The Bowie Business Innovation Center’s (BIC) 8(a) Accelerator Program, which combines business training, access to mentors, and structured networking activities to help federal government contractors secure new contracts, has been working hard and celebrating all at once.
In October, the center celebrated the kickoff of its 10th business cohort and the following month, the organization held InnovateBowie! to support minority-owned businesses and raise awareness of the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on business growth and development.
An award-winning hub, the Bowie State University-based center has helped countless small businesses and contractors to expand operations over the past several years.
“InnovateBowie! was established by Bowie BIC to celebrate the dynamic and ever-growing entrepreneurial community in Bowie. Each year, we bring together local, state, and national partners to highlight successful entrepreneurs rooted in Bowie and to showcase emerging technologies and market trends that inspire both seasoned and new entrepreneurs,” said June Evans, Bowie BIC’s executive director.
Evans also shared the company’s current and future goals.
“Our focus for 2024–2025 will be on AI strategies and technology solutions for small businesses. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries by offering tools for automation, advanced decision-making, and tailored customer engagement,” Evans continued. “For entrepreneurs and small businesses, AI presents opportunities to streamline operations, optimize efficiency, and achieve a competitive advantage.”
Marketing powerhouse Sandy Audio Visual, government contractor Gi4, and accounting professionals Looper Consulting are all run by leaders who finished the accelerator program, with the 10th cohort finishing on Nov. 15, roughly five weeks after beginning the accelerator program.
Sandy Audio Visual has partnered with the IRS, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and USAID, while Gi4 won a five-year, $5.5 million contract to consult the Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Guarantee Service in 2020.
Arthur Mosel, president of Gi4, recently finished the accelerator program in November, and he is happy to keep in touch with other members of the 10th cohort.
“The accelerator program is outstanding, it gave me the opportunity to network and learn from both new and existing businesses,” he told The Informer. “My company has been around for 11 years, but it’s tailored for businesses of all sizes. The staff and facilitators are outstanding. It’s like an extension of the work family.”]
To apply for the Bowie Business Innovation Center’s Accelerator program, click here. A list of future events is available here.
Bowie BIC’s Accelerator Program is doing great things for small businesses, helping them grow and secure contracts. The focus on AI and success stories like Sandy Audio Visual and Gi4 show its real impact!