Community College of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania Launch Penn-CCP Entrepreneurship Academy
On Friday, September 11, Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) and the University of Pennsylvania hosted a signing ceremony and open house to announce the Penn-CCP Entrepreneurship Academy, a new initiative to increase economic opportunity for West Philadelphia businesses.
The event took place at CCP’s Career and Advanced Technology Center in West Philadelphia, and featured remarks from CCP President Alycia Marshall, Penn’s Vice Provost for Graduate Education Kelly Jordan-Sciutto, Penn Trustee Emeritus Richard Perry, City of Philadelphia Mayor’s Office Deputy Chief of Staff Chris Arlene, Philadelphia City Council Member Curtis Jones Jr., and other key members of the Penn-CCP Entrepreneurship Academy. Interested attendees then participated in an open house, hearing from Praveen Kosuri, the academy’s faculty director; Franne McNeal, the academy’s executive director; and Renita Miller, a member of the academy’s executive team.
“Community College of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania share a deep commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening Philadelphia’s communities,” said Alycia Marshall, president of CCP. “The Penn-CCP Entrepreneurship Academy builds on that commitment by investing directly in emerging and established business owners in West Philadelphia through targeted programming at our Career and Advanced Technology Center. By providing this high-quality education at no cost, we are removing barriers to opportunity and equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to grow their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the economic vitality of our city.”
The academy is a no-cost, 10-session, cohort-based learning experience for existing and emerging West Philadelphia business owners who aim to reach $1 million to $10 million in annual revenue within the next three years.
“We are excited to partner with Community College of Philadelphia on this important initiative,” said Penn Provost John L. Jackson, Jr. “Our institutions share a defining commitment to Philadelphia. We are deeply grateful to President Marshall and to emeritus Penn trustee Richard Perry for their leadership in forging this collaboration, which will bring our strengths together to support West Philadelphia entrepreneurs and deepen our impact across the city.”
Participants will learn from Penn faculty, experienced entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts; exchange ideas with a supportive cohort of fellow founders; and apply each session directly to their own businesses.
“This academy represents an extraordinary opportunity for two great Philadelphia institutions to come together in service of the city we love,” said Mr. Perry. “Through a dynamic curriculum led by faculty from Penn Carey Law and the Wharton School, we are placing the combined strengths of Penn and CCP behind West Philadelphia business owners. We believe the academy will be transformative for every participant and make a lasting contribution to Philadelphia’s future.”
West Philadelphia is home to a deep and growing base of entrepreneurial talent—founders with the vision, drive, and community roots to build businesses that last. The Penn-CCP Entrepreneurship Academy aims to invest directly in that talent, pairing it with the strategic tools, expert guidance, and networks that help strong businesses grow even stronger.
“The number one creator of jobs in America [are] small businesses,” said Philadelphia City Council member Curtis Jones Jr. “They provide vitality, diversity and salaries to our city. As small businesses go, so goes Philadelphia’s economy.”
By combining academic and entrepreneurial expertise with deep community connections and experience supporting Philadelphia business owners, the Penn-CCP Entrepreneurship Academy will help West Philadelphia founders sharpen their businesses, build lasting relationships, and fuel the economic growth of the neighborhoods they call home.
The priority application deadline is October 1. Interested applicants can find more information online at ccp.edu/penn-ccp.