Small Business Impact Institute
The Small Business Impact Institute (SBII) is the Gwinnett Chamber Foundation’s structured training and certification readiness program designed to help small businesses scale strategically. SBII includes three focused tracks: Leadership & Operational Excellence, Developing Capital Readiness, and Leveraging Technology for Efficiency & Scale.
First year cohort graduates of SBII
Track 1: Leadership & Operational Excellence (12 weeks)
The first track, Leadership & Operational Excellence, strengthens the core systems required for growth.
Applications are now closed.
What This Track Covers
- Strategic decision-making and long-term planning
- Operational structure and process improvement
- Team leadership and accountability systems
- Scalable business infrastructure
Who Should Apply
- Businesses operating at least two years
- Approximately $250,000+ in annual revenue
- Owners and executive leaders seeking structured growth
- Companies preparing for expansion, contract growth, or certification readiness
Optional Certification Pathway
Qualified participants may pursue supply-chain certifications such as MBE, WOSB, VOSB, or DBE to increase eligibility for government contracts, corporate supplier programs, and vendor opportunities across Gwinnett and Metro Atlanta.
Application Timeline
- Application Period: February 18 – March 16
- Application Review: March 17 – March 19
- Group Virtual Interviews: March 20 – March 23
- Selection & Notification: March 24 – March 26
- Enrollment Confirmation: March 27
- Program Launch: March 30
Track 2: Developing Capital Readiness (12 weeks)
This track, Developing Capital Readiness, equips small businesses with the financial strategy, structure, and positioning required to access capital and scale sustainably.
Applications are now closed.
What This Track Covers
- Financial storytelling and lender-ready financials
- Cash flow forecasting and runway planning
- Credit optimization and fundability strategy
- Capital stack development and deal structuring
- Procurement readiness and revenue pipeline alignment
- Strategic growth planning and operational scalability
Who Should Apply
- Businesses operating at least two years
- Approximately $250,000+ in annual revenue
- Owners preparing for capital access, lending, or investment
- Companies seeking procurement opportunities and contract growth
- Leaders ready to scale with financial discipline and clarity
Optional Certification Pathway
Qualified participants may pursue supply chain certifications such as MBE, WOSB, VOSB, or DBE to increase eligibility for:
- Government contracting opportunities
- Corporate supplier diversity programs
- Vendor relationships across Gwinnett and Metro Atlanta
Application Timeline
- Application Period: May 18 – June 15
- Application Review: June 16 – June 19
- Group Virtual Interviews: June 22 – June 25
- Selection & Notification: June 26 – June 30
- Enrollment Confirmation: July 1
- Program Launch: July 13
Track 3: Leveraging Technology for Efficiency & Scale (12 weeks)
This track, Leveraging Technology for Efficiency & Scale, empowers businesses to implement the systems, tools, and automation required to grow beyond the owner and operate at scale.
Applications for this track will be open September 1 – October 1.
What This Track Covers
- Digital transformation strategy and technology alignment
- CRM systems and workflow automation
- Financial technology and real-time reporting dashboards
- Marketing technology and lead generation funnels
- KPI development and performance tracking systems
- Procurement technology and contract compliance tools
- AI integration, cybersecurity, and scalable operations
Who Should Apply
- Businesses operating at least two years
- Approximately $250,000+ in annual revenue
- Owners seeking to reduce dependency on themselves
- Companies preparing for operational scale and efficiency
- Leaders ready to leverage technology for growth and automation
Optional Certification Pathway
Qualified participants may pursue supply chain certifications such as MBE, WOSB, VOSB, or DBE to enhance:
- Supplier onboarding readiness
- Compliance and reporting capabilities
- Access to corporate and government contracts
Application Timeline
- Application Period: September 1 – October 1
- Application Review: October 2 – October 6
- Group Virtual Interviews: October 7 – October 10
- Selection & Notification: October 13 – October 15
- Enrollment Confirmation: October 16
- Program Launch: November 2
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Gwinnett Chamber Foundation Small Business Impact Institute (SBII) equips growth-ready small businesses with the tools, resources, and strategic support needed to scale, compete, and thrive.
We invite you to partner with us through Program Activation Sponsorships—direct investments that fund critical milestones in a business’s journey to sustainability and procurement readiness.
Why Partner with SBII?
Direct access to a pipeline of growth-ready businesses
Visibility among emerging employers of choice
Opportunities for meaningful business connections
Participation in building Gwinnett’s economic future
Title Sponsor
Lead the Movement. Power the Pipeline.- Up to Three (3) Supply Chain Certifications for cohort participants
- Named Sponsor of Breakfast Series (up to 6 sessions) with brand visibility
- Title Recognition at Pitch Competition (including association with winning business)
- Sponsor Spotlight During Cohort Sessions (verbal + visual recognition)
- Logo Placement Across SBII Materials (presentations, select marketing assets)
- Recognition at Certification Announcements
- Social Media + Email Marketing Features
- Invitation to End-of-Cohort Showcase & Networking Reception
- Early Access to High-Performing Small Businesses (pipeline engagement)
- Access to SBII Cohort Directory (opt-in)
- Opportunity to Attend and Engage in Cohort Breakfast Experiences
- Six (6) Invitations to GCF Signature Events
Transformation Sponsor
Power Business Readiness & Recognition- 1 Supply Chain Certification
- 1 Pitch Competition Winner
- 6 Cohort Breakfast Sessions
- Sponsor spotlight during cohort session
- Opportunity to attend a cohort breakfast experience
- Recognition at Pitch Competition
- Logo placement on cohort presentations
- Four (4) invitations to GCF signature events
- Access to SBII Cohort Directory (opt-in)
- Invitation to End-of-Cohort Showcase & Networking Reception
Growth Sponsor
Advance Certification & Competitive Readiness- 1 Supply Chain Certification
- Shared support of Breakfast & Pitch Competition
- Recognition during cohort session
- Logo placement on select materials
- Two (2) invitations to GCF events
- Social media and email spotlight
- Invitation to End-of-Cohort Showcase
- Early access to high-performing small businesses
Certification Sponsor
Make a Business Contract-Ready- 1 Supply Chain Certification
- Recognition as Certification Sponsor
- Verbal recognition during cohort
- Social media acknowledgement
- Recognition during Certification Announcement
Pitch Competition Sponsor
- Recognition as a funding catalyst for small business growth
- Association with Pitch Competition winner(s)
- Opportunity to serve as judge or presenter (if desired)
- Brand alignment with innovation, scalability, and entrepreneurial success
Breakfast Sponsor
- Branded presence at cohort breakfast sessions
- Opportunity to welcome attendees or provide brief remarks
- Direct relationship-building with cohort participants in a small-group setting
TRACK 1
Title Sponsor
Pitch Competition Sponsor
TRACK 2
Title Sponsor
