Three-Year Fellowship Helps High-Growth Black-Owned Businesses Scale Through Strategic Advisory, Capital Access and Executive Coaching
DETROIT, MI — August 13, 2026— Black-owned businesses are launching at record rates, yet relatively few successfully scale into multi-million-dollar enterprises due to limited access to capital, executive advisory support, and growth infrastructure. To address this challenge during Black Business Month, Clutch Consulting is spearheading the second cohort of the Global Growth Accelerator (GGA). Developed as an MBBA-owned program, the accelerator is executed by Clutch Consulting with philanthropic funding from the Gilbert Family Foundation. The highly competitive, three-year fellowship is designed to help second-stage, Black-owned businesses scale, increase revenue, and access the capital and resources needed to grow beyond their current markets.
Through GGA, selected fellows receive individualized support to strengthen operations, expand into new markets, and accelerate long-term growth. The program provides direct access to strategic consulting, industry experts, implementation support, and various investment vehicles, ensuring participants are not only prepared to scale, but positioned to do so successfully.
Eligible businesses are second-stage companies with a demonstrated track record of profitability and a clear vision for scaling into new markets.
“Too often we celebrate the launch of Black-owned businesses without investing in what it takes to scale them,” said Kai Bowman, Principal at Clutch Consulting. “We believe access shouldn’t end with inspiration. It should extend to strategy, capital, relationships, and long-term partnership. That’s how businesses become institutions.”
Clutch’s approach extends beyond traditional business coaching by combining executive advisory services, implementation support, industry connections, and access to capital to help founders navigate the challenges of sustained growth.
The 2026 cohort reflects the breadth of Black entrepreneurship thriving across Metro Detroit, from hospitality and beauty to finance, insurance, staffing, creative services, culinary innovation, and experiential marketing. Together, these founders represent the next generation of businesses poised for significant regional and national growth.
Selected through a competitive application process, each fellow demonstrated strong business fundamentals, consistent revenue growth, and the potential to scale beyond local markets with strategic guidance and investment.
The Global Growth Accelerator Program Cohort Two are:
Nothing Bundt Cakes (Andrea Jones) – A fast-growing bakery franchise expanding access to premium desserts while building a scalable hospitality business in Metro Detroit.
Fierce Staffing Services (Arielle Johnson) – An event production and staffing company connecting brands with experienced talent while producing large-scale experiences nationally.
Modern Maison Company (Char Mills) – A luxury charcuterie and culinary experiences brand redefining hospitality through elevated catering, workshops, and corporate events.
Keyz Noir Group (Cris Keyz) – A creative agency and lifestyle brand transforming Detroit’s nightlife and cultural landscape through experiential marketing and community-driven events.
Curt Got Crabs (Curt Nelson) – A rapidly growing seafood concept known for its signature Cajun flavors, festival presence, and expanding regional brand recognition.
The Hayes Institute (Jessie Hayes) – An esthetics education and business academy preparing the next generation of beauty entrepreneurs through specialized skincare training and business development.
Believe 313 Staffing (Mario Kelly) – A workforce development and staffing agency committed to connecting Detroit residents with employment opportunities that strengthen the city’s economic future.
Suite Thirty42 (Terry Young) – A premier event venue creating memorable experiences for weddings, celebrations, and corporate gatherings throughout Metro Detroit.
Service First Tax Service (ToBina Thornton) – A financial services firm helping individuals and small businesses build long-term stability through tax preparation, bookkeeping, and financial education.
Tomica Hodge State Farm (Tomica Hodge) – A trusted insurance agency providing individuals, families, and entrepreneurs with personalized protection and financial planning solutions.
“When these businesses grow, they create jobs, strengthen neighborhoods, and build generational wealth that extends far beyond the individual entrepreneur,” Bowman added. “That’s why we measure success not just by revenue, but by long-term community impact.”
Early Results from Cohort One
Since launching in 2025, participating businesses have already demonstrated measurable growth, including:
- More than $9.2 million in combined 2025 revenue
- Multiple businesses achieving 15%+ year-over-year growth
- Two business acquisitions
- Two founders successfully exiting through company sales
- International brand partnerships
- A regional concert series expanding into national touring
Cohort One members currently in year two of the program include:
Griffin Plastic Surgery (Dr Delorean Griffin)
Morena’s The Top Pic Collective/ The Luxe Rental Collective (Britney Hoskins)
Kandiss Ecton State Farm Insurance (Kandiss Ecton)
Accutrak (Shaniece Bennett)
Smokey G’s Smokehouse (Greg Sims)
All Black Everything (Nina Love)
Grant Ventures (Tatiana Grant)
MVRKT Agency (Mark Russ & Sean Williams)
Charity (Charity Ward)
Participants in the Global Growth Accelerator receive:
- Expert consultation across finance, marketing, and operations
- One-on-one mentorship and bi-monthly peer coaching
- Three year strategic growth plans with implementation support
- Hands-on master classes focused on key business functions
- Direct access to capital through the Global Growth Accelerator Investment Fund
- Ongoing support from a network of industry leaders and advisors
Clutch Consulting works to empower a new generation of entrepreneurs with the resources, relationships, and strategies needed to scale their businesses and compete at the highest levels.
Clutch will continue expanding the Global Growth Accelerator through additional programming, strategic partnerships and executive education designed to support entrepreneurs long after Black Business Month concludes. For partnership opportunities please visit weareclutchconsulting.com
About Clutch Consulting
Clutch Consulting is a Black-owned full-service strategic consulting firm helping organizations and entrepreneurs grow through strategy, innovation, operations, financial modeling, marketing, and community engagement.
Clutch is building an entrepreneurial pipeline that spans every stage of entrepreneurship from their K-12 Junior Business AcademyTM curriculum to second-stage business growth through the Global Growth Accelerator. https://weareclutchconsulting.com/
Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA)
The Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA) champions the success of Black-owned businesses across Michigan by providing capital access, high-quality technical assistance, and direct support for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.
To help close the racial wealth gap by developing programs and advocating for policies that result in profitable and sustainable Black-owned businesses that are connected to public and private economic opportunities, while building trusted relationships. https://www.blackbizalliance.com/
Media Contact:
Luis Defrank
DEFRANK Consulting, LLC for Clutch Consulting