The six-week program is designed to help empower, develop, and uplift multicultural business owners, will culminate in pitch competition. HARLEM, N.Y., Feb. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- M&T Bank's Harlem Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab, a six-week program designed to provide local entrepreneurs with guidance, education, and resources to help them start and grow businesses, is now accepting applications. The program is designed to empower, develop, and grow racially and ethnically diverse small businesses within the Harlem community. Registration is open at mtb.com/innovationlab. The program culminates in a pitch competition among program finalists, with first place earning a $16,000 prize, second receiving $12,000, and third receiving $7,000, all funded by M&T. Held in collaboration with Carver Federal Savings Bank, M&T's Harlem Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab will help participating entrepreneurs deepen their business expertise and gain insights into creating business plans, establishing credit, accessing capital, marketing, networking, and more. The Lab's mission is to offer an opportunity for multicultural businesses to increase their visibility, accelerate their business, achieve success, and increase M&T's engagement with multicultural business owners across its various markets. The six-week program will be held at the Harlem Commonwealth Council beginning Thursday, March 30, and will run every Thursday evening through May 4. "After the success of our other programs across the Northeast, we are thrilled to launch the Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab in Harlem," said Blair Ridder, M&T Bank New York City Regional President. "This program is an important step in M&T's work to encourage and support racially and ethnically diverse micro businesses in pursuing their dreams. As a community bank, we want to uplift and make a difference in Harlem and in all the communities we serve." Established and aspiring small-business owners who are interested in participating in the program must complete the online application by March 10. Acceptance will come on a rolling basis for entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria: Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian American, or other multicultural identities; In business no more than three years; and, Annual business revenue of $150,000 or less. Local Impact of Last Year's Program Since its first Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab in Buffalo in 2021, M&T has launched the program in additional communities including Harrisburg, Pa.; Bridgeport, Conn., and now Harlem. This growing initiative has enabled the bank to meet the unique needs of entrepreneurs while providing insights that have informed and differentiated M&T's approach to serving multicultural businesses. The bank plans to bring the program to even more cities in 2023. Brandon Ross, Chief Executive Officer of Pawsome Pet Products, enrolled in M&T Bank's Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab in Bridgeport last year, winning a $6,000 grant for his product, The Pawsome Pet Carrier. Continuing to grow in popularity, the pet carrier now has a patent pending. "Thanks to M&T Bank's Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab, I can successfully and confidently describe my business, understand my shortcomings, as well as what I need to learn to better position my company for success," Ross said. "This is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn skills, access resources, and receive guidance to get their idea and business to the next level." The Curriculum and Pitch Competition During the six-week Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab, small-business owners attend weekly two-hour sessions to learn fundamentals such as effective business planning, establishing credit, and gaining exposure to expert-level skills like presenting to investors, understanding business valuation, and building impactful brands. The program will conclude with a pitch competition that will award a total of $35,000 of funding, split between three winners. Winning businesses are determined by several factors, including the market or community needs the business addresses, the effectiveness of its business plan, its ability to adapt, and its potential for growth and community impact. "Investing in multicultural entrepreneurs is one of the most meaningful and powerful actions we can take to help our communities achieve financial empowerment and keep growing stronger," said David Femi, head of M&T Bank's Multicultural Banking & Diverse Market Strategy. "Our team at M&T Bank is looking forward to continuing to help business leaders access new skills, resources, and connections through initiatives like our Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab." For more information or to apply for the Harlem Innovation Lab, visit mtb.com/innovationlab.

Happy Black History Month, Harlem! Year long, we celebrate Black history & current Black excellence. This month we’re highlighting masters of business, curators of culture, and community champions in Harlem. You can view and learn about the icons we're celebrating on our Instagram page. Sylvia’s Restaurant, the “The Queen of Soul Food” Voza Rivers, Chairman of the Harlem Arts Alliance Thelma Golden, Director and Chief Curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem View more of the Harlemites who are making Black history here. Let us know those who you admire in the community in the comments. Follow the #HarlemisBlackHistory hashtag to keep up with our features. In 2021, we celebrated past and present artists in Harlem, who through their art – words, paintbrushes and music have documented Black Culture. We highlighted such artists as Billie Holiday, Kwame Brathewaite, and Dianne Smith. See our article listing how Harlem experienced Black History Month here. Refer to our Guide to Black Harlem to support Black businesses & learn more about the rich history of our home. Taste, hear, see, shop and EXPERIENCE Harlem. You can support in multiple categories: arts & culture, clothing and accessories, food and drink, fitness, gift shops and more. Like, love, & share this listing with your fellow Harlemites.

