M&T Bank awards $10K to winners of Harrisburg Small Business Program

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M&T Bank announced winners of the Harrisburg Small Business Accelerator Program, awarding $10,000 to local entrepreneurs to support business growth.

Jazmin Slaughter, owner of A Hint of Jazz public relations agency, won the $5,000 grand prize of the pitch competition. Kristina Ekwe, owner of Touch of Elegance, earned the pitch competition’s second-place prize of $3,000. Mieshia Jackson, owner of Chef Mi + Kids, won the third-place prize of $2,000.

“I am so proud to have earned such a monumental achievement as a small business owner right here in Central Pennsylvania,” Slaughter said in a statement. “This is a full-circle moment. A Hint of Jazz Management celebrated five years in business one month before the live pitch. Being a part of this program and getting the opportunity to learn, workshop, and envision a business plan, understand my balance sheet, and develop branding strategies are all tools that M&T was able to provide to this year’s cohort.

“Everyone did such an awesome job, and a big part of business is networking. I met a class full of amazing entrepreneurs in the region who I’m excited to see continue to grow in their work as well. I’m still in shock, but this is something I worked hard for and earned, and I’m just so grateful and appreciative to have been presented with this opportunity,” added Slaughter.

The eight-week Harrisburg Small Business Accelerator Program launched April 29 in partnership with the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. Courses were held weekly at Harrisburg University, and the program focused on business planning, establishing credit, accessing capital, marketing, branding, and networking.

“Small business owners invest an incredible amount of time and energy into building something meaningful,” said Nora Habig, M&T’s regional president for Central and Western Pennsylvania. “This program creates space for them to focus on long-term growth while connecting with experts and peers who can support their goals. We’re proud to celebrate what this year’s participants have accomplished and look forward to seeing the impact their businesses will continue to make across the Capital Region.”

The Harrisburg Small Business Accelerator Program was offered to entrepreneurs who met the following eligibility requirements:

• In business between two – five years;
• Annual business revenue of $50,000 – $500,000;
• Principal owner must be 18 years or older; and,
• Small business owners must reside in Harrisburg and surrounding towns.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” Pennsylvania State Senator Patty Kim said. “Now more than ever, we need to do everything in our power to ensure that local entrepreneurs get the mentorship and support they need to be successful. I am honored to have been able to be a part of the pitch competition, which helps do just that. This year’s hardworking participants truly gave this program their all, and I want to sincerely congratulate our winners on a job well done.”

Inaugurated in 2022, the Harrisburg Small Business Accelerator Program provides small-business owners with free access to resources and education to grow their business. The 2022 program received the Catalyst Award from the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and Capital Region Economic Development Corporation for its impact on businesses in the area.