Urban Elevation Accelerator

 

The Urban Elevation Accelerator
is now available to help Dayton entrepreneurs access critical resources to elevate in business.

The Urban Elevation Accelerator is a nine-month program to help entrepreneurs start or grow their business with the intention of creating positive profits and a strong business foundation for underrepresented and under-resourced entrepreneurs.

A mix of educators, subject matter experts, successful entrepreneurs, students and others will work with entrepreneurs at all stages of their business development.

Up to thirty entrepreneurs will be accepted into the program, which begins with a six-week bootcamp called the Elevation Academy on Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM starting February 14, 2026 - March 21, 2026.

 
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Be a part of an accelerator that encourages you to work on your business instead of always working in your business. Partner with the Greater West Dayton Incubator to build your business while we connect you to resources, community, education and support.

As an Urban Elevation Accelerator participant, you can take advantage of coworking space at The Hub powered by PNC Bank and at the GWDI while particpating in programs to help your business grow.

The deadline for the program is January 10, 2026. Applicants will be notified of a final decision by January 30, 2026.

Candidates must be present for program orientation on February 4, 2026 from 6pm-7:30pm.

Program Benefits

The Urban Elevation Accelerator program operates on the calendar year and includes:

  • Six weeks of business skill training through the Elevation Academy

  • Three months of free mentoring from business owners and entrepreneurs

  • Student consulting for a special project

  • Connections to community resources to help your business grow

  • Access to the Cultural Capital Micro-lending Program and other funding opportunities

  • Promotion of your business in on the GWDI website and social media platforms

  • Additional training and classes to support your business

  • Access to office and or co-working and meeting space at the Greater West Dayton Incubator at the Hub powered by PNC Bank

Apply Now

About the Hub

One of the key benefits of joining the Urban Elevation Accelerator is having an opportunity to build your business at the Hub powered by PNC Bank. This state-of-the-art facility houses more than 100 companies and is the perfect place for networking, events, and space to meet with clients or collaborators. With access to high-speed internet, nine conference rooms, scanners and printers, an official address for your business, the Hub is a wonderful resource to help your business grow.

The Process

  • Apply

    Complete an application and to share how the Urban Elevation Accelerator will help benefit you and your business.

  • Review

    The GWDI staff will review your application. If we have questions, we will contact you by phone for a brief interview.

  • Start

    Congratulations! Once all final applicants are selected, you will be notified via email with instructions on how to follow the next steps.

FAQs

  • The Urban Elevation Accelerator will last for nine months and is non-renewable.

  • All businesses are eligible to apply for the fellowship.

    Preference will be considered for GWDI clients who have participated in past programs, identify as underrepresented, under-resourced, and/or historically marginalized, and is located or serve customers in Greater West Dayton.

  • We will select up to 20 companies to participate in the accelerator.

  • The Elevation Academy will be held at The Hub powered by PNC Bank at 31 S. Main Street, Dayton, OH 45402.

  • The Elevation Academy will be held on Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

  • Projects can include but are not limited to creating websites, modifying the product/service mix, improving inventory policies, enhanced market segmentation and targeting, launch of social media sites, producing marketing materials, and re-formulating pricing.

  • We will source community mentors who have successfully established businesses and can provide feedback to help you grow.

  • There is no cost to participate.

  • Contact Whitney Barkley, program facilitator, at whitney@speakerazzi.com or 614-772-9800.