Who else feels like Harlem is its own borough? We don't need to tell you that 125th Street has it ALL. Our street vendors are such a huge part of what makes our neighborhood special. Supporting Harlem and supporting Black business is not a trend and will never go out of style. From eyewear to healing crystals to hand-sewn bags, here are some vendors that you should patronize*: EYEWEAR Brand: EENY CRYSTALS MUSIC CLOTHNG & ACCESSORIES Brand: BUCALEANY (Be Unique Cool And Lean New York) Refer to our Guide to Black Harlem to support Black businesses & learn more about the rich history of our home. Taste, hear, see, shop and EXPERIENCE Harlem. You can support in multiple categories: arts & culture, clothing and accessories, food and drink, fitness, gift shops and more. Like, love, & share this listing with your fellow Harlemites.

EXPERIENCE: HARLEM IS A VALUED RESOURCE – “Thank you for this wonderful resource. I share it with others to keep it know to all.” “It’s a great guide to navigate around Harlem. I always know what’s happening!” “Great way to check out the restaurants and get an overall feel for the atmosphere and service.” “Love it. Thank you for all you do!” “Thank you for providing the opportunity for people to ‘experience harlem.’” ​ Our weekly newsletter offers what’s unique and undiscovered. Driving consumers to your business and to learn more. Our opt-in email list reaches over 5,000 subscribers and we leverage our social media channels to amplify your message. Our social media channels deliver an additional 2.5M+ impressions annually. AUDIENCE Our audience consists of multi-cultural, urban professionals who thrive on discovering unique and different experiences. They are the first to tell their friends – they are influencers. • 65% are women • 77% are single • 72% are between 25-54 • 81% have obtained a college degree • 35% have children • 34% own their homes • 73% earn $50K or more • 79% dine out 2 or more times per week ​ RATES Our dedicated email package reaches our opt-in list of 5,000+ subscribers + social media touts. We request artwork at least one week in advance of your desired send date to ensure we have enough time to set up/test your email. OPTION 1 - Great addition to any campaign - (1) Dedicated email (artwork supplied by client) - (3) Social media posts (one post on each platform - FB/T/I) + FB boost - Investment - $300 OPTION 2 - Great way to ensure consistent visibility throughout the year - (4) Dedicated emails (artwork supplied by client) - (12) Social media posts (one post on each platform - FB/T/I) + FB boost - Investment - $1,000 (save $200) ​ ​ RESERVE NOW Work With Us Tell us a bit about you and what you're working on. We might be able to help. First Name* Last Name* Email Business name* Project description I want to subscribe to the newsletter. GET IN TOUCH

Around the Neighborhood Check out the latest on Harlem's best stops, shops, sips and more. 13 Harlem Holiday Hacks Harlem Holiday Hacks are back to save the Thanksgiving! Choose a shortcut or two or three to make this season a little more special and worry-free. 2022 Harlem Holiday Gift Guide There’s no need to travel outside of Harlem to discover the perfect gift this holiday season. 130+ Black-Owned Businesses Supporting Harlem and supporting Black business is not a trend and will never go out of style. Latest News Support 125th Street Vendors Who else feels like Harlem is its own borough? We don't need to tell you that 125th Street has it ALL. Our street vendors are such a huge... Experience Harlem 2022 #ShopHarlem Holiday Gift Guide There’s no need to travel outside of Harlem to discover the perfect gift this holiday season. With scores of local entrepreneurs, small... Accelerate Your Business in 2023 with Opportunity for Growth! The Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund is kicking off recruiting for their sixth cohort of Opportunity for Growth - a FREE business education... Keep it local this holiday season Come experience the individual pop-up shops of SoHarlem's collective of designers now through December 22nd at The Malt House, 471 W... Harlem Holiday Hacks 2022 Harlem Holiday Hacks are back to save the Thanksgiving! Holiday planning doesn't have to be stressful. Choose a shortcut or two or three... Guide to Black-owned Harlem Restaurants 2022 Your problem: you’re hungry & you want to support a black-owned business. Your solution: EASY! View our listing of... See More

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