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Dream into a Business?
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Need Capital to Expand?

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Thank you for applying. Applications for Cohort 11 are now closed!

B-Smart Entrepreneur Program

B-Smart is a robust 10-week entrepreneurship program created in 2017 to address the lack of legitimate and accessible training for early-stage companies. Through the program’s mentorship with MBA Students and Coaches, rigorous curriculum taught by actual entrepreneurs, a pitch competition for on-the-spot grants and loan capital, and ongoing technical assistance, B-Smart has supported over 140 businesses and awarded over $101,000.00 in capital commitments to participants. B-Smart was designed by the West Philadelphia Corridor Collaborative, VestedIn, and the Drexel University Beachell Family Learning Center.

B-Smart is a free 12-week, in-person entrepreneurship program designed for early-stage entrepreneurs.

The program provides:

  • Essential business education
  • Technical assistance
  • Resources to help participants launch and grow their businesses.

The program concludes with a Pitch and Present event, where participants showcase their business models to a panel of investors and community partners, receive valuable feedback, and have the opportunity to secure funding.

Applications are now closed! Thank you for applying!

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Introducing the B-Smart Entrepreneur Program Impact Report!

We are thrilled to share the inaugural impact report of the B-Smart Entrepreneur Program! This milestone captures our journey and the tremendous progress made in empowering entrepreneurs to build resilient businesses. We are proud to present the first B-Smart Entrepreneur Program Impact Report! This year has been transformative for our program as we welcomed Cohort 10.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission! To become a partner or explore sponsorship opportunities, please email bsmart@vestedin.org.

B-Smart Entrepreneur Program
Cohort 11

Presented by:

Interested in sponsoring the 2024 program, please contact info@vestedin.org

Cohort 10 Reflections

Micheal Merlino

“The main three insights I took away from the B-Smart program were how to think about my company as a brand within a specific market, how to prepare and present my company financially, and how to use my insights best to scope the future of my business. “

Micheal Merlino
mmersive animation studios
Kaitlin Dugan

“Through B-Smart, I discovered that sometimes the biggest limiter you have is your mindset. I also learned that there are people who are ready to champion, challenge, and speak your name in spaces you haven’t even entered. When someone ELSE gets you excited about where you can be—you can go beyond your limits.”

Kaitlin Dugan
Murrel Kadumu Design and Consulting

Program FAQs

Who should apply for the B-Smart Entrepreneur Program?
Local entrepreneurs in Philadelphia with early-stage, for-profit businesses generating less than $1 million in revenue.
What are the key program requirements?
Participants must have a clear business idea, commit to attending all sessions, have a functioning laptop and reliable internet access, and be prepared to develop and refine business plans, investor pitches, and financial documents during the program.
What is the program schedule?
Classes are held in person on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, from August 3 to November 2, 2024.
What does the curriculum cover?
Entrepreneurial Mindset, Business Planning, Branding, Marketing, Accounting Foundations, Financial Management, AI design tools, Pitching to Investors,
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is July 17, 2024. Early submissions are recommended.
How will I be notified of acceptance?
Selected entrepreneurs will be notified of acceptance between July 22-24, 2024 via the email provided.
Do I need financial records to apply?
No, but to be eligible for the Pitch and Present event, you must complete financial records during the program, including tax filings, financial statements, and projections.
What support will I receive?
The program includes workshops, assignments, coaching sessions, and technical assistance to help develop your business plan, financial management skills, and marketing strategies.
Who are the program's founding partners?
VestedIn, West Philadelphia Corridor Collaborative, and Drexel University Beachell Family Learning Center are founding partners.
What is a cohort in the context of the B-Smart program?
A cohort is a group of participants who join the program together, attend workshops, and collaborate throughout the 12-week duration. This model fosters a supportive and collaborative environment, enhancing networking and peer learning opportunities among entrepreneurs.
What is the Pitch and Present event?
The Pitch and Present event is the program's culminating activity, where participants showcase their business models to a panel of investors and community partners. This event provides valuable feedback and the opportunity to secure funding.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Please email the Program Director, Precious Samuel at bsmart@vestedin.org.

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In accordance with federal laws and U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Director, Office
of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20220; call (202) 622-1160; or send an e-mail to: crcomplaints@treasury.gov.

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