Jazmin Slaughter, 1st place winner of pitch competition sponsored by M&T Bank
Small business owners who won a local “Shark Tank” style competition will be swimming more easily thanks to awarded funding.
The sixth Harrisburg Small Business Accelerator Program pitch competition and graduation on June 17 recognized and awarded entrepreneurs, capping an eight-week business accelerator program this spring.
The program is hosted yearly by M&T Bank in collaboration with the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Harrisburg University.
Jazmin Slaughter, owner of A Hint of Jazz public relations agency, won the first-place prize of $5,000 for the pitch competition. According to Slaughter, A Hint of Jazz celebrated a five-year milestone one month before the live pitch.
“I am so proud to have earned such a monumental achievement as a small business owner right here in Central Pennsylvania,” said Slaughter. “I met a class full of amazing entrepreneurs in the region who I’m excited to see continue to grow in their work as well. I’m still in shock, but this is something I worked hard for and earned, and I’m just so grateful and appreciative to have been presented with this opportunity.”
Additionally, Kristina Ekwe, owner of Touch of Elegance, earned the competition’s second-place prize of $3,000. Mieshia Jackson, owner of Chef Mi + Kids, won the third-place prize of $2,000.
The eight-week business accelerator program focused on business planning, establishing credit, accessing capital, marketing, branding, networking, etc. The program debuted in 2022, providing small-business owners with free access to resources and education to expand their business. Courses were held weekly at Harrisburg University.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said Pennsylvania State Senator Patty Kim. “Now more than ever, we need to do everything in our power to ensure that local entrepreneurs get the mentorship and support they need to be successful. This year’s hardworking participants truly gave this program their all, and I want to sincerely congratulate our winners on a job well done.”
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