The event was sponsored by the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. The conference began at 8:30 AM, but the EI students’ day began long before that time, as they scurried to get to the conference site at St. Joe’s University campus to set up their vending tables before the first attendees arrived. At 9:45 AM, the EI students were led into an auditorium full of adults and youth, ages 13 to 20. As panelists, Executive Incubator students Fredrique Bingley and Francis Flowers, both age 16, and Sierra Horsey Morris and Ricardo Burton, ages 14, were hit with a barrage of questions about their businesses. The audience of approximately 130 people asked questions such as “What inspired you to start your business?”, “Is it difficult for a teenager to run a business?” and “How much time do you spend on developing your business each week?” The panel discussion lasted for 40 minutes. The audience was proud to see that teens can also become successful entrepreneurs.

In addition to them acting as panelists, three EI students led a workshop for Writing a Successful Business Plan for Students. About twenty students, grades 5 and 6, attended the hour long, interactive workshop led by Brandee Jones, Diamond Hairston and Fredrique Bingley. The workshop included a PowerPoint presentation, business plan template, games and a Q & A segment. The in-depth questions that came from these aspiring tweens made us convinced that business education should start at an early age.

After the panel discussion and workshops, the students went back to the vending hall to monitor their tables. The students who vended their products and services were Moesha Bell and Tiana Collins of Tag Team Babysitters, Dorian McKinney and Francis Flowers of Rebelz N’ Revolt T-shirts, Jerron Corley of Jay’s Comfort Cookies, Temperance Surgest of Not Your Mom’s Jewelry, Ricardo Burton of Delicious and Nutritious Organic Cookies, Sierra Horsey-Morris of Pieceably Assembled Hair Accessories, Fredrique Bingley of Drique’s Designs Religious Jewelry, Brandee Jones of JonesB Photography and Diamond Hairston, partner of Giovanni’s Treasures Clothing. Bernita Mapp, coordinator of the vending area said, “People commented on how impressed they were by many of the teen vendor’s presentations.” Jennifer Covington, one of the coordinators of the event said “I heard many of the participants asking the vendors questions about their business and why they “do” some of the things they do.” Covington, in a thank you email said, “They (Executive Incubator students) truly played an integral role in making the conference a success.” Of the 100 plus people who completed a survey at the conference’s conclusion, 95.5% of the attendees said they “know more about business and money after attending the JKS conference and that they would attend the conference again.” We are working with the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter President, Victoria A. Mosley-Rivers, to find more ways to partner with the sorority. Once again, the Executive Incubator students were great representatives of TEC-LAB, The Enterprise Center’s Leaders About Business youth program.

For more information about The Enterprise Center’s Youth Programs, call Malyka Sankofa at 215-895-4071.

Deloitte Impact Day 2012

Deloitte Impact Day 2012 will be held on June 8 at The Enterprise Center and is open to high level MBEs only. Attendees will receive a confidential one-on-one strategic business consultation session with Deloitte consultants. Each session will last one hour. This is an invaluable opportunity to take advantage of Deloitte’s talent and expertise to solve your business issues.

Deloitte LLP is a global professional service firm with over 100 years of experience. Their consultants specialize in the following: strategy and operations, human resources and technology management. We are proud to bring Deloitte to TEC.

Sign Up for Your Consultation Today!

http://tecdeloitteimpactday.eventbrite.com/

Registration Details

- Once you have selected your time slot, you will have 45 minutes to complete the entire registration.

- To participate please complete the registration including the supplemental questions and provide payment.

If you have considered purchasing a franchise or franchising your business, but would like to learn more, we invite you to join us on May 30th for this interactive seminar designed to answer your questions and guide you in the right direction.

Our panel of experienced professionals in the franchise industry will explain all aspects of franchising, including the difference between a franchise and other small businesses, costs, tax elections, legal considerations and the franchisor/franchisee relationship. A case study of a successful Philadelphia franchisee will be discussed in detail.

Topics will include:

• Franchising as a viable option in an unstable economy
• Locating and evaluating a franchise
• The decision-making and franchise-acquisition process
• Financing options and equity needed
• Special programs that support minorities and women
• The types of businesses that can become franchise
• Advantages vs. disadvantages compared to non-franchises
• Legal implications and why you may need legal representation
• Negotiating terms and closing the deal
• Franchise Disclosure Documents
• Keys to a successful franchise and franchisee
• What success looks like

Speakers:

Bernie Siegel, PhD CBI, Certified Business Intermediary, Founder/Chairman, Siegel Financial Group
Bernie has spent over 37 years in franchising, as a multi-unit franchisee, a broker of new and existing franchised businesses, and as a financing source for franchisees.

Kevin Greenberg, Shareholder, Flaster/Greenberg PC
Kevin, a business attorney, represents small to mid-sized businesses in corporate and real estate acquisitions, franchising, financing, strategic partnerships and other business-operating issues.

Perry Shah, Chief Executive Officer, Dunkin’ Donuts Franchisee
Perry entered the Dunkin’ Donuts system in 1990 with the purchase of a single full producing shop. Presently, Perry has Twelve Dunkin’ Donuts franchises in the Philadelphia market.

