Harrisburg, PA

M&T BANK SMALL BUSINESS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

Our next M&T Bank Small Business Accelerator Program is being held in Harrisburg, PA in partnership with the Center for Innovation and Technology at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. The program will begin May 7, 2025 and run through June 18, 2025.  Registration is open from March 11 to April 12, 2025. Don’t miss out! Space is limited to 40 qualifying participants. Applications are first come, first served. 

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Program Highlights

The M&T Bank Small Business Accelerator Program is an intensive weeks-long program designed to develop a diverse set 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 tools and opportunities to increase their visibility, accelerate their business, and achieve success.

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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!

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All About Credit

Curious about credit and how it can affect your business? As part of M&T Bank Small Business Accelerator Program, we will dive into the importance of credit, accessing capital and how you package your credit application.

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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. 

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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.

Accelerator Program Overview

This program celebrates and empowers locally owned small businesses through education and spirited competition. For this edition, we're partnering with the Center for Innovation and Technology at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. This 7-week program will be held at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology:

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
326 Market Street, 
Harrisburg, PA 17101

Program Eligibility

Open to existing small business owners who meet the following criteria:

  • Small business owners must reside in Harrisburg’s Capital Region
  • In business 36 months or less
  • Annual business revenue of $350,000 or less 
  • Principal owner must be 18 years or older
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Schedule

  • Registration: March 11 to April 12, 2025
  • Applications will be decisioned on April 13, 2025
  • In-person attendance required
  • Program run every Wednesday from 6-8pm ET
    • Beginning: May 7, 2025
    • Ending: June 18, 2025
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Curriculum

  • Business Planning 
  • Credit Fundamentals
  • Marketing & Branding
  • Networking & Community Resources
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Live Pitch Competition

  • Prizes:
    • 1st place - $5,000
    • 2nd place - $3,000
    • 3rd place - $2,000

Total Prize Amount: $10,000

FAQS

Small business owners must reside in Harrisburg’s Capital Region. Please refer to the specific location terms and conditions.

Yes, business located in Harrisburg, PA and surrounding area. See Terms and Conditions.

To qualify, the principal owner must be 18 years or older, business located in Harrisburg’s Capital Region, be in business from 36 months or less. See Terms and Conditions.

To register, please review the Terms and Conditions. If eligible, you can enter here.