Citizens Bank Foundation donates $35,000 to establish new business center and expand business services in Delaware County
Grants will provide assistance in Upper Darby, Clifton Heights, Lansdowne, East Lansdowne, Milbourne and YeadonPHILADELPHIA (July 17, 2007) - The Citizens Bank Foundation announced today that it is donating $35,000 to open a new business assistance office and expand services for small businesses and entrepreneurs in six area municipalities in Delaware County. The grants are being distributed to the Widener University Small Business Development Center and Community Capital Works/Chester Microenterprise Partnership to serve businesses in Upper Darby, Clifton Heights, Lansdowne, East Lansdowne, Yeadon and Milbourne. The funding will allow for the establishment of the Business Training Center located in the Welcome Center in Upper Darby.
“These grants are an important component to our community and business commitment in Delaware County,” said Ralph J. Cicalese, Citizens Bank’s Market Executive for Delaware County. “We have found two great partners with the experience to assist small businesses through training, individual consultation and other important services in areas of the county that were otherwise not being served. The Citizens Bank Foundation grants will be a huge help to small business owners who need technical assistance to help them succeed.”
Upper Darby Mayor F. Raymond Shay, members of Delaware County Council and community and business leaders attended the check presentation where Widener University SBDC and the Community Capital Works/Chester Microenterprise Partnership each received $17,500 to open the new Business Training Center. The Citizens Bank Foundation grants will also be used to expand services into the eastern section of the county and provide training programs, workshops and one-on-one counseling services. The program is geared toward existing small businesses and entrepreneurs starting a new business. The Delaware County Commerce Center will provide guidance in establishing the training strategies.
"Delaware County Council appreciates the support of the Citizens Bank Foundation that will help small business owners in the Region 5 area of our Revitalization Program be successful and grow," said Linda A. Cartisano, Esq., Vice Chairman of the Delaware County Council. "Small business owners in Delaware County will benefit greatly from the training that will be provided here, including assistance in marketing, help in utilizing the Internet, improved accounting methods and programs to retain employees. It's this kind of partnership – involving Citizens, Widener, Chester Microenterprise Partnership, our Commerce Center and your elected leaders in Upper Darby and the County – that helps businesses of all sizes succeed, and that strengthens the economic well-being of the entire county.”
“I am pleased to be here today as we celebrate and support small business in Delaware County,” said Upper Darby Mayor F. Raymond Shay. “Citizens Bank has shown tremendous commitment to Delaware County’s economy and community. The technical assistance and training programs will greatly assist these small businesses in their entrepreneurial endeavors.”
The Business Training Center began service July 1, 2007 and will meet with prospective clients and hold business workshops two days a week. Through the Widener SBDC, the Business Training Center will offer seven business seminars in 2007, provide 250 hours of business counseling, and work with a minimum of 50 clients in the Upper Darby office. The goal is to assist in starting five new businesses, as well as create ten new business plans. A small reference library will also be created.
More extensive classroom-type training will be conducted by the Chester Microenterprise Partnership at Christ Lutheran Church in Upper Darby. This training will be composed of 10 sessions over 10 weeks covering how to successfully run a business. CMP will also directly assist 25 small businesses with one-on-one counseling and provide assistance through peer groups. The Chester Microenterprise Partnership will also offer a micro loan program to eligible applicants.
Anyone that would like more information or would like to apply for services should call Glenn McAllister at the Widener SBDC at 610.619.8491.
About the Citizens Bank Foundation
Citizens Bank Foundation is a charitable contributions vehicle of Citizens Bank. The foundation’s support is focused on housing, community development and basic human needs. Citizens’ Web site is citizensbank.com.
About the Widener University Small Business Development Center
The Small Business Development Center at Widener University opened in 2006 to help grow the economy of southeastern Pennsylvania by providing entrepreneurs with the education, information and tools necessary to build successful businesses. The Widener University SBDC provides consulting services and educational programs to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a small business in Delaware County.
About the Chester Microenterprise Partnership
Chester Microenterprise Partnership was created through the collaborative efforts of the Philadelphia Development Partnership, the City of Chester, the Chester Education Foundation, Pennsylvania Weed and Seed, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and several community-based organizations, to foster the start-up and growth of micro enterprises and small businesses in the city of Chester. Community Capital Works, Inc. is a federally certified Community Development Financial Institution and a sister agency of CMP.
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