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BECOME FAQs

FAQS

FAQS

HOW IS BECOME DESIGNED?

The BECOME Accelerator is an intensive 12-week program created to empower and launch business owners toward growth. We understand the demands of everyday life, which is why our schedule is designed to accommodate working professionals—no prior entrepreneurial experience required. 

Each week, participants will meet in-person on Tuesdays from 6 PM to 8 PM, engaging with peers and expert facilitators to work through course material tailored to their business needs. Our curriculum is backed by nationally recognized business development frameworks from LAUNCH and StartSpark, ensuring participants gain proven strategies to build sustainable businesses. While we provide a structured curriculum, we recognize that every business is unique. Our facilitators play a key role in adapting lessons to fit the specific challenges and goals of each entrepreneur. 

Beyond education, BECOME fosters community and collaboration, allowing participants to learn from one another, navigate business challenges together, and gain insights from successful Black entrepreneurs in the region. 

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A BUSINESS IDEA?

We ask that you wait until you have inspiration and a business idea before you join our accelerator program. Due to us moving quickly and focusing on tangible outcomes, those without a business idea won’t take much out of this program. Once you have a business idea that inspires you enough to make it your life’s work, we are here to help.

WHAT IS THE COST OF THE PROGRAM?

All participants are asked to pay a $125 Attendance and coursework fee, which is basically asking for “skin in the game.” We put a lot of time and effort into creating these experiences and want you to share that passion, offering completely free classes has resulted in a lot of registrations and poor attendance. We’re hoping this gives yet one more reason to attend the full length of classes.

WILL EVERYONE BE EXPECTED TO START A BUSINESS?

Absolutely not! We’ve helped many potential business owners avoid catastrophic failure and personal financial loss by thoroughly vetting ideas before major financial or time investments. Our goal is to reduce your risk and improve your likelihood of success, and sometimes, that means NOT starting a business that isn’t poised to take-off. We would love to see all participants successfully start their own businesses, but each person is different, and each business idea is unique. We are here to support, guide and ultimately want to see the best for our community which includes YOU.

WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT BUSINESS?

Not a problem, we can help! This program is designed to help regular people explore and establish businesses in Birmingham- specifically the historical civil rights district. We do ask that you have a business idea that you want to explore, but other than that, we are simply looking for motivated individuals with a passion to follow and a desire to create generational wealth for themselves, their community, and their family.

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