Minority Business Accelerator names new instructor

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Wendell Jones has been selected as the new Greenville Chamber Minority Business Accelerator instructor. He will lead the instruction of program participants, “preparing the high-potential minority-owned businesses” for growth and expansion, according to a news release.

“As the incoming instructor for the MBA program, I’m excited and honored to do my part in the uplift of all communities within the Upstate,” Jones said in the release. “As we continue to empower small-business owners within disadvantaged groups, they, in turn, will provide solutions for the various economic disparities facing our region. I’m proud to be a team member within the Greenville Chamber as we lead the charge in these efforts.”

An Upstate native, Jones is an entrepreneur and owns Wendell Jones Leadership Institute, where he facilitates professional and management development training. He is a graduate of Wofford College and a Liberty Fellow, the release said.

Jones replaces Toby Stansell, COO of THInc.IT, who is stepping down to pursue other business and personal endeavors, according to the release.

The Minority Business Accelerator was created to advance economic inclusion in the Upstate by increasing the overall capacity of local, minority business enterprises. The program is available to socially or economically disadvantaged businesses in the Upstate, including those that are minority, veteran or woman-owned, as well as those serving lower income communities.

Since 2013 the program has graduated nearly 80 participants and created 239 new full-time jobs, the release said. Participants have seen a combined $23.5 million in new revenue.

Also new in 2020 is the addition of a feeder program, produced in partnership with the Greenville Area Small Business Development Center, designed to support those organizations that do not yet qualify for the accelerator program. Applications are being accepted until Nov. 15.