The Community Business Development Program (CBDP) is a small business readiness initiative designed to rapidly assist emerging firms with scaling their businesses and moving them toward long-term sustainability. The process involves the selection of a group of eligible firms for specialized training on mission-critical areas of business acumen. The curriculum includes foundational elements of running a business successfully, with room for specialized topics pertinent to a specific industry or of importance to the hosting entity. Corporations or governmental entities looking for ways to empower and encourage local companies that create jobs and strengthen the communities they serve should consider sponsoring a business.
Who Should Participate: The program is designed for companies that have been in business for at least two years; a minimum of $50,000 in annual revenue; and a minimum of one full-time employee.
Program Overview: 90 day program with Six (6) bi-weekly workshops • Facilitator-led session by GMSDC and partners • Two-Hour Sessions Workshop
Session Topics: Business Plan • Financial Acumen • Marketing • Technology • Building Your Operational Infrastructure • Access to Capital Benefits of the Program • Business Plan • Roadmap for Operational Execution • Financial Plan with Statements • SBDC Business Coach
For more Information please contact Vanessa Lane, Executive Director, Georgia Education Foundation, via email at vlane@gmsdc.org or phone at 404-589-9224.
This form is to be used by certified MBEs as a guide for immediate engagement with the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council.
Program Requirements
1+ Million in Annual Revenue
3+ Years in Business
3+ Full Time Employees
Registered with Georgia Secretary of State
Georgia-based for at least three years
Nominated by Sponsor,Corporate Mentor, Program Alumni or Affiliate Partner
Three Years Financial Documentation
Business Plan Executive Summary (Request a Template, if needed)
CEO agrees to all program requirements
See Mandatory attendance below
Demonstrate community involvement
Submit Completed Application
Submit $100.00 non-refundable application fee
Program Overview
The Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection is the first state sponsored business development program in U.S history that pairs corporate industry giants with Georgia’s small emerging companies. The Program utilizes a unique framework of 1-on-1 corporate mentoring for a one year period regarding any 3 areas of business the protégé needs.
Protégé Firms:
Develop business acumen, performance capacity and competitiveness
Avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that hinder business growth
Optimize revenues, expense controls and cash flow
Assist with the selection and implementation of technology solutions
Cultivate opportunities for the firms to expand their business operations
Allow protégé principals to tap into the experience and expertise of senior executives
Throughout the Program Year, the Mandatory events include: 5 Reporting Sessions (educational), Mentor Vetting Day, Strategic Planning Session, Orientation, 2 day Retreat, 2 Alumni Socials and Graduation Ceremony.
Also, MPC supports and participates in Exposition events such as City of Atlanta Back to Business, The Edge, Dekalb County Chamber of Commerce- Apex Awards and others within our Community.