Seven-week business accelerator program to be
held at Harrisburg University,
beginning May 8
HARRISBURG, Pa., April 4,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB) is
seeking up to 45 entrepreneurs to participate in its third Capital
Region Multicultural Small Business Lab – a program designed to
provide multicultural business owners with the guidance and skills
needed to build strong businesses, spur economic growth in the
Harrisburg area, and build
generational wealth for their families.
Registration is now open for the seven-week program which is
held in partnership with the Center for Innovation &
Entrepreneurship at Harrisburg University of
Science and Technology (CIE). The program's sessions will
focus on business planning, establishing credit, accessing capital,
marketing, branding, and networking.
The Multicultural Small Business Lab launches May 8, with courses held each Wednesday evening
at Harrisburg University. It will
conclude Thursday, June 20 with a
pitch competition and opportunity to win grants totaling
$5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place – all funded by
M&T.
Entrepreneurs interested in participating in the program must
complete an online application no later than April 19 and meet the following eligibility
requirements:
- In business no more than three years;
- Annual business revenue of $350,000 or less; and,
- Multicultural business owners who reside in Harrisburg's Capital Region.
Qualified applicants will be enrolled in the free program on a
first-come, first-served basis.
"The mission of the Multicultural Small Business Lab is to
create a more resilient community. We want to equip this year's
participants with the knowledge, resources, and tools they need to
grow their businesses, spur economic activity, and create
generational wealth," said Nora
Habig, M&T Bank's regional president for Central and
Western Pennsylvania. "Now in its
third year, we're proud that our partnership with the Center for
Innovation & Entrepreneurship continues to serve as a catalyst
for those looking to make a positive impact on our community."
Jay Jayamohan, CIE's executive
director, said: "CIE and M&T Bank are all about turning dreams
into concepts and solutions into businesses. Our Multicultural Lab
is a testament to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit and turning
ideas into success stories."
The Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab launched in
2022, providing 40 small-business owners with free access to
resources and education to grow their business. The 2022 Capital
Region Multicultural Small Business Lab received the Catalyst Award
from the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and Capital Region Economic
Development Corp.'s for its impact on businesses in the area.
"Participating in the Multicultural Small Business Innovation
Lab was a pivotal moment for me and my business," said Josue Osorto, owner of Bespoke Vending and
winner of last year's pitch competition. "It's not just about
gaining knowledge; it's about joining a dynamic network of diverse
entrepreneurs committed to growth and innovation. Take the leap and
be part of something extraordinary!"
"We have seen time and again over the last few years how the
Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab is fostering the next
generation of Harrisburg's
entrepreneurs," Harrisburg Mayor
Wanda Williams said. "We are proudly
diverse, and our business community needs to reflect its residents.
M&T Bank and Harrisburg University
are creating a business environment that will have positive impacts
for generations."
To apply for the Capital Region Multicultural Small Business
Lab, visit mtb.com/harrisburglab.
About M&T Bank
M&T Bank Corporation is a
financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T's principal banking
subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services in
12 states across the northeastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trust-related services are
provided in select markets in the U.S. and abroad by M&T's
Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. For more
information about M&T Bank, visit www.mtb.com.
About the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE)
at Harrisburg University
The
Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) empowers
innovators to build successful ventures, including Harrisburg University students and faculty, as well
as entrepreneurs in the community. In addition, CIE offers
opportunities for partners to invest in important scientific
discoveries, technological innovations, and academic research.
Media Contact:
Frank Lentini
(929) 651-0447
flentini@mtb.com
© 2024 M&T Bank. Member
FDIC.
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SOURCE M&T Bank