MULTICULTURAL SMALL BUSINESS LAB
Harrisburg, PA
Our next Multicultural Small Business Lab is being held at Harrisburg University in Harrisburg, PA. The lab will run May 8–June 20, 2024 on Wednesday evenings. Registration is April 3-April 22, 2024. Don’t miss out! Space is limited to up to 45 qualifying participants. Applications are first come, first serve.
Program Highlights
The M&T Bank Multicultural Small Business Lab is an intensive, weeks-long program designed to develop racially and ethnically diverse owners of businesses. The Lab promotes business and financial inclusion through empowerment, providing owners with access to information, tools, resources, and connections they need to grow and thrive. Participants are presented with opportunities to increase their visibility, accelerate their business, and achieve success.
Creating a Business Plan
Learn what it takes to create an effective business plan through discussion on setting goals, knowing your industry, what finances you have in place, and much more!
All About Credit
Curious about credit and how it can affect your business? We will cover the importance of credit, accessing capital, and how to package your credit application.
Marketing & Branding
Learn how to make your business stand-out among the competition through an in-depth discussion on branding and marketing so you can be prepared to get the word out on your diverse business
Pitch Tips
You have everything that you need to scale and grow your business, but your business needs funding. As part of the series, we will provide you tips and tricks when presenting to potential investors. Learn how to present with ease and how to make your business plan shine.
Lab Overview
This program celebrates and empowers locally owned small businesses through education and a spirited competition. For this edition, we are partnering with Harrisburg University where the 7-week program will be held on campus.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
326 Market St.
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Program Eligibility
Open to existing multicultural small business owners in accordance with local demographics.
- Have been in business no more than three years
- Annual business revenue of $350,000 or less
Schedule
- Registration: April 3–April 22, 2024
- Applications will be decisioned on or around May 1–3, 2024
- In-person attendance required
- Classes run every Wednesday 6–8pm ET
- Beginning: May 8, 2024
- Ending: June 20, 2024
Curriculum
- Business Planning
- Credit Fundamentals
- Marketing & Branding
- Networking & Community Resources
Pitch Competition
- First Round: video proposal
- Second Round: live pitch competition
- Prizes:
- 1st place - $5,000
- 2nd place - $3,000
- 3rd place - $2,000
You must be a resident of the city where the lab is being held. Please refer to the specific location terms and conditions.
Yes, the principal owner needs to be a permanent legal resident of Harrisburg, PA (and surrounding towns). See Terms and Conditions.
We are open to different kinds of multicultural – racially & ethnically diverse small owned businesses. To qualify, the principal owner must be 18 years or older, a permanent legal resident of Harrisburg, PA (and surrounding towns), be in business no more than three years, and have an annual business revenue of $350,000 or less. See Terms and Conditions.
To register, please review the terms and conditions. If eligible, you can enter here.
About M&T Multicultural Banking
At M&T, we understand that the needs and desires that our Multicultural communities have are distinctive. We are committed to meeting those unique needs, whether you are Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, an immigrant, refugee, LGBTQ+, a person with different abilities, or a combination. Here at M&T, we celebrate you and empower you with the financial tools and resources you need to thrive. We are investing in the growth and sustainability of our diverse small business and communities.
