Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is taking its commitment to fostering diversity in hospitality to new heights with the launch of the Accelerator Circle, an initiative designed to support Black Owners and Lodging Developers (BOLD) and Women Own the Room franchisees. This program provides an exclusive network of peer-to-peer connections and expert mentorship aimed at helping diverse hoteliers fast-track hotel openings and optimise performance.
The Accelerator Circle offers quarterly, small-group virtual meetups where participants can connect with existing Wyndham owners and industry experts to share knowledge and receive personalised guidance. From navigating the challenges of hotel ownership to learning strategies for maximising revenue, this initiative is designed to break down barriers that have historically hindered Black and women entrepreneurs from entering the industry.
Galen Barrett, VP of Strategic Franchise Initiatives at Wyndham, highlighted the importance of community support: “Navigating hotel ownership isn’t easy, with many owners facing the same challenges over and over. Wyndham’s Accelerator Circle connects a dynamic community for Black and women entrepreneurs who haven’t always had the support of our industry. It’s a space for owners to exchange knowledge, learn from seasoned pros, and the expected result? A more diverse industry with a new wave of empowered, savvy owners.”
This new platform builds on the success of BOLD and Women Own the Room, two Wyndham initiatives that have already resulted in over 90 hotel deals for Black and women hoteliers, with more than 20 properties now open. The Accelerator Circle is designed to take this progress further, creating a space where franchisees can gain insights on critical topics such as securing financing, renovations, operations, and more.
Kicking off the first Accelerator Circle session this fall is Mimi Oliver, CEO of WaterWalk, who will lead a discussion on optimising relationships with franchisors. A trailblazer in the industry, Oliver has overseen the development of numerous hotels and raised over $100 million in equity for WaterWalk. Reflecting on her role, she said, “I’ve seen firsthand how valuable it is to have a circle of supporters to help navigate those difficulties and drive success. Accelerator Circle is one meaningful way I can give back to inspire future generations-especially those who might not see a clear path-to join our fantastic industry.”
Future sessions will feature industry experts tackling topics like fundraising, construction, and staffing models, all with the aim of supporting a more inclusive and successful hotel ownership community. With this new initiative, Wyndham leverages its position as the world’s largest hotel franchisor to create an environment where Black and women hoteliers can thrive, making strides toward a more diverse and equitable future in the hospitality industry.
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