Moderator:  Steve Horton, Business Support Services Manager, The Enterprise Center

Time:
8:00 a.m. Registration/Continental Breakfast
8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Program/Q&A

Location:
The Enterprise Center, Studio C

Registration Fee:
$25 payable online below or via check at the door

The Enterprise Center (TEC) promotes and supports high potential minority entrepreneurs and others to create sustainable businesses that also strengthen communities in the Philadelphia region. TEC helps entrepreneurs access resources, such as capital and technical expertise, and knowledge of best practices to accelerate the growth of their businesses.

If you have any questions please contact Steve Horton at stephenh@theenterprisecenter.com or 215-895-4019.

Clean-Up Day 2012 a Success

Over 100 volunteers showed up for The Enterprise Center CDC’s Citywide Clean-Up Day, including our Community Leaders, Leaders for Success youth, and our partners at Drexel University, Ready Willing & Able, and Walnut Hill Community Association. We cleaned up the Walnut Hill Community Farm, Market Street, the Walnut Hill Community Playground, and a number of other blocks around Walnut Hill. We were joined by representatives from the City’s UnLitter Us Network. Thanks also to our partners at the City of Philadelphia and University City District for coordinating supplies and trash pickup.

For more information, please contact Allison Blansfield at ablansfield@theenterprisecenter.com / 215-895-4010.

Announcement
Death of Dick Clark

DETAILS: We are saddened by the passing of American icon Dick Clark. However, in our grief, we are proud to be part of the Dick Clark legacy as embodied by this very place at 4548 Market Street.

Dick Clark was one of America’s original entrepreneurs who transformed the music industry in his creation of “American Bandstand” which had its start in this very room. Now, the Enterprise Center continues to grow businesses with the same energy and creativity that made Dick Clark one of our country’s true American success stories.

Founded in 1989 by the Wharton Small Business Development Center, The Enterprise Center provides access to capital, building capacity, business education and economic development opportunities to high-potential, minority and disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Through its portfolio of business-acceleration initiatives, TEC seeks to better position minority and disadvantaged enterprises to compete in the local, regional, and global economies.

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Find out more information about the History of American Bandstand here

The Enterprise Center CDC’s Center for Culinary Enterprises (CCE) project is currently under construction, with completion expected this summer and a grand opening scheduled for September 14^th! The CCE will be one of the nation’s most comprehensive commercial kitchen centers, designed to be an engine for creating food-related jobs and businesses, and to provide resources to emerging food entrepreneurs in Philadelphia. The CCE is a 13,000+ square-foot project at 310 S. 48th Street, including three state-of-the-art commercial kitchens for rent to culinary entrepreneurs, the eKitchen Multimedia Learning Center, and retail spaces.

Visit www.philafood.net for more information on the Center for Culinary Enterprises.

Check out the video below and learn more about our youth entrepreneurship programming here:

The Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation recently launched the Neighborhood Foods CSA program–a dynamic partnership between two west Philadelphia urban farms: The Walnut Hill Community Farm and Urban Tree Connection’s Central Farm Site. We invite you to enjoy a season of quality fresh vegetables and fruits.

Visit www.westphillyfood.com for details.

As a member of the CSA program you are participating in a greater effort to support west Philadelphia communities that are struggling to overcome the hurdles to accessing fresh, affordable produce.

For more information, please contact Allison Blansfield at ablansfield@theenterprisecenter.com / 215-895-4010.

Save the Date: Thursday October 4th, 2012 for the 7th annual Passing the Torch Awards Gala. The 7th Annual Passing the Torch takes place at The Enterprise Center on October 4th, from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.

In it’s 7th year Passing the Torch will continue to celebrate the next generation of minority entrepreneurs. By honoring business men and women who are continuing the legacy their parents have built, The Enterprise Center salutes the entrepreneurial spirit and its ability to change lives.

Do you know the next Passing the Torch honoree? Submit a nomination form for the Legacy Award or James Brown Eternal Flame Legacy Award.

2012 Passing the Torch Honoree Nomination Form

For sponsorship opportunities and more information contact Carissa Jones at 215-895-4016 or via email at carissaj@theenterprisecenter.com.

Start leading now!

• Are you a middle school or high school student?
• Would you like to explore careers in business & leadership?
• Do you have a strong interest in community involvement?
• Are you ready to network with business leaders?

Summer TEC-LAB is a business & leadership camp, held every summer, that hosts up to 100 students ages 13-18 interested in maximizing their earning potential.

Summer TEC-LAB exposes students to informative speakers, case  studies, group presentations, and fun interactive activities.

Meet Business Leaders in Various Lucrative Industries
Learn the Benefits of Understanding the World of Finance and Business.
Gain Leadership and Business Skills through Workshops & Fun Interactive Games
Experience the Value of Community Service on Walnut Hill’s Community Farm

The Summer TEC-LAB costs $50 and includes t-shirt and lunch.  To register, fill out the Application Form or register online here.

For more information, contact Nafeesha Mays at 215-895-4051 or nafeesham@theenterprisecenter.com.