Small Business
Growth
Academy
(SBGA)
Presented By
SBGA
Values & Mission
In Partnership with Wells Fargo bank, and Charles County Chamber of Commerce, WETATi Academy Presents Small Business Growth Academy (SBGA).
Powered by Wells Fargo Bank, WETATi Academy and the Charles County Chamber of Commerce we present the launch of our Small Business Growth Academy (SBGA).
Join us for our Small Business Growth Academy (SBGA) official ribbon-cutting kickoff ceremony that will be held on March the 29th, 2025 at 10am at the Charles County Chamber of Commerce located at 303 Charles St suite 100, La Plata, MD 20646.
The Small Business Growth Academy (SBGA) is a flagship program developed by WETATi Academy to equip small businesses in Charles County with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. Powered by Wells Fargo Bank in partnership with WETATi Academy and the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, this initiative focuses on providing entrepreneurs with critical business management skills, cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, and driving sustainable growth.
Key Program Features Include:
- Comprehensive Training Modules
- Expert-Led Workshops
- Networking Opportunities
- Hands-On Support
- Interactive Sessions
- Social Media Marketing Business Pitch Competition (SMMPC)
- Certificate of participation:
Join us in empowering small businesses and creating a lasting economic impact in Charles County Maryland! This program is intended for Charles County businesses but anyone can apply. To apply to the Small Business Growth Academy (SBGA) Submit your completed FREE Small Business Growth Academy (SBGA) form by Friday, March 7th, 2025.
Empowering small businesses in Charles County through comprehensive training in business management, entrepreneurship mindset, financial literacy, marketing, technology, customer service, and networking. The program aims to foster sustainable growth and development, enabling entrepreneurs to build resilient and thriving businesses.
The (SBGA) program will begin on April 19, 2025 and end on September 13, 2025.
The SBGA includes a series of in -person and virtual training sessions, workshops, and a pitch competition. Participants will gain valuable expertise in critical areas of business, culminating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate their achievements and contributions to the local economy.
SBGA 2025 Important Dates
application Deadline
03-07
Kickoff Ceremony
03-29
Program Begins
04-19
program Ends
09-13
LET'S WORK
TOGETHER
What the SBGA Community has to say already
Dr. Margaret Dureke Says:
Executive Director, WETATi Academy
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, job creation, and community development. At WETATi Academy we recognize that for small businesses to thrive, they need more than just passion—they need knowledge, resources, and the right support system. That is why we created the Small Business Growth Academy (SBGA), a transformative program designed to equip entrepreneurs with critical business management skills, financial literacy, marketing strategies, technology integration, and networking opportunities to foster sustainable growth.
My vision for SBGA is to create a lasting impact by empowering business owners with the tools and confidence to scale their businesses, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy.”
Traci Horne Says:
SBGA
“Small businesses are the backbone of Maryland’s economy, weaving together diverse communities from Baltimore to the Eastern Shore,” states Senior Philanthropy and Community Impact Leader Traci Horne. “The WETATi Academy’s small business cohorts provide entrepreneurs with essential training, mentorship, and structure to transform their visions into successful realities. Wells Fargo is ‘The Bank of Doing,’ and through our investment in this pilot program, we’re strengthening Maryland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and ensuring business owners have the tools to build thriving companies that create jobs and foster economic growth. When Maryland’s small businesses succeed, our entire community prospers.”
Kathryn Guzmán Says:
President & CEO of the Charles County Chamber of Commerce
“The Small Business Growth Academy is a game-changer for our Chamber members. Thanks to the incredible collaboration between WETATi Academy and Wells Fargo Bank, we are able to provide this transformative program at no cost to selected participants. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to empowering small businesses with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to thrive in today’s economy. We are excited to support our local entrepreneurs on this journey and look forward to seeing the lasting impact this program will have on the business community in Charles County.”
Sponsorship Opportunities
Want to support the growth of small businesses? Become a sponsor and help empower local entrepreneurs while gaining visibility for your brand.
Sponsorship Tiers:
Platinum Sponsor – $25,000
Gold Sponsor – $15,000
Silver Sponsor – $10,000
Bronze Sponsor – $5,000
Supporter – Custom Contribution
For sponsorship inquiries, contact: Dr. Margaret Dureke
Executive Director
WETATi Academy, Inc.
Email: margaret@wetatiacademy.org
Phone: 240 791 9931
Amb. Dr. Margaret Dureke
Executive Director,
WETATi Academy
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, job creation, and community development. At WETATi Academy we recognize that for small businesses to thrive, they need more than just passion—they need knowledge, resources, and the right support system. That is why we created the Small Business Growth Academy (SBGA), a transformative program designed to equip entrepreneurs with critical business management skills, financial literacy, marketing strategies, technology integration, and networking opportunities to foster sustainable growth. My vision for SBGA is to create a lasting impact by empowering business owners with the tools and confidence to scale their businesses, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy. ”
Traci Horne
WELLS FARGO
Vice President
Sr. Philanthropy and
Community Impact Leader
Wells Fargo & Company
“Small businesses are the backbone of Maryland’s economy, weaving together diverse communities from Baltimore to the Eastern Shore,” states Senior Philanthropy and Community Impact Leader Traci Horne. “The WETATi Academy’s small business cohorts provide entrepreneurs with essential training, mentorship, and structure to transform their visions into successful realities. Wells Fargo is ‘The Bank of Doing,’ and through our investment in this pilot program, we’re strengthening Maryland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and ensuring business owners have the tools to build thriving companies that create jobs and foster economic growth. When Maryland’s small businesses succeed, our entire community prospers.”
Kathryn Guzmán
President & CEO of the Charles
County Chamber of Commerce
“The Small Business Growth Academy is a game-changer for our Chamber members. Thanks to the incredible collaboration between WETATi Academy and Wells Fargo Bank, we are able to provide this transformative program at no cost to selected participants. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to empowering small businesses with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to thrive in today’s economy. We are excited to support our local entrepreneurs on this journey and look forward to seeing the lasting impact this program will have on the business community in Charles County.”
