There are many among our outstanding alumni and current student body who are current or aspiring entrepreneurs. Some of you have started businesses, some are making plans for a start-up, and others are looking to begin a nonprofit to serve the community. We at I-LEAD seek to empower and equip you to succeed in your entrepreneurial endeavors. One means of doing so is to remind you of and connect you with one another. Through ACE, you belong to a network of more than 1,500 people (alumni and current students) who could become business partners, advisors, investors and customers. Please share ideas for connecting on this form … In addition to the power of the network you have with one another, there are a number of local resources available for budding entrepreneurs.
Philadelphia Department of Commerce, Office of Business Services (OBS) Our business service managers offer one-on-one support to help small businesses navigate City requirements and other challenges they may encounter.
The Small Business Development Center at Temple University offers businesses and startups free one-on-one consulting focused on growth strategies, entrepreneurship based seminars and courses, technical assistance regarding the procurement of government contracts and a small business incubator. Staff bios: https://www.pasbdc.org/centers/temple-university
Operation HOPE offers small-business workshops and a more intensive entrepreneurial training program that helps participants master business basics, create and maintain a strong small business plan,and gain access to funding and resources to grow their business. Located within local banks, Operation HOPE also offers money management, credit counseling, and homeownership programs. HOPE Inside Fulton Bank, 2700 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130 Isaiah Price isaiah.s.price@operationhope.org (267) 223-5156 Additional locations: 1501 N. Broad St., 6500 Castor Ave.
The Entrepreneurship Center of the Urban League of Philadelphia offers coaches and consultants to assist in areas such as sales, marketing, IT, strategic planning, and training for employees and other business services.
SCORE Philadelphia is a network of volunteer business experts who provide free answers to business questions, mentoring, workshops and networking.
The Sustainable Business Network(SBN) of greater Philadelphia is a membership based organization of businesses that are committed to a triple bottom line: people, planet and profit. In other words, SBN supports profitable enterprises that serve community needs, share wealth, and protect the environment. SBN offers a beginners guide to sustainable business, networking, and advocacy. Founded by Judy Wicks of the White Dog Cafe.
The Enterprise Center in West Philadelphia is home to the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) that provides general business consulting, assists minority entrepreneurs to capital and new markets. Additional business services of The Enterprise Center can be found here, including a center for start-up culinary businesses.
For existing entrepreneurs, the Power Up your Business Program of the Community College of Philadelphia offers a Store Owner workshop series covering topics such as social media marketing and accounting, a 12-week Peer-Based Learning Experience covering marketing, financials, human resource and operations, insurance and legal, and Industry Best Practices workshops currently in restaurant and retail. All workshops delivered online. powerup@ccp.edu 215.496.6151
CCP also hosts the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program where business owners gain practical skills in topics such as negotiation, marketing and employee management, and develop a strategic and customized growth plan to take their business to the next level. Application required