Small business program launching for Harrisburg entrepreneurs

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams is joining M&T Bank and Harrisburg University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship today to announce the launch of the fourth annual Small Business Accelerator Program.

According to a release, the initiative supports emerging entrepreneurs in the Harrisburg Capital Region, equipping them with skills and resources to strengthen their businesses and drive economic growth.

“The City of Harrisburg recognizes the tremendous value of this program in empowering small business owners with the guidance and skills needed to build strong businesses that drive economic growth in our city and create generational wealth for their families,” Williams said in a statement. “We are proud to support an initiative that directly benefits our local entrepreneurs and strengthens the economic fabric of our community.”

This year’s program will accept 40 participants who meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must be in business for three years or less.
• Annual business revenue must be $350,000 or less.
• The principal owner must be 18 years or older.
• The business owner must reside in Harrisburg’s Capital Region.

Applications for the Small Business Accelerator Program are open and must be submitted by April 12. The program starts May 7, at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. It will run for seven weeks, with sessions held on Wednesday evenings.

Participants in the program will receive guidance on business topics, including the following:

• Developing an effective business plan.
• Understanding and establishing credit.
• Accessing capital and funding opportunities.
• Perfecting a compelling business pitch.
• Marketing, networking, and business ownership insights.

The program concludes June 18, with a pitch competition where participants will have the opportunity to showcase their business ideas. M&T Bank will award a total of $10,000 in funding to the winners to support their entrepreneurial businesses.

“This initiative is a powerful example of the impact that public-private partnerships can have on our community,” said Williams. “We are grateful to M&T Bank, the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and all our community partners for their commitment to strengthening Harrisburg’s small business ecosystem.”

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply early as participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.