THE HUB ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMS

Speaker presenting to seated audience in classroom.

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

Scheduled every Wednesday at 1:00 pm

 SMART LAUNCH 2.0 ENROLLMENT FEE PAYMENT 

Enrollment Fee for the Smart Launch  2.0
(cohort students must submit their application prior to making the payment)

 

IMPORTANT: In order to qualify for the low income fee you must submit a BTAP form.
(to request the BTAP form please email - fayers-training@worc-pa.com)

Upcoming Workshop Events

Phila250 Women’s Business Pitch Competition Finals
A Celebration of Entrepreneurship & Economic Empowerment

Date: May 13th, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: Fitler Club
24 South 24th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Join WORC, in partnership with the Women’s Committee for the 250th, for the highly anticipated finals of the Phila250 Women’s Business Pitch Competition.

Five finalists. One stage. A $25,000 grand prize.

Selected from 93 applicants, these dynamic entrepreneurs have advanced through a competitive process and will take the stage to present their businesses before a distinguished panel of judges.

This powerful event highlights innovation, leadership, and the impact of women entrepreneurs contributing to Philadelphia’s economic future. Funded by $75,000 raised entirely by women, this initiative reflects the strength and collective support within our community.

Experience bold pitches, inspiring stories, and the energy of entrepreneurs building what’s next.

 

Build Your Business Website Webinar

Date: Tuesday, May 19
Time: 6:00 PM - via Zoom
Featured Speaker: Mario Saint-Fleur

WORC is partnering with Everyday Web to bring you a practical, hands-on webinar designed to help entrepreneurs build and maintain a professional business website.

Whether you are just starting out or looking to strengthen your online presence, this session will give you the tools to confidently create a website that attracts and serves your customers

Branding Workshop:
Build a Brand That Attracts the Right Clients

Date: May 21, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM -  via Zoom

WORC is hosting a virtual Branding Workshop designed for entrepreneurs looking to strengthen how they position, communicate, and grow their businesses.

Led by brand strategist Fuajia Amin of Salted Branding, this interactive session will explore the foundations of strategic branding and how a strong brand can attract the right clients and support long term growth.

Participants will learn how to:

  • Define their ideal target market
  • Clearly position their business within their industry
  • Develop messaging that communicates their value
  • Align marketing efforts with a clear and focused brand strategy

Throughout the workshop, participants will complete guided exercises to begin applying these strategies directly to their own businesses.

Special Opportunity

Ten participants will be selected to receive individualized Brand Strategy Consulting Sessions to further develop their brand positioning, messaging, and marketing strategy.

Selected participants must meet WORC program eligibility requirements.

For all HUB inquiries, please contact us at info@worc-pa.com and a team member will respond shortly.