Overview
The SBOSS Accelerator was developed by the Impact Hub Baltimore and Will Holmes Consulting (WHC) to support Baltimore business owners, create jobs, strengthen communities, and create generational wealth. Linking the latest ideas with timeless business principles, SBOSS will show you how to increase revenue and sales, manage expenses, hire more people, create a sustainable business model, and prepare to access capital. The program is offered at no cost to selected participants. SBOSS is facilitated by Will Holmes of WHC. Program reporting and metrics are managed by Sigyn Cyber, a division of WHC. Have questions? Email Dana Cole at dana.cole@impacthub.net
About Impact Hub Baltimore
We support a community of innovators and entrepreneurs to scale and sustain their initiatives. Our inspiring workspace and innovative programming build the connections and skills people need to grow and thrive. Together, we are building an innovative local economy that advances equity and civic wealth. We believe complex challenges will never be solved by one person or organization alone. We support a thriving, diverse community where people collaborate across sectors, networks, and neighborhoods. Learn nmore at https://baltimore.impacthub.net/about-us/.
About WHC
WHC partners with government agencies and non-profit organizations to create economic development programs; helps business owners implement artificial intelligence (AI) and business management solutions; connects entrepreneurs to commercial loans; and assists with the purchase and sale of businesses. Click here to learn more.
WHC Testimonials
Hear what past Graduates have to say about working with WHC!
8 In-Person Sessions at The Impact Hub
The Impact Hub SBOSS accelerator is an eight-week program with in-person sessions held on Monday evenings from 6pm to 8:30 pm EST. The cohort will have up to 10 participants. The group is kept small to allow for maximum participation. Participants must be able to attend and participate in all 8 sessions in-person, attend one-on-one sessions with mentors (operations, marketing, human resources, law, accounting) via Zoom and prepare and deliver a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation about their business to graduate from the program.
Expected Results
WHC has successfully facilitated this curriculum to over 750 graduates across 11 programs. 80 percent of these graduates have increased revenue, added jobs and are having a positive impact on their local economies. Graduates can expect to have a better understanding of their financial reports, a budget for their growth, and a plan to pursue opportunities to attract new B2B, B2C and B2G clients. Plus, each Grad leaves with a plan to access capital from lenders and investors.
2-Step Application Process
Step 1- Business owners must apply to the program to be selected. The application is located at the bottom of this webpage. Have questions? Email Dana Cole at dana.cole@impacthub.net
Step 2- After you complete your application, you will be emailed a link to schedule an interview via Zoom. For your convenience, you will also receive this link in your confirmation email as well. Do not schedule two meetings. your application confirmation will be emailed to the email address you input in the application, so please double check for typos when you input your email. Choose an interview time that works for you. If you miss your interview time, you will not be offered another time.
Reminder: Interviews are not in-person. They are conducted via Zoom.
We will choose 10 candidates who meet selection criteria. They will be notified via email inviting them to participate in the upcoming cohort.
Upcoming Cohort Dates
- Monday evenings, in-person, at 6pm, from September 21st to November 9th 2026. (Accepting applications now!)
To qualify, participants must:
- Have annual revenue of $20,000 or more
- Be in business at least 2 years or more
- Have the ability and desire to scale operations, hire people, and have a positive impact on their community
- Own a business in the Baltimore, MD region
To graduate from the program and receive a Certificate of Completion, participants must:
- Attend and participate in each in-person class
- Submit weekly homework assignments before the next class
- Meet with Impact Hub Mentors for one-on-one guidance
- Submit Cash Flow projections during week 5
- Give a Practice Presentation in week 7
- Give a Final 15-minute PowerPoint presentation in week 8
8-week Curriculum
Week 1: Introductions, Program Orientation, & Business Challenges
During this 3-hour session, we will discuss the goals of the program, expectations, and the final presentation. Participants will introduce themselves and share (in 3 minutes): name, business, target customers, and 12-month Revenue Goal. We will discuss the importance of the 12-month cash flow projections which will be the foundation of planning the growth of the business. Homework will be assigned to be submitted by the next class.
Week 2: Building a Sustainable Organization’s Infrastructure
In the first hour, the facilitator will lead an interactive discussion on the participants’ greatest challenges and how to address them with market research, customer segmentation, infrastructure, technology, planning, and coordination of people and processes. During the second hour, we will be joined by a panel of successful business leaders who will share their experiences, take questions, and offer advice. During the 3rd hour we will discuss current business challenges and homework. Homework will be assigned to be submitted by the next class.
Week 3: Leading People & Planning for Growth
In the first hour, the facilitator will lead an interactive discussion on the participants’greatest challenges and how to address them with effective techniques for assessing the needs of the market, identifying organizational goals, and creating win/win situations with team members to ensure success. We will also discuss pricing, operational strategy, basic project management and allocation of time, people, and resources. During the second hour, we will be joined by a panel of 3 successful business leaders who will share their experiences, take questions, and offer advice. During the 3rd hour, we will discuss current business challenges and homework. Homework will be assigned to be submitted by the next class.
Week 4: Marketing & Selling B2G, B2B, & B2C
In the first hour, the facilitator will lead an interactive discussion on the participants’ greatest challenges and how to address them with effective market research, identifying target customers, lead generation, business development, proposal writing, strategic partnerships, and relationship building. During the second hour, we will be joined by a panel of representatives from government procurement offices and local anchor institutions who want to do business with smaller companies. They will share their experiences, take questions, and offer advice. After the panel, we will have a discussion on marketing strategy and management. Homework will be assigned to be submitted by the next class.
Week 5: Accounting, Human Resources, Legal, Taxes & Insurance
In the first hour, the facilitator will lead an interactive discussion on the participants’ greatest challenges and how to address them with better compliance and internal controls. We will examine best practices in Human Resources, Accounting, Contracts, Taxes, and Insurance. During the second hour, we will be joined by a panel consisting of a HR consultant, accountant, attorney, and a financial advisor. They will share their experiences, take questions and offer advice. During the 3rd hour, we will discuss current business challenges and homework. Homework will be assigned to be submitted by the next class.
Week 6: Preparing for Capital & Essential Financial Documentation
In the first hour, the facilitator will lead an interactive discussion on the participants’ greatest challenges and how to address them with accessing capital from various sources and preparing the financial documentation and narratives necessary to attract funding. During the second hour, we will be joined by a panel of lenders, investors, and accountants who will share their experiences, take questions, and offer advice. During the 3rd hour, we will discuss the final presentation. Homework will be assigned to be submitted by the next class.
Week 7: Practice Final Presentations
The facilitator will review the final presentation template and take questions from the Participants. Then participants will present draft slides for feedback from the facilitator.
Week 8: Presentations and Graduation
During our final 3-hour session, we will bring together all participants for final presentations. Due to the number of participants and limited time, we will separate into smaller groups in virtual breakout rooms to hear the presentations. Participants can cheer on the presenters and ask questions about their growth plans. After the presentations are complete, we will have a graduation ceremony. Certificates of Completion will be presented to all participants who completed the program.
Sample Session:
Marketing and Selling B2C, B2B, B2G
You Are Invited to Apply!
To qualify, participants must:
- Have annual revenue of $20,000 or more
- Be in business at least 2 years or more
- Have the ability and desire to scale operations, hire people, and have a positive impact on their community
- Own a business in the Baltimore, MD region
If you qualify, complete the form below to start the application process. After you submit your application, you will be given a link to schedule your interview.
Note: The application form will not allow you to save your progress and return later. You must complete the form and submit it in one session. The application takes approximately 5 minutes to complete.
Have questions? Email Dana Cole at dana.cole@impacthub.net