Wyndham launches first-ever Acceleration Circle; strengthening community connections for diverse hoteliers

Wyndham's network of Black Owners and Lodging Developers (BOLD) and women-owned room franchisees is made easier with access to peer-to-peer connections and expert guidance. Created to build community for diverse hoteliers, the new Accelerator Circle focuses on fast-tracking hotel openings through quarterly group virtual gatherings, giving BOLD and women-owned room franchisees exclusive access to hoteliers. Dem's network of existing owners and industry experts. Maximize performance.

From networking and education to operational support and free services to help maximize revenue, BOLD and Women Own the Room offer tailored solutions to help break down the common barriers every group faces when pursuing hotel ownership. Together, BOLD and Women Own the Room have secured more than 90 hotel deals with Black and women hoteliers, more than 20 of which are now open. Through the Accelerator Circle, Wyndham is leveraging its position as the world's largest hotel franchisor to reinforce its commitment to bringing more diversity to the hospitality industry.

“Navigating hotel ownership is not easy, and many owners face the same challenges time and time again. Wyndham’s Accelerator Circle connects a vibrant community of Black and female entrepreneurs who don’t always get the opportunities our industry Support. This is a space for owners to exchange knowledge, learn from experienced professionals, and what is the expected outcome? A more diverse industry with a new wave of empowered, savvy owners.”

– Galen Barrett, Vice President, Strategic Franchise Programs, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Accelerate ownership through community
BOLD and Women Own the Room are designed to help entrepreneurs from considering hotel ownership all the way through opening a hotel, with a strong emphasis on cultivating an interactive community that supports diversity in the hospitality industry. With Accelerator Circle, Wyndham is taking that focus to the next level, fostering connections between BOLD and Women Own the Room owners so they can learn from shared experiences and grow together as an engaged community.

In line with its “owner-first” approach to franchising, the Accelerator Circle sessions will focus on topics coming directly from franchisees, including financing, hotel renovations, development and operations, and more. Sessions will be moderated by industry professionals, including Wyndham team members, industry experts and fellow owners, to facilitate strategic peer-to-peer discussions and provide insights into the real-time issues facing owners today.

WaterWalk CEO Mimi Oliver will kick off a series of events for Accelerator Circle this fall, hosting a discussion focused on optimizing relationships with franchisees. During her tenure, Mimi has overseen the development, opening and operation of numerous hotels, raised over $100 million in equity for the company and most recently joined forces with Wyndham as the company's 25th director.^th Wyndham Waterline extended stay hotel brand. In addition to being a trailblazer for female executives in the industry, she oversaw the incredible success of her late grandfather, Jack DeBoer, a pioneer in the long-term lodging space who spearheaded the growth of the space. Future sessions will be hosted by other industry professionals and will cover topics including fundraising, construction and renovation, creating optimal staffing models, and more.

“Hotel ownership can be challenging, and I have seen firsthand the value of having a group of supporters to help overcome these difficulties and drive success. I was attracted to Wyndham because of their commitment to increasing diversity in the hospitality industry, and the Accelerator Circle is my A meaningful way to give back to the community to inspire future generations – especially those who may not see a clear path – to join our fantastic industry.”

– Mimi Oliver, CEO, WaterWalk

To learn more about acceleration laps, see here.