The Office of Executive Education, a part of Howard University’s School of Business, is partnering with the D.C. Chamber of Commerce to launch the Future Moguls Executive Accelerator at The Mecca, a new program designed for high-potential entrepreneurs, small business owners, rising professionals, nonprofit leaders, government contractors, and growth-stage founders across the Washington, D.C. region.

The program pairs Howard faculty with the D.C. Chamber of Commerce’s network of business and civic leaders to deliver a high-performance curriculum rooted in leadership development and community impact. 

“As an institution built on a legacy of excellence, truth, and service, Howard University has long understood that developing visionary leaders is essential to the strength of our city and its business economy,” said Kim R. Wells, executive director of the Office of Executive Education. “We are creating a powerful pathway for emerging executives to deepen their skills, expand their networks, and position themselves to drive innovation across Washington, D.C. and our global community.”

The program will take place Oct. 1 through Nov. 19, 2026. Participants in the program’s inaugural cohort will engage in advanced learning modules spanning leadership, applied strategy, AI readiness, government contracting fundamentals, executive negotiations, diaspora-driven opportunity, and individualized executive coaching. The accelerator program is designed to sharpen strategic thinking, elevate executive presence, expand influential networks, and amplify participants’ visibility across the region’s business ecosystem.

“The Future Moguls Program represents exactly what the Board envisioned for the Chamber’s next chapter: bold investments in the people who will shape the region’s economic future,” said Earle (Chico) Horton III, D.C. Chamber of Commerce Board Chair and partner at Tiber Hudson. “By partnering with the Howard University School of Business, we are elevating this program with world‑class executive education and a legacy of excellence that empowers emerging leaders to grow, innovate, and lead with purpose. This is more than an accelerator; it’s a commitment to strengthening the District’s business ecosystem for years to come.”  

The Future Moguls Executive Accelerator at The Mecca program is accepting nominations for participants now through Sept. 8, 2026. Visit the D.C. Chamber of Commerce’s website for more information about the program, eligibility requirements, and guidance on how to nominate (or self-nominate) a candidate.