WPFSI will partner again with Drexel’s B Smart Program that offers free business technical assistance to West Philadelphia budding entrepreneurs and existing business owners.
All participants who complete the program will have an opportunity to pitch a business proposal for a minimum $10,000 business loan provided by West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution, a partner of the B Smart program.
In March 2019, three small business owners and entrepreneurs who completed the program successfully pitched for $80,000 in small business loan commitments from West Philadelphia Financial and obtained follow-on business coaching from both Drexel and this nonprofit lender.
The fall term cohort is geared towards existing businesses, while the winter term cohort focuses on aspiring entrepreneurs. All types of new and growing businesses are welcome, even people interested in building non-profit organizations or social enterprises.
Participants work with Drexel faculty from the LeBow College of Business, the Close School of Entrepreneurship, and University & Community Partnerships staff, to better understand how to develop a business plan, digital media and marketing strategy, financial and operational structures, and leadership practices.
B Smart runs on Saturday mornings from 9:30 am through 12:30 pm, and you must register in advance. Whether you already have your business up and running, or you are still in the dreaming stage, fill out the registration form ahead of the October 5 fall term start date so that Drexel staff can guide you to the right cohort.
Click here to register at Eventbrite
For more information about the B Smart Program, contact Soneyet Muhammad, Director of Workforce and Economic Inclusion in the Office of University & Community Partnerships at Drexel University. sm4467@drexel.edu or 215-895-6667.
Bob Coleman is Director of Marketing at the Prime Group, LLC and a contributor to WPFSI.
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