Are you a new entrepreneur? Join our B-Smart Entrepreneur Program
B-Smart Entrepreneur Program
B-Smart is a robust entrepreneurship program founded in 2017 with the mission to provide community-based businesses with the essential tools, support, capital and guidance to thrive in today’s evolving business landscape. The main values B-Smart focuses on includes inclusivity, innovation, community, and accountability.
Our vision is to create a thriving ecosystem of diverse community-based businesses that drive economic growth throughout our neighborhoods. Through the program’s mentorship with MBA Students and Coaches, rigorous curriculum taught by actual entrepreneurs, a pitch competition for on-the-spot grants, loan capital, and ongoing technical assistance, B-Smart has supported over 150 community-based businesses and awarded over $300,000.00 in capital commitments to participants. Our vision is to create a thriving ecosystem of diverse community-based businesses that drive economic growth throughout our neighborhoods.
B-Smart Entrepreneur Program
Cohort 10
Presented by:
Introducing B-Smart Cohort 10
Venessa Letts
Tawanda Douse
Tanja Carter
Rose Brown
Moya Hall
Mickey Merlino
Matthew George
Madi Conover
Kaitlin Dugan Murrel
DerShar Myers
Cassie Holmes
Amma Thomas
Program FAQs
What opportunities does the cohort get towards the end of the program?
After ten (10) weeks of workshops, our B-Smart Cohort competes in the Pitch and Present Competition.
Each year the B-Smart Entrepreneurship Program ends with our program-end Pitch and Present. The Pitch and Present is a competition where participating businesses can pitch their business for financing, grants, or feedback from a panel of Funders, Advisors, Community Partners, and Investors.
Participating entrepreneurs pitching for financial resources this year can obtain an on-the-spot approval finance check up to $20,000 approved by VestedIn. In addition to financing, three grants will be awarded between $1000-$2000 by WSFS, Wells Fargo, and Citizens.
*All pitch participants will receive ongoing technical assistance and support for their businesses post-program.
What is the curriculum overview?
- Business Planning
- Technology Tools for Business
- Legal Incorporation
- Accounting Foundations
- Business Banking
- Financing and Capital for Businesses
- Marketing
- Designing A Capability Statement
- Doing Business with Large Institutions
Who should I connect with if I have questions on applying or program details?
If you have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact me at precious@vestedin.org. Thank you for being a part of our mission to nurture and grow successful businesses within the Philadelphia community.
What are the requirements for entry?
What are success stories from this program?
Check out our B-Smart’s Information Deck
B-Smart Entrepreneur Program Interest Form
Applications are now closed, join the waitlist for Cohort 11
The application process for 2023 has concluded, and we are no longer accepting submissions. However, if you would like to remain informed and receive updates regarding the next cohort for B-Smart, we kindly request that you provide your information by filling out our interest form. This will ensure that you are kept up to date and have the opportunity to apply when the next application period opens.