Accelerate Success Empowers Women Entrepreneurs

August 14, 2025 | By Alex Held

In the heart of Arlington, a new program is cooking up opportunity for aspiring food entrepreneurs. Accelerate Success, launched in 2025 by Nanda Setlur, is a 14-week initiative giving women from diverse backgrounds the skills, confidence and connections to launch and grow thriving food businesses.

From bakeries and catering services to pop-ups and packaged goods, the program welcomes women with all levels of business experience who are ready to turn their culinary vision into reality. With 80% virtual instruction and 20% in-person sessions, Accelerate Success blends flexibility with hands-on learning.

“Our mission is to help women execute their vision,” said Setlur, a longtime Arlington resident. “We’re not just teaching business — we’re building a community.”

The program begins with two weeks of business fundamentals, followed by 12 weeks of implementation-focused learning. Topics include branding, market research, financial literacy, legal readiness and digital marketing. Participants also take part in expert-led workshops, connect with guest mentors and explore a live case study featuring Lan’s French-Vietnamese Bakery.

Accelerate Success partnered closely with BizLaunch, Arlington Economic Development’s small business support network, to shape the program. “BizLaunch provided invaluable design advice, references and feedback,” Setlur said. “Their support helped us create something truly impactful.”

Mentorship has been key to the program’s success. Tara Palacios, director of BizLaunch, served as a guiding force in its development. “Her insight and encouragement were instrumental,” Setlur said.

Why Arlington? “It’s home,” she said. “The location, diversity and amenities make it the perfect place to grow a business. While housing and traffic are challenges, the community’s vibrancy and support make it worthwhile.”

Looking ahead, Accelerate Success aims to foster a strong network of resilient, profitable food businesses led by empowered women.

If you’re looking to give your business a boost, reach out to BizLaunch today at www.bizlaunch.org to schedule your one-on-one consultation.