Hello Alice Announces Expansion of Small Business Accelerators and 2024 Boost Camp Programs

Hello Alice, the fintech platform connecting 1.5 million small businesses to capital, connections, and opportunities, has announced the expansion of its small business accelerators and additional Boost Camp programs for 2024. In partnership with top enterprise partners, the Boost Camps offer a combination of skill-building programs and grant opportunities to small business owners across the U.S. Current Boost Camp partners include Progressive, Antares Capital, Wells Fargo, and FedEx. The Boost Camps, which started as part of grant programs in 2023 and has grown into a leading offering from Hello Alice, is designed to equip entrepreneurs with intensive training and resources to accelerate the growth of their businesses as well as a community of entrepreneurial peers to provide sustainable support. Hello Alice’s 2024 Boost Camp programs include:

• Antares Capital REACH Cohort - The Antares REACH Grant Program provides $20,000 grants to small businesses. Grant recipients will also take part in Antares’ Growth Track Boost Camp program, a digital community which will be home to monthly business coaching workshops, mentorship, networking, and more. ○ Application Period: June 10 - June 28 ○ Boost Camp Start Date: August 8
• Progressive® Driving Small Business Forward Grant & Booster Camp Program - Progressive is dedicating $1 million to award 20 deserving businesses with a $50,000 grant each. Grant recipients will be invited to attend an exclusive 12-week virtual Boost Camp coaching program. ○ Application Period has ended ○ Boost Camp Start Date: September 10
• Wells Fargo - Wells Fargo is supporting four virtual accelerator programs over the next 18 months, designed to support up to 500 participants for each program, with a focus on business health and credit-building practices. ○ Application Period: To be announced in Summer 2024 ○ Boost Camp Start Date: Early Fall 2024
•  FedEx - The FedEx® Entrepreneur Fund supports entrepreneurs in the United States by providing them with the necessary funding, resources, and networks to enhance the success of their businesses, including the Boost Camp coaching program. ○ Application Period: To be announced in Fall 2024
• ○ Boost Camp Start Date: Winter 2024

"Hello Alice is proud to partner with high-level enterprise companies to empower small businesses and foster their success," said Natalie Diamond, VP of Business Development at Hello Alice. "Together, we are creating unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurs to achieve brand success, drive financial fitness, and thrive in today's competitive market. Our joint endeavors not only offer access to capital and resources but also provide tailored guidance and mentorship, arming small business owners with the insights and support necessary to navigate challenges and seize growth opportunities.” “We are fortunate to continue working with great enterprise partners who share our commitment to supporting Main Street through crucial grants and mentorship programs,” said Carolyn Rodz, CEO and Co-Founder of Hello Alice. “Small businesses drive our economy, yet often lack the necessary financing and resources. By partnering with major companies, Hello Alice is ensuring that small businesses have access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive and create jobs in their local communities. Together, we are building a robust support system that fosters innovation and growth for small businesses across the country.” The launch of this year’s accelerators follows the successful debut of the Boost Camp program in late 2023, where 100 small businesses benefited from programs with industry leaders such as FedEx, Comcast, and Antares Capital. Overall, participants experienced significant improvements in their business health. In the Antares REACH Cohort, 60% of participants reported an increase in their Business Health Score and 93% felt better equipped to confront challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Covering essential subjects like market validation, digital marketing, and financial planning, the curriculum resulted in 85% of participants feeling more optimistic about their business growth prospects. John Griveas, owner of Fetch Gourmet Dog Treats and a participant in the FedEx Entrepreneur Fund Boost Camp, said, “Thanks to FedEx and Hello Alice, I’ve not only received funding for my business but also gained a family of fellow winners all striving for success in their ventures. The experience from the Boost Camp has been transformative, fueling my passion and drive to take my business to new heights.” For more information on this year’s Boost Camps, please visit https://helloalice.com/funding/grants/.