F.N.B. and the Penguins are teaming up to highlight and assist locally-owned small businesses through the F.N.B. Small Business Development Camp.

Small Business Development Camp Program Overview

Five (5) finalists will be selected by a panel of experts and each will receive technical assistance from F.N.B. and the Riverside Center for Innovation (RCI) thru a six-week training program consisting of education speakers, workshops and classes led by F.N.B., Penguins executives and members of RCI who will provide guidance and insight on how to sustain, scale and advance their business. 

At the conclusion of the training program, each finalist will present their “pitch” to an expert panel of judges who will narrow down the pool of candidates to the top three (3) who will compete for their share of $50,000 and an opportunity to acquire marketing assets with the Penguins the following season.

2024 Program Schedule

  • October 16, 2024: Pre-Game Welcome Reception at Penguins vs. Sabres
  • October 21, 2024: Session 1: Financial Services & Resources Available for Small Business
  • October 28, 2024: Session 2: Pricing Models for Successful Business
  • November 4, 2024: Session 3: Finding and Attracting Investors
  • November 14, 2024: Session 4: Marketing Your Business
  • November 18, 2024: Session 5: Building and Managing an Effective Team
  • November 25, 2024: Session 6: Prepping for Pitch
  • December 9, 2024: Final Pitch Presentations

Eligibility

Businesses eligible to be considered must:

  • Be nominated by the business owner who must be at least 18 years of age
  • Have established operations for a minimum of two years
  • Have annual gross revenues that do not exceed $250,000
  • Have no more than 20 full-time employees
  • Be able to attend each of the sessions outlined in the Program Schedule
  • Be currently active and in good standing with the PA Department of State and have its principal place of business located in PA

Non-profit organizations are not eligible to apply.

Submission

  • Business that are eligible will be able to submit through September 4 with this form
  • Additional details and information on the Small Business Development Camp can be found in the program rules
  • In order to be considered, business qualifications can be found in the rules