Local Entrepreneurs Celebrate Success at Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab Pitch Competition
Three minority-owned businesses in Harrisburg are celebrating after securing funding and support at the culmination of the Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab. The annual program, a joint initiative of M&T Bank and Harrisburg University’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE), culminated in a pitch competition where participants vied for cash prizes to fuel their entrepreneurial dreams.
A Proving Ground for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The seven-week program, offered free of charge, provided invaluable resources and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs from minority backgrounds. Think of it like a crash course, but instead of cramming for finals, you’re cramming in all the know-how to make your biz dreams a reality.
Participants dove headfirst into workshops and seminars covering crucial aspects of business development, sorta like Business Bootcamp, but way less intimidating (and with less yelling, we hope!). They tackled everything from soup to nuts, including:
Crafting a Business Plan That Doesn’t Collect Dust
Let’s be real, no one wants to write a business plan. But, this workshop helped participants ditch the stuffy templates and craft plans as unique and dynamic as their business ideas – think less corporate jargon, more entrepreneurial fire.
Building Business Credit That Sparkles (in a Good Way)
Credit scores – the source of joy and stress for most of us. This workshop demystified the often-confusing world of business credit, giving participants the knowledge and tools to build a credit history that would make even a banker say “Wowza!”
Navigating the Labyrinth of Capital Access (Without Getting Lost)
Finding funding for your business can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. This workshop shed light on the different avenues of capital available, from traditional loans to those super hip crowdfunding campaigns.
Local Entrepreneurs Celebrate Success at Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab Pitch Competition
Three minority-owned businesses in Harrisburg are celebrating after securing funding and support at the culmination of the Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab. The annual program, a joint initiative of M&T Bank and Harrisburg University’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE), culminated in a pitch competition where participants vied for cash prizes to fuel their entrepreneurial dreams.
A Proving Ground for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The seven-week program, offered free of charge, provided invaluable resources and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs from minority backgrounds. Think of it like a crash course, but instead of cramming for finals, you’re cramming in all the know-how to make your biz dreams a reality.
Participants dove headfirst into workshops and seminars covering crucial aspects of business development, sorta like Business Bootcamp, but way less intimidating (and with less yelling, we hope!). They tackled everything from soup to nuts, including:
Crafting a Business Plan That Doesn’t Collect Dust
Let’s be real, no one wants to write a business plan. But, this workshop helped participants ditch the stuffy templates and craft plans as unique and dynamic as their business ideas – think less corporate jargon, more entrepreneurial fire.
Building Business Credit That Sparkles (in a Good Way)
Credit scores – the source of joy and stress for most of us. This workshop demystified the often-confusing world of business credit, giving participants the knowledge and tools to build a credit history that would make even a banker say “Wowza!”
Navigating the Labyrinth of Capital Access (Without Getting Lost)
Finding funding for your business can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. This workshop shed light on the different avenues of capital available, from traditional loans to those super hip crowdfunding campaigns.
Marketing Magic: From Zero to Hero
Knowing your target audience is like, Marketing 101, right? This workshop dove deep into marketing strategies, helping participants find their peeps (aka customers) and craft messaging that truly resonates. Think less spam, more BAM!
Networking Nirvana: Building Connections That Count
Let’s face it, networking can be awkward. But this workshop transformed participants into networking ninjas, teaching them how to build genuine connections and leverage those relationships for entrepreneurial success.
And the Winner Is… Delicious BBQ, Innovative Studios, and Holistic Healing!
The program wrapped up with a pitch competition that would make even the toughest Shark Tank investors take note. Participants, armed with their newfound knowledge and killer pitches, presented their business ideas to a panel of judges who were definitely not messing around.
Drumroll, please… here are the big winners who wowed the judges and walked away with some serious cash:
First Place ($5,000): Queen’s BBQ and Southern Cuisine is Back, Baby!
Anya Lumpkin, the queen bee of comfort food, snagged the top prize! Anya, who previously ran a popular spot on N. 3rd St., plans to use the funds to bring back her beloved Southern cuisine haven. Get ready for some finger-lickin’ good grub, Harrisburg!
Second Place ($3,000): Bailey II Studios LLC – Shrouded in Mystery, Brimming with Potential
Richard Bailey, the mastermind behind Bailey II Studios LLC, secured the second-place prize. Details about this mysterious venture are still under wraps, but with that kinda funding, we’re expecting big things!
Third Place ($2,000): Total Rehabilitation Systems – Your Body’s New Best Friend
Amy Ellis, the brains and heart behind Total Rehabilitation Systems, rounded out the winner’s circle. Amy’s business is all about holistic rehabilitation, and with this funding boost, she’s ready to help Harrisburg heal from the inside out.
The Support Doesn’t Stop There: Nurturing Entrepreneurial Dreams Year-Round
The CIE isn’t just a one-hit-wonder. This entrepreneurial powerhouse operates as a business incubator year-round, offering a supportive and collaborative space for startups to grow and thrive.
Their programs, spanning 12 to 18 months, are like a warm hug for minority- and women-owned businesses, providing the resources, mentorship, and guidance needed to navigate the sometimes bumpy road of entrepreneurship.
And let’s not forget about M&T Bank, the real MVP (Most Valuable Partner). They’re so committed to fostering entrepreneurship in the Capital Region that they pledged a whopping $250,000 and a five-year partnership to the CIE back in 2023. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is!
Ready to Unleash Your Inner Entrepreneur?
Whether you’re just starting out with a brilliant business idea or looking to take your existing venture to the next level, the Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab and the CIE are here to help you every step of the way.
Check out these resources to learn more:
- For all the deets on the Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab, head over to the M&T Bank website.
- Curious about Harrisburg University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and all the awesome programs they offer? Visit the CIE website.
- Love reading about local success stories and want to support community-driven initiatives? Become a Friend of TheBurg!