The SBDC Million Dollar Challenge

The Million Dollar Challenge equips entrepreneurs with a practical program that blends cutting-edge training and personalized one-on-one consulting.

Unlock your full potential.

In today’s competitive small-business landscape, substantial revenue growth is hard. The JPMorgan Chase Institute reports that only 1 in 20 small businesses reaches $1 million in annual sales. The Million Dollar Challenge exists to change that—equipping entrepreneurs with a practical program that blends cutting-edge training and personalized one-on-one consulting. We provide the tools, resources, and guidance to break through revenue ceilings and unlock full potential.

Join the Million Dollar Challenge and start your path to measurable, sustainable growth.

About the Program

The Million Dollar Challenge is designed to evaluate your business end-to-end—financials, marketing, customers, operations, and strategy—to pinpoint gaps and growth opportunities. You’ll begin with a customized assessment of your business led by an SBDC consulting team that diagnoses your current state and lays the groundwork for your growth plan.

Next, you’ll join a small cohort of 15–20 like-minded business owners committed to scaling past $1M. We meet monthly to build strategy and tactical plans across five pillars: Strategy, Cash, Customers, Workforce, and Operations. Each session introduces new topics and includes one-on-one time with SBDC experts to develop your personalized Growth Plan.

After the training, your SBDC consulting team continues alongside you to support execution and momentum.

What You'll Receive

A comprehensive assessment of your current business with a detailed gap/opportunity analysis
A customized Growth Plan to guide your business towards its first million dollars in sales
A set of Key Performance Indicators to monitor and steer your business’s success
A dedicated team of SBDC Consultants to assist you in executing your Growth Plan

Participation Expectations

The business applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:

Must be in business for more than 12 months
Generating sales between $250,000 and $900,000 a year
Must be the business owner
Have at least one W-2 employee on your payroll
Ability to attend four monthly training programs (once a month)
Engage in one-on-one consultations throughout the program
Willingness to share current financial and operating documents and report quarterly (for
up to two years) on key performance indicators (sales, profit, employees)

How to Apply

Complete the following registration form to apply for the next Million Dollar Challenge cohort and seize the opportunity to transform your business into a million-dollar enterprise.

Completing this application does not guarantee acceptance into the OCIE SBDC Million Dollar Challenge. For businesses not selected to the program, an SBDC consultant will be assigned to assist you with your business.