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AMBER Application Fall 2026 (Cohort VIII)

About:

The 14-week AMBER program provides individualized coaching, technical assistance on navigating the business ecosystem, and access to subject matters experts that help you achieve the strategies and indicators that will allow your business to grow. Through the intensive guidance and support system, AMBER Fellows improve their knowledge of critical entrepreneurial skills, enhance their organizational business model, and increase their access to business advancement resources.

The program requires approximately 2-3 hours per week of time commitment with the one-on-one coach, monthly peer group sessions, business plan review, financial management review, as well as technical assistance and subject expert assistance. All peer group sessions focus on business development and there will be additional sessions that are optional.

Our goal is to ensure you are procurement ready and financially prepared for growth. Companies selected for the program must be located and doing business in Montgomery County, Maryland and will receive a full schedule of the program prior to orientation. The fee for those accepted is $500. The value of the program coaching, subject matter experts, business sessions and materials is more than $7500.

Businesses that are accepted will also work with a business financial advisor to get a profile of their business financial status, which will require financial reports on the business.
1.Company Name(Required.)
2.Business Owner First Name(Required.)
3.Business Owner Last Name(Required.)
4.Company Street Address(Required.)
5.City(Required.)
6.State(Required.)
7.Zip code(Required.)
8.Email(Required.)
9.Phone (Required.)
10.Website(Required.)
11.What is the County Council District in which your business is located? Find your district at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/district_map.html(Required.)
12.Month and year of Incorporation (enter actual month/year as 6/2022 for example)(Required.)
13.EIN (if you are incorporated)(Required.)
14.What industry best describes your business?(Required.)
15.Do you have W-2 employees?(Required.)
16.Total revenue in 2025(Required.)
17.Does your business target the public or other businesses as clients?(Required.)
18.Do you have retail or commercial space?(Required.)
19.In addition to fees, how have you funded your business – check all that apply(Required.)
20.Do you work full-time outside of your business?(Required.)
21.Do you use financial management software to track your financial reports? (If selected, you will be required to provide a standard set of financial reports such as a balance sheet and statement of financial position. If you do not use software to track your financials, we will match you with a CPA that will setup the system and prepare the initial reports for you.)(Required.)
22.Have you developed a profile of your ideal client?(Required.)
23.Briefly describe any unexpected success or challenge that has impacted your business:(Required.)
24.Briefly state your expectations if selected for the AMBER program?(Required.)
25.How do you anticipate you can benefit the AMBER business community with your time or talent?(Required.)
26.Business Type – check all that apply(Required.)
27.Your Age Range(Required.)
28.Your gender(Required.)
29.Race and Ethnicity(Required.)
30.How did you hear about this program – check all that apply(Required.)
31.Social Media Handles(Required.)
32.Upload a current copy of your Certificate of Good Standing from the Maryland State Department of Assessments & Taxation. (A screenshot is acceptable)
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