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In April 2006, after months of planning, Empowerment Group launched the
first week-long,
city-wide campaign of its kind – Philadelphia Entrepreneurship Week.
In 2007 the campaign grew, attracting more than 750 attendees and
generating
over
$40,000 between in-kind and cash donations.
Back with a shortened name and a fresh new look, Entrepreneurship Week
attracted more than 1100 attendees at 9 events in 2008.
Click below for:
2008 Sponsors
2008 Events Recap
2008 Supporting Businesses
Presenting Sponsors



Gold

Silver


Bronze





InventIT Metals
J. Thomas & Associates

Additional Support
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2008 Events Recap
Monday, April 21
Opening Press Reception | Pennsylvania Convention Center
Members of the small business economy, government officials, non-profit leaders, and members of surrounding communities joined Empowerment Group to kick off the third annual Entrepreneurship Week. Opening comments thanked Presenting Sponsors, Univision 65, Impacto Latin Newspaper, and Philadelphia City Paper, as well as over 60 attendees for participating in this valuable campaign.
Duane Bumb, Senior Deputy Director of Commerce, spoke on behalf of the Nutter administration, presenting Empowerment Group with a Mayors Proclamation. He also stressed the importance of economic development in Philadelphia and commended the attending organizations for their efforts.
Varsovia Fernandez, President & CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, spoke of the Hispanic business community, its recent boom, and the need for local patrons to purchase through Hispanic businesses.
Sixteen-year-old Ashirah Rollins, of Empowerment Group’s ELITE program, spoke of her experience creating a small business, including the difficulties of business ownership during the developmental stages. Likewise, a recent Empowerment Group adult graduate and owner of VisuallyKool.com, Russell Snow, accredited his business advancement to the knowledge gained while attending Empowerment Group Entrepreneurship Training courses.
Refreshments were provided by Philadelphia Brewing Company to a crowd eager to continue the week of entrepreneurial festivities.
Tuesday, April 22
Making it BIG in Small Business | Helium Comedy Club
Eager entrepreneurs attended the Making it BIG in Small Business Panel Discussion led by successful small business owners. Joe Matisoff, president of Hyperion Bank, Nicole Marcote, owner of Quince Fine Foods, and Ulysses McGhee owner of Organic Culture, shared their business wisdom with attendees answering a myriad of questions.
These business gurus shared the highs and lows they encountered while opening a small business. Matisoff provided insight not only as a small business owner, but as a banker. Marcote, an Empowerment Group graduate, just recently entered into her second business venture. After opening the highly acclaimed Quince Fine Foods only one year prior, Marcote has opened Reverie Vintage Goods, a consignment shop that is co-owned by five women. Her advice was helpful for anyone interested opening a store based business.
McGhee inspired attendees with his successes in a home-based business. After establishing his business in the past two years, he has already seen a considerable increase in business, and more importantly, in profits. He spoke of the benefits of running a business from home, most notably of the reduced price without the rental fees associated with storefronts.
The event wrapped up with some networking in the Helium Comedy Club lounge.
Wednesday, April 23
Business Start-up 101 | Community College of Philadelphia
Angel Rodriguez, Executive Director of Empowerment Group, and Dr. Michael Edmondson, President of MEAPA, gave a lecture to a crowd of 70 attendees on Wednesday afternoon. They both spoke of the current state of the economy, the difficulties average Americans face balancing debts, and programs available through Empowerment Group to ease these burdens by exploring business ownership. To learn more about the adult programs offered through Empowerment Group, please call 215.427.9245 x 203, or email tpyer-pereira@empowerment-group.org
Small Business Resource Fair | Bossone Center of Drexel University
More than 150 attendees and 30 organizations participated in this year Small Business Resource Fair. Government agencies, community development corporations, and small businesses gathered to provide information for the emerging entrepreneurial community. Vendors and attendees alike established business connections and gained valuable knowledge throughout the night. Vending organizations and business included:
Empowerment Group |
Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce |
Drexel Entrepreneurial Association |
Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce |
Adames Professional Services |
Wharton Small Business Development Center |
U.S. Small Business Administration |
City of Philadelphia Licenses & Inspections |
Minority Business Enterprise Council |
Philadelphia Commercial Development Corporation |
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Delaware Valley |
Northwestern Mutual |
Electronic Payments, Inc. |
U.S. Department of Labor |
Brio Solutions |
SCORE Philadelphia |
Community Accountants |
West Insurance Group |
Philadelphia VIP |
Provident Business |
Thursday, April 24
Circle of Entrepreneurs Business Breakfast | Montgomery McCracken
The Circle of Entrepreneurs Business Breakfast is a monthly meeting of peers to discuss difficulties within small business. Generally a small group, this meeting drew a slightly larger crowd. Two business owners presented difficulties they were having in their respective businesses to a panel of over 60 entrepreneurs. Panelists and speakers gained the information needed through a question and answer session and followed with conversation. This intimate gathering is perfect for any business owner eager to bounce ideas off of fellow entrepreneurs.
