M&T Bank officials presented a check to the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Harrisburg University.
A Harrisburg business incubator received an extra boost to help local, budding entrepreneurs.
M&T Bank, on Wednesday, presented the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Harrisburg University with $250,000 to support its programming for startup businesses.
“This is an amazing program and we are privileged to be a part of it,” said Nora Habig, M&T Bank’s regional president for Central and Western Pennsylvania. “This new facility is really a gem in downtown Harrisburg.”
The center, located inside Strawberry Square, serves as an incubator for local entrepreneurs, with a focus on minority- and women-owned businesses. Currently, about 15 startups are participating in the 12- to 18-month-long program.
The CIE provides workshops, mentorship, coaching and resources to innovators, giving them a kick start in growing their businesses.
With M&T Bank’s financial support came a five-year commitment to assisting the CIE.
“Investing in Harrisburg University and the CIE will help us empower the next generation of innovators and change-makers,” HU President Eric Darr said.
The bank has previously partnered with the center for its Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab, an annual program that started in 2022. This year’s lab wrapped up June after a seven-week program, which provided free weekly business classes at HU to local minority entrepreneurs. The next lab will take place in the spring.
Beyond its incubator and business lab programs, the CIE also provides workshops and classes for entrepreneurs in the community.
With the funding from M&T Bank, the center will be able to continue providing these services, according to officials.
“The bedrock of any community is its local, homegrown business operations,” Mayor Wanda Williams said. “M&T Bank and Harrisburg University are directly helping the city of Harrisburg strengthen its future.”
For more information on the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Harrisburg University, visit their website.
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