Starting a business means taking on responsibilities that can stretch well beyond the work an entrepreneur knows best. Managing cash flow, understanding borrowing options, protecting business information, and finding trusted advisors can all become part of the job.
The Small Business Academy, a collaboration between Truist and the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, supported 43 businesses and recorded 105 total attendees across six sessions. The series gave local entrepreneurs a place to work through those challenges- and connect with others building businesses of their own.
Designed for businesses in their first five years of operation, the six-session series combined practical instruction with opportunities to build relationships. Truist provided the curriculum and led instruction, while CREDC hosted the program, coordinated registration and logistics, and connected entrepreneurs to the opportunity.
Four virtual workshops covered business finance basics, separating personal and business finances, borrowing for small businesses, and protecting a business from cyber threats. Two in-person sessions brought participants together, opening with relationship-building and closing with an opportunity to share their business pitches and strengthen the connections formed throughout the program.
Knowledge and connections that matter
For an early-stage business owner, knowing where to turn can be as important as knowing what to do next.
The Academy addressed barriers that can make getting started difficult, including limited access to capital, a short or challenging credit history, and the absence of an established professional network. Participants had opportunities to learn from banking professionals, exchange experiences, and build relationships with fellow entrepreneurs.
“I appreciate the Academy, it’s been an amazing experience!”
– participant Gregory Williams Jr.
The series concluded October 8 with “Closing Networking: From Connection to Opportunity,” bringing participants together to share their pitches and put their networking skills into practice.
“The Harrisburg Small Business Academy was more than a series of workshops,” said Brittany Brock, Vice President, Commercial Banker at Truist. “It was an opportunity to bring entrepreneurs together, connect them with valuable resources, and equip them with practical financial and business strategies they can apply immediately.”
Investing in the people behind small businesses
The partnership brought Truist’s financial expertise together with CREDC’s local business connections and support. For participants, it offered access to guidance and a network they could continue building beyond the final session.
“Seeing business owners engage, share experiences, and build relationships reinforced the importance of investing in our small business community,” Brock said. “At Truist, we believe strong small businesses create stronger communities, and we are proud to support opportunities that help entrepreneurs grow, succeed, and make a lasting impact where they live and work.”
Starting or growing a small business? Connect with CREDC to learn about resources and opportunities to support your next step.
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ABOUT THE HARRISBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER & CREDC
For 140 years, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC has served as the region’s catalyst for economic prosperity. The organization combines business, community, and economic development services to enhance the region’s vitality and livability. The Chamber is a five-star accredited chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce- a distinction held by fewer than 1 percent of chambers nationwide. CREDC is the region’s toolbox for economic development. It is the only Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO) approved by the Commonwealth’s Department of Community and Economic Development to perform economic development activities regionally using Pennsylvania’s funding programs across Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties.