To learn more about future Circle of Entrepreneurs meetings, visit www.sbnphiladelphia.org or email nuri@sbnphiladelphia.org.
Party Like an Entrepreneur! | World Café Live
Over 150 entrepreneurs came together to Party Like an Entrepreneur. Business owners and patrons alike networked to the sounds of “DJ Zen Mystic,” “Good Night, States,” and “The Anthony Lattanze Band.” World Café Live isn’t new to Entrepreneurship Week, hosting the third party of its kind throughout the history of Entrepreneurship Week.
Friday, April 25
Youth Business Expo | Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School
After an intensive 2-week Youth Entrepreneurship Program, 90 students of Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School created a market place in their school basketball court. From 3 until 6 in the evening, students sold their goods to a crowd of community members, small business owners, fellow students and faculty. During these hours, over 100 patrons roamed through the space enjoying water ice, homemade treats, ethnic foods, and crafts. Attendees were impressed by the innovation and creativity of the students participating in the Youth Entrepreneurship Program. The market served as an early and impressive first step towards small business ownership.
Saturday, April 26
Spring Market Fair |Headhouse Square Shambles
The Spring Market Fair was a relaxing start to the last day of Entrepreneurship Week. More than 40 artisans participated in this event, offering a variety of crafts from photography to yarn, home goods to jewelry. All of the bases were covered at this event. By the time the sun came out, the “Bubbaque” was blazing, offered pulled pork sandwiched to a crowd exceeding 150 patrons. Participating businesses included:
Afro Columbian Jewelry |
Qt Design inc |
Dotted Line Shirt Company |
Betty’s Tasty Buttons |
Atia Creations |
Demarah |
B & B Fashions |
Bags, Buckles, & More |
Blush & Brushes Makeup |
Nangellini |
Gelato di Capri |
Atlas Wellness Center |
Goodland’s Photography |
Quince Fine Foods |
Pachacuti Crafts |
Reverie Vintage Goods |
Tangled Up in Blue Designs |
Studio Focal Plane |
Norris Square Neighborhood Project |
Bubbaque |
Loop |
GSB Natural Body Products |
Lawson Travels |
Dream the Dance Massage Therapy |
Heidi Roland Daring Earrings |
Shamar Custom Design |
Elemental Health |
MSP Luxury Travels |
Baylor & Company |
East West Beauty & Hair Group |
The T Spot |
P.H.A.G. (Philadelphia Home Art Garden) |
B & S Cleaning Solutions |
June Moon Ink |
Bennets Vignettes |
Mary Kay Cosmetics |
Look A Likes for You |
The Thiess Christian Company |
Jewels by Park Lane |
Cocky Persona |
Cerulean Arts Studio & Gallery |
Philadelphia Commercial Development Corporation |
Women Entrepreneurs’ Circle Cocktail Party | Pentimenti Gallery
Empowerment Group was thrilled to host our monthly Women Entrepreneurs’ Circle as the concluding event for Entrepreneurship Week 2008. Held at the beautiful Pentimenti Gallery, owner Christine Pfister spoke of her process in opening the gallery and some bumps she came across on her road towards entrepreneurship. An intimate gathering of women in business created the perfect atmosphere for networking. Fellow women business owner Nicole Marcote provided a delicious spread of Spanish cheeses and tapas from her store Quince Fine Foods.
