Now Accepting Nominations for the 2026 Next Level Cohort

Program Dates: April 6, 2026 – September 28, 2026

The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga (ULGC) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Next Level Business Accelerator a seven-month program for established entrepreneurs ready to scale with intention.

Since 2017, Next Level has supported Chattanooga businesses like Uncle Larry’s Restaurant, Local Juicery & Kitchen, and Southern Soul Yoga & Pilates, helping owners grow with clarity, confidence, and support.

What You’ll Gain

Next Level helps business owners step out of day-to-day operations and focus on long-term growth. Participants will:

Create a clear three-year growth plan

Build confidence using financial statements

Strengthen leadership and CEO decision-making

Learn how to hire, build, and retain strong teams

Gain expert mentorship, peer support, and practical tools

And more

Who Should Be Nominated

This program is best for business owners who:

Earn $90K+ in annual revenue

Have been in business 2+ years

Work full-time in the business

Have (or plan to hire) at least one full-time employee

Can commit ~3 hours per week from April–September 2026

Nomination Deadline

 February 20, 2026

What topics are covered in the program?

The Next Level curriculum focuses on:

• Leadership development and decision-making

• Financial management and capital readiness

• Business operations and systems

• Marketing and customer strategy

• Growth planning and long-term vision

• Peer learning and accountability

Is there a cost to participate?

Yes, Next Level requires a participation fee of $250.00. The cost reflects the depth of instruction, coaching, resources, and support provided throughout the program.

When and where do Next Level classes take place?

Next Level classes are held every other Monday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga offices, located at 401 E. MLK Blvd. The program begins on April 6.

How many businesses are accepted into each cohort?

Next Level cohorts are intentionally kept small to ensure meaningful engagement, peer learning, and personalized support. Cohort size varies each year however we strive to get 15 businesses in the room. 

How are participants selected?

Businesses are selected through an application, review, and interview process. Selection is based on business readiness, growth potential, and alignment with the goals of the program. The interview helps ensure the program is a strong fit for both the business owner and the cohort experience.

How much time should I expect to commit?

Participants should expect to spend about 3 hours per week in Next Level. The cohort meets every other week for a 3-hour session. During off weeks, participants spend time on coursework or peer CEO group meetings. The program runs from April through September.

How do I stay informed about future Next Level opportunities?

We recommend joining the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga’s mailing list and following our social media channels for updates on application cycles, events, and entrepreneur resources.

What industries are eligible for Next Level?

Next Level is industry-agnostic. Businesses from a wide range of industries are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the program’s eligibility criteria.

Need personalized Support??? Let’s Talk One-On-One 

Complete our Intake Form, If you would like guidance with

planning, operation, strategy, financials, or general business support