About MOMENTUM ACCELERATOR
ACCESS TO CAPITAL COHORT
MOMENTUM Accelerator was established in 2024 by Community-Up to equip small businesses with the knowledge, tools, and financial readiness needed to scale and secure funding successfully. Designed as a capital readiness program, MOMENTUM focuses on helping entrepreneurs become bankable, build strong business credit profiles, and develop sustainable growth strategies.
Nakee Butter
Evan Weber, CEO of Nakee Butter, proudly accepts the $1,500 Grant Award after winning the MOMENTUM Accelerator Pitch Contest. As an innovative food entrepreneur, Evan’s pitch showcased how Nakee Butter is revolutionizing the market with its nutrient-dense, high-protein spreads. His vision for scaling production and expanding distribution impressed the panel of judges, earning him both recognition and funding to help fuel the company’s growth.
LierreNaturals
Dr. Dana Braxton, CEO of Lierre Naturals, celebrates her $1,500 Grant Award after delivering a winning pitch at the MOMENTUM Accelerator Pitch Contest. With a mission to provide all-natural, plant-based skincare solutions, Dr. Braxton’s presentation highlighted her company’s commitment to holistic beauty, sustainability, and product innovation. This funding will help expand her product line and increase market reach, further solidifying Lierre Naturals as a leader in the clean beauty industry.
about momentum accelerator
MOMENTUM Accelerator was established in 2024 by Community-Up to equip small businesses with the knowledge, tools, and financial readiness needed to scale and secure funding successfully. Designed as a capital readiness program, MOMENTUM focuses on helping entrepreneurs become bankable, build strong business credit profiles, and develop sustainable growth strategies.
Program Overview
MOMENTUM Accelerator is an intensive cohort-based program that provides:
- Expert-led business coaching in financial management, marketing, and operational efficiency.
- A proprietary 50-point bankability matrix, ensuring participants meet the necessary criteria for loan approvals.
- One-on-one mentorship and technical assistance from industry professionals and financial institutions.
- A structured path to capital, connecting participants with banks, CDFIs, and alternative lenders.
Each cohort culminates in a final pitch contest, where participants present their business growth plans to a panel of funders, investors, and economic development leaders. MOMENTUM has already seen tangible results, with 40% of its first cohort securing funding and additional graduates currently working through loan closing.
Vision & Impact
MOMENTUM is more than just a program—it’s a movement that fosters entrepreneurial success, peer networking, and long-term financial empowerment. By providing direct access to capital, industry expertise, and a strong business community, MOMENTUM is building a pipeline of high-growth, investment-ready businesses that contribute to local economic development.
Moments of Hope: Our Journey in Photos