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Supporting Businesses
GRADUATE HOSPITAL
| Xpress Food Mart |
215.732.1234 |
| Tangier Café |
215.732.5006 |
| Sung Cleaners |
215.545.4344 |
| The Original Computer Doctor, LLC |
215.732.2695 |
| Bancroft Green |
215.313.8892 |
| South Street Sounds |
|
| Buddha Zen Studios |
|
| Hearth & Stove |
215.545.2505 |
| 3rd Ear & 3rd Eye Strategic Marketing |
267.809.6327 |
| Meringue |
215.735.7303 |
| Nails by Vanessa |
215.731.0177 |
| Platinum Shears |
215.731.0667 |
| Master Cleaners |
215.735.1499 |
| Lazaro's Pizzeria & Grill |
215.545.2775 |
| Follicles Hair Café Center, INC |
215.670.9900 |
| Heaven Sent Hair Designers |
215.893.1104 |
| Brownstone Natural Hair & Barber Studio |
215.545.2555 |
| PC Mortgage Company |
215.861.0401 |
| Pieces Unlimited |
215.545.0506 |
| Tara Inc Realtors |
215.985.4855 |
| Hair 4 U |
215.546.9040 |
| Adams Express Deli & Food Mart |
215.546.1580 |
| Pinky's New York Café |
215.735.2967 |
| Rons Ribs |
215.732.3561 |
| Jamaican Jerk Hut |
215.735.2625 |
| Wrodougou Professional African Hair Braiding |
215.731.0151 |
| The Fashion Center International |
215.546.1984 |
| Jessie's Herbal Essence |
215.772.1825 |
NORTHERN LIBERTIES
| Riverside Floral Designs |
215.426.9030 |
| Jays Pedal Power |
215.425.5111 |
| Little Shop of Treasures |
215.426.2315 |
| Ross the Florist |
215.739.5551 |
| Unique Home Improvement, LLC |
267.278.2954 |
| Exit Philadelphia |
215.425.2450 |
| Palm Tree Market |
215.925.4707 |
| Hot Potato Café |
215.425.0905 |
| Asadeli |
215.425.0510 |
| Euphoria |
215.238.9209 |
| Rustica |
215.627.1393 |
| Pink Dolphin |
215.627.0960 |
| Arcadia Boutique |
215.667.8099 |
| Reverie |
215.769.2302 |
| Quince Fine Foods |
215.232.3425 |
| Arbol Café |
215.284.5788 |
| Kaplan's New Model Bakery |
215.627.5288 |
| Society Hill Dance Academy |
215.574.3574 |
| The Foodery |
215.238.6077 |
| Honey's Sit n Eat |
215.925.1150 |
| Liberty Deli |
215.232.1095 |
| Higher Grounds Café |
215.922.3745 |
| Urbanite Baby |
215.235.2470 |
| Almanac Market |
215.625.6611 |
| Ironworks II |
215.923.9400 |
FISHTOWN
| Circle Thrift |
215.423.5060 |
| Renuit Now |
215.423.4564 |
| Renuit Now |
215.335.1010 |
| Kerrigan's Florist |
215.739.5339 |
| Germ Books & Gallery |
215.423.5002 |
| Fishtown Jewelers |
215.634.3277 |
| Salon Blush |
215.634.1606 |
| The Pizza Shop |
215.423.4200 |
| Mr. Bills Deli |
215.739.2650 |
| Ida Mae's Bruncherie |
215.426.4209 |
| Ho Sai Gai Chinese Food |
215.426.2100 |
KENSINGTON
| Kenya Dominican Salon |
215.426.3462 |
| Avelez Assoicates Real Estate |
215.291.1600 |
| VideoStudio FM |
215.663.9292 |
| Photo Video Imagen |
215.634.2985 |
| Martin Carrion |
267.975.3855 |
| Evelyn's Beauty Salon |
215.425.1095 |
| Front Street Sales Outlet |
215.423.9665 |
| Family Mobile |
215.427.0397 |
| Jewelry Star |
215.739.6477 |
| Garcia Envia |
267.479.3811 |
| N & R Communications |
267.519.2984 |
| Las Hermanas |
215.634.4007 |
| Mattress Kid Company |
215.888.4993 |
| Costa Esmeralda Restaurant |
215.423.5181 |
| Bonnifacio Communication |
215.425.7198 |
CENTER CITY
| Blue Mountain Vinyards |
215.238.9022 |
| Capogiro Gelato Artisans |
215.351.0900 |
| The Original Turkey |
215.925.5598 |
| el fuego |
215.592.1901 |
| Tuscany Café |
215.625.3666 |
| Top Tomato |
215.592.8242 |
| Old Nelson Food Company |
215.569.1719 |
| Profi's Creperie |
215.592.9008 |
