Entrepreneurs in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties have another local connection to financing, training, and professional expertise through an expanded partnership between the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) and Ignite CDFI.
Supported by funding from the Commonwealth’s Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program, the partnership brings Ignite CDFI into CREDC’s offices to help small business owners access resources to launch, grow, and sustain their businesses.
Elyse Irvis, Ignite CDFI’s Manager of Entrepreneurial Outreach and Support, will lead the organization’s outreach and program delivery across the Capital Region and Lebanon County. A Harrisburg-based entrepreneur and community leader, Irvis brings more than eight years of experience in small business development, community engagement, and program management.
Her work will connect new and existing business owners with training, educational opportunities, and professional guidance. She is also recruiting attorneys, accountants, lenders, marketing specialists, and IT professionals interested in sharing their expertise with local entrepreneurs. A planned microgrant program would help cover the cost of professional services for participating small businesses.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and too many entrepreneurs don’t know what support is already available to them,” said Irvis. “Co-locating Ignite with CREDC means business owners have one more front door to capital, training, and expert guidance. My goal is to meet them where they are and make those connections.”
For CREDC, the partnership strengthens the network of resources available to entrepreneurs and supports its work to expand economic opportunity throughout the region.
“Elyse is a welcomed addition to the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the Capital Region,” said Melissa Stone, Vice President of Economic Development for the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC. “Ignite CDFI’s Historically Disadvantaged Business Program provides one more tool supporting our mission to be the region’s catalyst for economic prosperity and uplifts our belief in creating a community where everyone feels they belong.”
Small business owners seeking support and professional service providers interested in participating can contact Irvis or learn more about her work with Ignite CDFI.
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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.
