PHILADELPHIA, PA, April 14, 2023—SCORE Philadelphia Chapter and the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. partner annually to offer business education, resources, and business opportunity grants to emerging minority women entrepreneurs.
The program offers entrepreneurial education and SCORE mentorship, culminating in an opportunity for the women who participate to “Pitch” their businesses to a panel of three expert judges with the chance for three entrepreneurs to win grants to start and grow their businesses. The 2023 corporate supporters who provided the grant funding are Citizens Financial Group, Lincoln Financial Network, and Mom Your Business.
The program provides resources and mentoring for emerging women entrepreneurs to further develop a one-page business plan; access to SCORE workshops designed to facilitate creating strategic marketing and financial plans, branding, and more, as participants work on creating the winning business pitch.
In its sixth year, the 2023 SCORE/DELTA Minority Women’s Entrepreneurial Development Program hosted over 150 women in an information session in January.
Following the session: Twenty-five participants were invited to the program and pitch competition. After weeks of attending workshops and mentoring/coaching sessions provided by SCORE and Delta volunteers, including 12 SCORE volunteer mentors, fifteen women presented at the 6th Annual Pitch Competition held in the Venture Café at the University City Science Center.
In welcoming the pitch presenters, Dr. Penny Sparks Nixon, President of the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (PAC DST), stated that “On behalf of the nearly 600 service-minded women of the PAC DST, we stand in awe and support of the talent, bravery, and tenacity of the women who are stepping out to start and own their own businesses.” Further, Dr. Nixon said, “It is not easy, and we recognize the history of discriminatory lending practices and lack of access to capital which makes it even more challenging for women of color.”
The 2023 Pitch Competition Grantees are:
Toni Lorraine Johnson, Founder of Dr. Brownies. “Her company’s mission is to provide plant-based brownies, as an alternative to traditional brownie mixes, that support sustainability for the planet, using only the highest quality, non-GMO, and ethically sourced ingredients to create a product that not only tastes amazing but also supports a better future for all.”
Ajee Cook, CEO of “Done & Done,” an operational support firm for busy entrepreneurs and business leaders–who have big dreams and multiple projects; but not necessarily the budget to support them. She likes to get things done at Done & Done! By offering administrative and operational support–Done & Done enables businesses to succeed.
Stacey Stewart, “Stacey Pearl® is a breakthrough in the beauty industry because of its “savoir-faire,” botanical expertise, and evolving innovation; used by Parisian models and celebrities, Stacey Pearl® is a professional line of plant-based cosmeceuticals and award-winning, exclusive technology for home use, all made in France. Stacey Pearl specializes in skincare treatments for people of color and anyone looking for an elevated skincare regimen for their face, body, and wellness.”
In conclusion of this year’s program, Mary Livingston, President of SCORE Philadelphia Chapter, stated, “The program has grown each year, and this year’s participants were amazing and enthusiastic about their business ideas and giving back to the community; that is why I am so excited about its potential to reach and support more talented, innovative, and creative women entrepreneurs. My hope is that business leaders in the city will be encouraged to support the program, as well as to engage as mentors with SCORE.”
To learn more about the Minority Women’s Entrepreneurial Development Program, contact Mary Livingston at www.score.org/philadelphia
ABOUT THE PARTNERS
The Mission of the Philadelphia Chapter of SCORE is to grow small businesses by helping entrepreneurs and existing businesses solve problems through mentoring and support programs. Philadelphia SCORE is a volunteer organization funded through private sponsorship, corporate donations, and the City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce. Every year, SCORE volunteers help thousands of entrepreneurs achieve new levels of success, www.score.org/philadelphia.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private non-profit organization founded on January 13, 1913, by twenty-two revered college women on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. The organization is committed to public service with a primary focus on the Black community. The nearly 600-member Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter includes a diverse membership of talented, dedicated, college-educated women working together to advocate for the citizens of Philadelphia.