| Flying Monkey |
215.928.0340 |
| Martins |
215.629.1193 |
| Holts Cigar Company |
215.732.8500 |
| Newman Galleries |
215.563.1779 |
| Pure Bliss Wellness Center & Spa |
215.732.7873 |
| Siaani Salon |
215.567.5600 |
| The Childrens Boutique |
215.732.2661 |
| Il Portico Ristorante |
215.587.7000 |
| Le Bec-Fin |
215.567.1000 |
| Philadelphia Runner |
215.972.8333 |
| Eviama Life Spa |
215.545.3344 |
| Chris' Jazz Café |
215.568.3131 |
| RAW Dnm |
215.564.1123 |
| Rita's |
215.545.7661 |
| Mama Mia Pizzeria |
215.732.6612 |
| Down Home Diner |
215.627.1955 |
| Wans Seafood |
215.925.9028 |
| by George! |
215.829.9391 |
| Iovines |
215.928.4366 |
| De Village |
215.923.9860 |
| Doggie Style |
215.545.4141 |
| Youngs Florist |
215.238.0788 |
| Sailor Jerry |
215.531.6380 |
| Robin's Book Store |
215.735.9600 |
| Zio's Pizza |
215.627.1615 |
| Joe Coffee Bar |
215.592.7384 |
| Robert Anthony Jewelers |
215.627.2900 |
| Grocery |
215.922.5252 |
| 1154 Lill Studio |
215.923.8030 |
| Hershel's East Side Deli |
215.922.6220 |
| Contessa's French Linens, LLC |
610.306.4507 |
| Open House |
215.922.1415 |
| Scarlet Fiorella |
215.922.1955 |
| Duross & Langel Savonniers |
215.592.SOAP |
| Matthew Izzo |
215.829.0606 |
| The Rib Stand |
215.925.3155 |
| Metropolitan Bakery |
877.41BREAD |
| Kamal's Middle Eastern Specialty |
215.925.1511 |
| Old City Coffee |
215.629.9292 |
| Everyday Gourmet |
215.922.5522 |
| L. Halteman Family Country Foods |
215.925.3206 |
| Downtown Cheese |
215.351.7412 |
| Giunta's Prime Shop |
215.627.6175 |
| Salumeria |
215.592.8150 |
| The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company |
215.625.9870 |
| Dutch Country |
215.922.5842 |
| Hatville Deli |
215.925.5065 |
| Golden Fish & Seafood Co. |
215.923.2252 |
| Lancaster County Dairy |
717.538.6868 |
| BlackTie Formal Attire |
215.925.4404 |
| Anna's Collectibles |
215.627.2900 |
| Gross McCleaf Gallery |
215.665.8138 |
| Amy's Place |
215.922.4955 |
OLD CITY
| Sioux Zanne Messix |
215.928.9250 |
| Lost & Found |
215.352.0491 |
| Doggie Style |
215.923.4333 |
| Scarlett Alley |
215.592.7898 |
| More Than Old |
215.922.0246 |
| Fivi. |
215.965.8685 |
| Three Sirens Boutique |
215.925.3548 |
| Ada Jiron Boutique |
215.592.7122 |
| The Third Street Habit |
215.925.5455 |
| Minima |
215.922.2002 |
| Cucine Italiane |
215.592.7129 |
| Mode Moderne |
215.627.0299 |
| Old City Cheese Shop & Restaurant |
215.238.1716 |
| Tribal Home |
215.592.4215 |
| Colonial Cleaners & Laundry |
215.629.8589 |
| Café Ole |
215.627.2140 |
| Bruges Home |
215.922.6041 |
| Silicon Gallery Fine Art Prints |
215.238.6062 |
| Expert Cleaners |
215.925.4862 |
| Pileggi |
215.627.2213 |
| Lolli Lolli |
215.625.2655 |
| Amazon Café |
215.238.9878 |
| Pavorsky Jewels and Gifts |
215.627.2252 |
| j.karma |
215.627.9625 |
| Bonejour Pet Supply |
215.574.1225 |
| Lake Blue Gourmet Market |
215.238.1101 |
| The Papery |
215.922.1500 |
| Philip Leone |
215.351.9124 |
| The Spa Terme Di Aroma |
215.829.9769 |
| Gourmet of Olde City |
215.627.8890 |
| Forbidden Planett |
215.923.7399 |
| Old City Coffee |
215.629.9292 |
| Biello Martin Studio |
215.923.8737 |
| Iron Works Fitness Clubs |
215.627.7002 |
| Sugarcube |
|
| Old City T-Shirts |
215.925.7860 |
| Spataro's |
215.925.6833 |
| Artist & Craftsman Supply |
267.861.6008 |
| Panini's |
215.928.8998 |
| Viv |
215.922.5904 |
| Fosters Homeware |
215.925.0950 |
