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Retail Business Accelerator 2024:
Cohort Program Application

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Business must have been in operation for at least 6 months. Businesses in operation for less than 6 months will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Businesses must be registered and in good standing to operate a business.
  • Must have at least $25,000 in total sales to date.

Eligibility Check

Personal Information

Demographic Information

Wacif is committed to inclusion, equity, and creating economic opportunity. The following information is being collected as an opportunity to provide you and your business/nonprofit with new resources (small business funding, services, and programs), and will not impact your ability to access any of Wacif's programs and services.

Race*
Please select all that apply
Are you part of any of these populations?  (check all that apply)
Optional

Business Information

Type "N/A" if the business has not been established
Are you the business owner?*
You can find it here: https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/pages/CCRSearch.jsp
(E.g., Jane Smith - 100%. John Smith -51%, Michael Jones - 49%. Charlie Doe - 60%, Avery Smith - 20%, FictiousVenturePartner, LLC - 20%)
Minority-Owned and/or Led*
Woman Owned and/or Led*
Veteran Owned and/or Led*
If no business website, enter "N/A" below
In what industry does your business operate? Click here to find your NAICS Code.
How many full-time employees, including yourself and contractors, does your company employ?
How many part-time employees, including yourself and contractors, does your company employ?

Business Structure

If you don't know your EIN, call the Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 to speak with an assistor who can provide your EIN if you can share identifying business data.
Business Type*

Narrative Questions

We are interested in learning more about your business, team, and vision. Please respond to the following questions within the allotted word count. There are several factors considered in the evaluation process. Readers will undertake a holistic review of the business with a qualitative and quantitative lens including: its management, financial position, and growth plans, as well as leadership capacity, coachability, and emotional intelligence. Also, we may elect to ask you for an interview.

Word limit: 100
Word limit: 250
Word limit: 250
Word limit: 300
Word limit: 250
Word limit: 250

Video Essay

Once your application is submitted, please keep an eye out for an email to submit a video essay to complete your application via Boast.

You will be asked to submit a 3-5 minutes video telling us about yourself, your vision, and your business.  This can be an existing demo (5-minutes max) or you may record a 2-minute video introducing yourself/co founders, describing your business, and explaining what you hope to gain from the Ascend Retail Accelerator. We often hear that images speak louder than words. With this in mind, show us your product. The goal of this video is not to measure your video-making abilities (you can use your phone); it is about getting to know you better.

Please submit your video submission no later than September 1st.

Other

On a scale of 1 to 5, what is your level of comfort with in person meeting with up to 20 people?*
(Scale of 1- 5, with 1 as least comfortable)  

Additional Information

Previous Wacif relationship*
Check all that apply
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