A seven-week entrepreneurship program in Harrisburg culminated with a “Shark Tank”-style pitch competition where three regional business owners shared $10,000 in prize money.
Juss Frankie, owner of hair and scalp restoration company, Juss Vibes, Hair & Beauty Studio in Lemoyne, won the grand prize of $5,000 on June 18.
M&T Bank’s pitch competition capped the seven-week Harrisburg Small Business Accelerator Program that launched May 7 in partnership with the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.
The Harrisburg Small Business Accelerator Program focused on business planning, establishing credit, accessing capital, marketing, branding and networking. Courses were held weekly on Wednesday evenings at Harrisburg University.
“Winning this pitch is incredibly meaningful to me, as my business was born from a desire to share my personal journey with others,” Frankie said in a news release. “Thanks to M&T Bank and the judges, Juss Vibes Hair & Beauty Studio can now broaden our mission to restore confidence, educate, and bring holistic wellness to communities that have been overlooked for far too long.”
Alisha Bergman, owner of Clean & Co, won the pitch competition’s second-place prize of $3,000. Lisa Lickers, owner of Kingdom Wealth Strategies, won the third-place prize of $2,000.
The Harrisburg Small Business Accelerator Program was offered to entrepreneurs who met the following eligibility requirements:
In business, three years or less;Annual business revenue of $350,000 or less;Principal owner must be 18 years or older; and,Small business owners must reside in Harrisburg’s Capital Region.
“Each year, we’re inspired by the passion and drive these entrepreneurs bring to the program,” Nora Habig, M&T’s regional president for Central and Western Pennsylvania, said in a news release. “Their ideas and commitment to growth are helping shape a stronger, more inclusive small business community in the Capital Region—and M&T is proud to be part of that journey.”
The Harrisburg Small Business Accelerator Program launched in 2022.
Past winners of the pitch competition have included:
Joy Boudreau, Joy of Events – 2022Josue Osorto, Bespoke Vending – 2023Anya Lumpkin, Queen’s BBQ and Southern Cuisine – 2024
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