Summary:
Juss Frankie wins $5,000 in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition for her hair and scalp restoration business
The Harrisburg Small Business Accelerator Program focuses on business planning, credit, capital, marketing, and networking
Alisha Bergman and Lisa Lickers secure $3,000 and $2,000 respectively for their businesses
Program aims to support early-stage entrepreneurs with revenue under $350,000
Past winners include Joy Boudreau, Josue Osorto, and Anya Lumpkin, showcasing the program's impact on local businesses
Harrisburg Small Business Accelerator Program Crowns Its Latest Winner
A seven-week entrepreneurship program in Harrisburg concluded with an exciting 'Shark Tank'-style pitch competition, where three regional business owners shared $10,000 in prize money. The grand prize of $5,000 was awarded to Juss Frankie, the owner of Juss Vibes, Hair & Beauty Studio in Lemoyne, a business specializing in hair and scalp restoration.
The Winning Pitch
Frankie's victory is a testament to her personal journey and mission to restore confidence and bring holistic wellness to underserved communities. "Winning this pitch is incredibly meaningful to me," Frankie shared, highlighting the impact the prize will have on expanding her services.
Other Notable Winners
- Alisha Bergman, owner of Clean & Co, secured the second-place prize of $3,000.
- Lisa Lickers, of Kingdom Wealth Strategies, took home the third-place prize of $2,000.
Program Highlights
The Harrisburg Small Business Accelerator Program, a collaboration between M&T Bank and the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Harrisburg University, focused on essential business skills:
- Business planning
- Establishing credit
- Accessing capital
- Marketing and branding
- Networking
Eligibility and Impact
Open to entrepreneurs in business for three years or less, with annual revenue under $350,000, the program aims to foster a stronger, more inclusive small business community in the Capital Region. Nora Habig, M&T’s regional president, praised the participants' passion and drive, underscoring the program's role in shaping the local business landscape.
Past Winners
The program has a history of nurturing successful entrepreneurs, including:
- Joy Boudreau, Joy of Events (2022)
- Josue Osorto, Bespoke Vending (2023)
- Anya Lumpkin, Queen’s BBQ and Southern Cuisine (2024)
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