THE HUB ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMS
HUB Entrepreneur Programs
Looking to take your business idea or existing part-time business to the next level? Our Technical Assistance Programs assist new business owners to evalute, refine, and develop a clear path for their business, including formal business structures and next-level marketing.
Successful gradutes of WORC’s 5 week training program that have developed and implemented a legal business operation are invited to participate in WORC’s business loan program.
How The Programs Works:
WORC’s Business Assistance Programs are designed for potential entrepreneurs to help you find new opportunities, and gain the skills needed to start a new business or grow your existing business. The HUB provides training and specialized 1:1 assistance in developing your business. You’ll also be able to consult with an attorney, accountant, and other professionals.
SMART LAUNCH 2.0
Self-Employment Training Program
Provides individuals that have a business idea and possess transferable skills, or owners of existing part-time businesses, or those with fewer than 12 months of business operations the opportunity to take their business to the next level. The Start Smart business model employs next level marketing and formal business structures incorporated into a highly developed written business plan. Successful graduates will have developed and implemented legal business operations and are invited to participate in the WORC micro-loan program.
- Five week program, meets two times per week (Monday & Wednesday Evenings 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm)
- Covers business plan development, marketing, management and financing for Start-up and existing businesses. Consult with an Attorney, Accountant, and Other Professionals
- Successful participants will have completed a business plan, met all of the local, state and federal requirements and be participating in actual business operations
- Helps participants evaluate, refine and develop their "micro" business by preparing a written business plan, including sections on marketing, operations and financials
- Qualifications: Open to all applicants
- Apply for WORC loan funds
- Fee: Entrepreneurship Training only $175 ($99 for Low-Income)
To Get Started Register for a Free Orientation
PITCH COMPETITION FOR THE 250th
WORC Women’s Business Pitch Competition
The WORC Women’s Business Pitch Competition is a signature citywide initiative celebrating the power, innovation, and impact of women entrepreneurs as America approaches its 250th anniversary. Organized by the Women’s Opportunities Resource Center (WORC) and supported by the Women’s Committee of Philadelphia250 and the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, this competition is designed to highlight the stories and elevate women-led businesses that are positioned to grow, scale, and strengthen our regional economy.
At its core, the competition seeks to identify visionary women business owners who are advancing gender and economic equity through their work. We welcome enterprises with strong potential for growth, compelling value propositions, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in their communities.
Participants will take part in a multi-stage journey that includes hands-on coaching, pitch development, storytelling support, and access to key business resources. From the full pool of applicants, 20 companies will be selected to receive personalized coaching to strengthen their business narratives, financials, and pitch decks, culminating in a pitch session in March 2026.
From that group, five finalists will advance to the final competition in May 2026, where they will present their refined pitches before a panel of expert judges. This public May event will give finalists the opportunity to showcase their businesses and compete for grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $25,000.
This Round 1 application is the first step. It helps us learn more about your business, understand your goals, and determine eligibility for the next phase of the competition.
We invite you to join this exciting opportunity to elevate your business, expand your network, and gain the visibility and support needed to take your enterprise to the next level.
Applications are due Monday, February 9, 2026
Competition Timeline:
- December 8, 2025 – Application Released
- February 9, 2026 – Application Deadline
- February 20, 2026 – Notification of 20 Semi-Finalists
- March 18, 2026 – Semi-Finalist Presentations
- May 5, 2026 – Finalist Presentation