| Artistic Hair Salon |
215.625.8837 |
| Kibitz in the City |
215.928.1447 |
| Chic Afrique Herbals |
215.592.9023 |
| Nuts to You |
215.925.1141 |
| Sugar Moms |
215.925.8219 |
| Sassafras Market |
215.413.7078 |
| Indigo |
215.922.4041 |
| Vagabond Boutique |
215.671.0737 |
MANAYUNK
| Dialogue Interpreting |
215.870.6952 |
GERMANTOWN
BELLA VISTA
| Studio Nine Photography |
215.238.0404 |
| Inkas Hands |
215.925.1900 |
| Trinity Framing |
215.351.1600 |
| Chefs Market |
215.925.8360 |
| The Expressive Hand |
267.519.2626 |
| Chapterhouse Café & Gallery |
215.238.2626 |
| Bean Exchange |
215.592.1960 |
QUEEN VILLAGE & SOUTH STREET
| Juju Spa & Organics |
215-922-3235 |
| Juju Salon & Organics |
215.238.6080 |
| The Curiosity Shoppe |
215.423.2301 |
| Revelations Boutique |
215.925.4022 |
| Bicycle Revolutions |
215.629.2453 |
| Essene Market & Café |
215.922.1146 |
| Cohen & Co. Hardward & Home Goods |
215.922.3493 |
| Savory Off South, Inc |
215.922.0202 |
| Cafe Grindstone |
267.239.8917 |
| Red Hook Coffee and Tea |
215.923.0178 |
| Queen Village Food Market |
215.625.2405 |
| Bean Café |
215.629.2250 |
| Bluebond Guitars |
215.829.1690 |
| Famous 4th Street Delicatessen |
215.922.3274 |
| Philadelphia Java Company |
215.928.1811 |
| Philadelphia Java Company |
215.339.8248 |
UNIVERSITY CITY
| Joseph Anthony |
215.222.9252 |
| Michael's Custom Cuts |
215.387.6803 |
| Sitar India |
215.662.0818 |
| White Dog Café |
215.386.9224 |
| Stans Deli |
215.382.7826 |
| The Second Mile Center |
215.662.1663 |
| Dr Whatt's University Herbs |
215.222.0900 |
| Green Line Café |
|
| Green Line Café |
|
| The Last Word Bookshop |
215.386.7750 |
| Izzy & Zoe's |
215.382.2328 |
| University Pinball |
|
| Fatou Fama Senegalese Restaurant |
215.386.0700 |
| New Style Pizzeria |
215.387.5633 |
| Lee's Hoagie House |
215.382.1300 |
| Metropolitan Bakery & Café |
215.222.1492 |
| Smokey Joe's |
|
| Marvelous Records |
|
| Greek Lady |
215.382.2600 |
| Copa Banana |
215.382.1330 |
| Allegro Pizza & Grill |
215.382.8158 |
| Bucks County Coffee Co. |
215.386.1832 |
| Colonial Pizza |
215.387.7702 |
| The Best House Pizzeria |
215.386.1450 |
| Saigon Pho & Café |
215.222.6800 |
| Bubble House |
215.243.0804 |
| Evans Varsity Pizza Restaurant |
215.386.8881 |
| Video Library |
|
| West Philly Comics |
|
| Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant |
215.387.2424 |
| University City Review |
|
| Lucky Strikes Bowling |
|
| Green Line Café |
|
| The People's Market |
|
| Café Pier One |
|
| The Hair Lounge |
|
| The Natural Shoe Store |
|
| Firehouse Bikes |
|
| Dock Street Brewery |
|
| Satellite Café |
|
| Garden Court Hair Signatures |
|
| The 2nd Mile Center Furniture Store |
|
WEST PHILADELPHIA
| Nick's Disk & 99 Store |
215.727.0985 |
| Vientiane Café |
215.726.1095 |
| ADJA International Boutique |
215.386.0727 |
| Everlasting Art |
215.386.7720 |
| Wise Buys |
215.387.9473 |
| Colonial Pizza |
215.387.7702 |
| Mariposa Food Coop |
215.729.2121 |
| White Seal, Inc |
215.726.4700 |
| Addis Market |
215.387.0664 |
| Just for Men |
215.386.4581 |
| Monarch |
215.387.4199 |
| Baltimore African Market |
215.387.5706 |
| Good Neighbor Pharmacy |
215.222.3349 |
| Garden Court |
215.748.0748 |
| Better Images |
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SHARON HILL
OTHER
| Wholistic Alternatives |
267.616.5253 |
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