Hello Alice, the fintech platform connecting 1.5 million small businesses with capital, connections and opportunities, has announced the expansion of its small business accelerator and additional Boost Camp programs in 2024.
Working with top corporate partners, Boost Camps offers a combination of skills training and funding opportunities to small business owners across the United States. Current Boost Camp partners include Progressive, Etsy, Antares Capital, Tiger Global, Wells Fargo and FedEx.
The Boost Camps, which began as part of support programs in 2023 and have become a leading Hello Alice offering, are designed to provide entrepreneurs with intensive training and resources to accelerate the growth of their companies, as well as a community of entrepreneurial colleagues to provide sustained support .
Hello Alice’s 2024 Boost Camp programs include:
Etsy and Global Entrepreneurship Network’s Creative Business Boost Initiative – With support from Etsy’s Uplift Fund, 100 creative entrepreneurs will be selected from eligible participants to receive a $5,000 scholarship and access to an exclusive Boost Camp coaching program.
Application period: May 20th – June 21st
○ Boost Camp start date: August 15th
Antares Capital REACH Cohort – The Antares REACH grant program offers $20,000 in grants to small businesses. Fellows will also participate in Antares’ Growth Track Boost Camp program, a digital community hosting monthly business coaching workshops, mentoring, networking and more.
○ Application period: June 10th – June 28th
○ Boost Camp start date: August 8th
Tiger Global Impact Ventures – Tiger Global Impact Ventures is offering 500 female tech founders two options for a 12-week digital growth accelerator where they will gain access to expert-led sessions, education, mentorship and a peer support network. ○ Application period: July 1st – July 26th
○ Start date of Boost Camp, Group 1: September 4th
○ Start date of Boost Camp, Group 2: September 30th
Progressive® Driving Small Business Forward Grant & Booster Camp Program – Progressive will provide $1 million to award 20 deserving businesses with a grant of $50,000 each. Scholars are invited to an exclusive 12-week virtual Boost Camp coaching program.
○ The application period has expired
○ Boost Camp start date: September 10th
Wells Fargo – Wells Fargo is supporting four virtual accelerator programs over the next 18 months, designed to support up to 500 participants for each program, with a focus on business health and credit building practices.
○ Application period: Will be announced in summer 2024
○ Boost Camp start date: early fall 2024
FedEx – The FedEx® Entrepreneur Fund supports entrepreneurs across the United States by providing them with the funds, resources and networks necessary to increase the success of their businesses, including the Boost Camp coaching program.
○ Application period: Will be announced in fall 2024
○ Boost Camp start date: Winter 2024
“Hello Alice is proud to partner with top-tier companies to empower small businesses and drive their success,” said Natalie Diamond, Vice President of Business Development at Hello Alice. “Together, we create unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs to achieve brand success, increase financial fitness and thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. Our collective efforts not only provide access to capital and resources, but also provide tailored advice and mentoring, equipping small business owners with the insights and support they need to overcome challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities.”
“We are fortunate to continue to work with great corporate partners who share our commitment to supporting Main Street through important grants and mentorship programs,” said Carolyn Rodz, CEO and co-founder of Hello Alice. “Small businesses drive our economy, but they often lack the necessary funding and resources. By partnering with large companies, Hello Alice ensures small businesses have access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive and create jobs in their local communities. Together, we are building a robust support system that promotes innovation and growth for small businesses across the country.”
The launch of this year’s accelerators follows the successful launch of the Boost Camp program in late 2023, where 100 small businesses benefited from programs with industry leaders such as FedEx, Comcast, Tiger Global and Antares Capital. Overall, participants experienced significant improvements in their organizational health.
In the Antares REACH cohort, 60% of participants reported an increase in their business health score and 93% felt better equipped to overcome challenges and take advantage of opportunities. The curriculum covered key topics such as market validation, digital marketing and financial planning and resulted in 85% of participants feeling more optimistic about their business growth prospects.
John Griveas, owner of Fetch Gourmet Dog Treats and FedEx Entrepreneur Fund Boost Camp participant, said: “Thanks to FedEx and Hello Alice, I not only received funding for my business, but also gained a family of co-winners who are all striving for success their undertakings. The Boost Camp experience was transformative and fueled my passion and drive to take my business to new heights.”