WHEREAS, In 1999, The Business Center for Entrepreneurship & Social Enterprise (The Business Center) was established as a non-profit business incubator to serve the businesses and neighborhoods of Northwest Philadelphia and beyond and, through its work, it has helped to energize neighborhood revitalization and economic development in the Greater Philadelphia region; and
WHEREAS, Shortly after its creation, The Business Center started its annual Enterprising Woman Business Plan Competition (Competition), where female entrepreneurs with businesses less than 3 years old and with less than $250,000 in annual earnings compete for several prizes based on the viability of a strong business plan that includes sound financial data and demonstrates excellent management and marketing goals; and
WHEREAS, Through the Competition, approximately 66 female entrepreneurs have received monetary awards to assist them in growing their businesses, and as a result, The Business Center has aided these businesses to become successful business ventures; and
WHEREAS, For the 10th Annual Competition, The Business Center has developed collaborative partnerships with the Mt. Airy Revitalization Corporation, Philadelphia Development Partnership, Tabas Funding, The Empowerment Group, The Enterprise Center, Temple University League of Entrepreneurial Women, Temple Small Business Development Center, The Reinvestment Fund, U.S. Small Business Administration, Women's Business Development Center, Women's Opportunity Resource Center, and Women's Yellow Pages; and
WHEREAS, The 10th Annual Competition is being sponsored by Citizens Bank, Elizabeth B. & Arthur Roswell Foundation, PNC Bank, Philadelphia University, Wachovia/Wells Fargo, and Sovereign Bank; therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor The Business Center for Entrepreneurship & Social Enterprise on its 10th Annual Enterprising Woman Business Plan Competition.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of The Business Center for Entrepreneurship & Social Enterprise as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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