Small Business Impact Institute Getting Certified Course

Vision:
To empower and equip minority, veteran and woman owned small businesses in Gwinnett County to achieve sustainable growth, success, and long-term impact within the local, corporate, and government supply chains.

Mission:
The GCF Small Business Impact Institute fosters the development of small businesses through education, resources, and small business 1 on 1 coaching, enabling them to navigate certification processes, scale their operations, secure corporate and government contracts, and explore franchising opportunities.

The GCF Small Business Institute Pillars:

  1. Getting Certified: Empowering businesses to navigate and obtain certifications such as MBE, WOSB, VOSB, DBE, and WBENC.
  2. Accelerator: Providing tools and mentorship to fast-track growth and scalability for small businesses.
  3. Government Contracts: Equipping businesses with strategies to secure and fulfill government procurement opportunities.
  4. Becoming a Franchisor: Guiding businesses through the process of developing franchisable operations and systems.

Getting Certified Course Application
The GCF Small Business Institute invites applications for the 2025 “Getting Certified” course, designed to support small businesses in Gwinnett County with high growth potential. This program is specifically tailored for:

  • Minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses.
  • Businesses operating in Gwinnett County.
  • Businesses with 3 years plus of operational history.
  • Businesses generating up to $250,000 in gross annual revenue.
  • Businesses offering products/services that are in demand in corporate and government supply chains.

Program Details

Certifications Supported:
MBE, WOSB, VOSB, DBE, WBENC

Investment:

  • $375 for Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce members.
  • $500 for non-members.

Program Duration:
12 months (January 28th – December 12th, 2025)

Attendance Requirements:

  • Attendance at a minimum of 9 out of 11 monthly Brown Bag Power Hour courses.
  • Attendance at all one-on-one small business accelerator coaching sessions.
  • Attendance at all scheduled one-on-one meetings with the GCF Executive Director.
  • Completion of all homework assignments on the designated portal.
  • Participation in all cohort photo shoots.

Important Dates:

  • Application Deadline: January 31
  • Review Process: Applications will be reviewed by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Program Committee.
  • Notification of Acceptance: February 6
  • Brown Bag Power Hour: January 28
  • Brown Bag Power Hour: February 18
  • Brown Bag Power Hour: March 18
  • Brown Bag Power Hour: April 15
  • Brown Bag Power Hour: May 13
  • Brown Bag Power Hour: June 17
  • Brown Bag Power Hour: July 22
  • Brown Bag Power Hour: August 19
  • Brown Bag Power Hour: September 16
  • Brown Bag Power Hour: October 14

Getting Certified Applications Closed