is a private equity firm that invests in a broad array of high-potential companies and startups.

Ivy invests in and lends money to companies through its Ivy Evergreen Fund and Direct Private Credit Investments. Eligible companies must have an EBITDA less than or equal to #35 million.