For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 24, 2025

The Montgomery County Business Center, in partnership with M&T Bank, will launch the second Business Accelerator Program in Spanish designed to assist business owners in the County. The seven-week free program begins August 4 and will accept up to 30 entrepreneurs who meet eligibility requirements.

This free program is part of Montgomery County’s ongoing efforts to support diverse small businesses and promote equitable access to business development tools and financial resources.

“This Multicultural Business Accelerator reflects our commitment to making sure the Latino-owned businesses have access to the tools, knowledge, and capital they need to grow and succeed,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I want to thank the Business Center staff and M&T Bank for making this program possible.  We want an economy that works for everyone, and that means investing in the people who are taking risks, creating jobs, and strengthening our communities.”

Program participants will explore critical areas of business development, including:

• Navigating County business resources
• Business plan creation
• Understanding financial statements and business credit
• Marketing strategies
• Using Artificial Intelligence for business growth

“We will continue to strive to be a bridge for small business owners to connect them with local resources that will help them start, grow, and sustain successful businesses,” said Vickie Q. Mejia, Senior Vice President, Regional Manager, M&T Bank. “Our foundation is as strong as the community partnerships that we hold. We are a bank for the communities we serve, and it is our privilege to have developed a partnership with the Montgomery County Business Center.”

The program will conclude with a Pitch Competition, where participants will present their business plans for a chance to win cash prizes for first, second and third place.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Business must be in Montgomery County
• Established within the last five years
• In “good standing” with the State of Maryland
• Participant must be able to speak, read, and comprehend Spanish

Interested business owners are encouraged to apply by completing an online application.

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