On Aug. 19, nine small business owners and program facilitators kicked off the Fall 2026 Supplier Readiness Accelerator. The 12-week, cohort-based program begins with a baseline assessment for each participating business, then, over the course of three months, blends structured learning with applied practice. The result is more confident small business owners better prepared to compete for contracts and support corporate partners.
During the kickoff, business owners had a chance to introduce their companies and the opportunities and challenges they face. In the room with them were the program facilitators, who will offer coaching and lead sessions to provide professional insight. The program will close in November 2026, when each participate presents a capstone project, outlining a business growth plan that integrates learnings and new tactics from the program.
Fall 2026 Supplier Readiness Accelerator Participants
- Ranisha Noble, Alliance Certified Restoration
- Elsa Avila, Elsa’s Cleaning Company LLC
- Adjo Honsou, FuFu N Sauce
- India Ivory, Ivory Commercial Lawn Care and Facility Services
- Onosadavbeji Oghre-Ikanone, Levels Cuisine
- Nikki Taylor, Locs of Glory Salon & Spa
- SoJohna Bell, Ryze Manufacturing and Logistics
- Keith Williams, True Light Electric
- Tova Feinberg, Vertigreens
Growing the Region’s Small Businesses
The Accelerator is just one of many tools Greater St. Louis, Inc. offers to support small business growth within the 15-county St. Louis region, including SupplySTL, which works to shape a world class ecosystem for small businesses, bringing together small business support organizations, anchor institutions, and corporations.