M&T Bank central PA regional president Nora Habig

Applications opened today for a Harrisburg small business accelerator program that will give away a total of $10,000 to local entrepreneurs.

Officials from Harrisburg University’s Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, M&T Bank and the city launched the fifth annual Small Business Accelerator Program Tuesday morning at a press conference in the MLK City Government Center. 

The free, two-month program will offer sessions on developing a business plan, establishing credit, accessing capital and funding and marketing, among other lessons. Sessions will be held at Harrisburg University on Wednesday evenings between April 29 and June 17.

“We see this program as a real catalyst for our community—meeting people where they are and helping them go further than they thought possible,” said Nora Habig, central PA regional president of M&T Bank.

Habig said since the program partners first launched the program in 2022, it has helped more than 120 small businesses across hospitality, beauty, technology, professional services and manufacturing fields.

The accelerator program will accept 40 participants and culminate in a “Shark Tank”-style pitch competition. M&T Bank will award $5,000 for first place; $3,000 for second place; and $2,000 for third place.

Harrisburg University’s CIE senior development manager Michael Hughes said the program is special because it “combines access to capital and core coaching” and creates a community of area entrepreneurs.

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams emphasized that partnerships like this are good for the city.

“When our small businesses grow, Harrisburg grows,” she said. “It’s that simple.”

To apply, entrepreneurs must have been in business for between two and five years, have an annual business revenue between $50,000 and $500,000 and an owner that lives in Harrisburg or the surrounding area. 

Applications are due by April 10. Participants will be chosen April 15.

Applicants must be over 18 years old.

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams

For more information, visit M&T Bank’s website. 

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