Applications are being accepted for New Business Champions program

It can be a challenge for new, small businesses to be able to afford professional services like accounting, marketing, HR and legal.

The Chester County Economic Development Council is accepting applications for this year’s New Business Champions program, which provides up to $2,500 in professional services for businesses in Chester County.

Through the New Business Champions program, some of the region’s top businesses are providing the services and training new business owners need to develop critical entrepreneurial skills.

Businesses selected for the program will receive a business-needs assessment with program staff and will work one on one with experts from a variety of industries to address their business needs, according to information on the program’s application site.

The following are among the services to be provided: business plan development; accounting and financial guidance; marketing and networking; customer development; HR training; and essential skills for business owners/staff.

Space is limited to a select number of applicants and fund availability, and nominations must be received by Feb. 28.

Those interested in the program can nominate a business or nominate their own business. To nominate their own business, applicants can complete the online application at https://ccedcpa.com/new-business-champions/. In addition to questions about the business, applicants are asked to provide a description of the company and the businesses’ main goals and challenges.

To nominate another business, email djenkinswalls@ccedcpa.com with the business name, contact info and other comments.

To be eligible for the program, the nominated business must be less than five years of age since its formation or not yet formed. The business must be based in Chester County and have 50 or fewer employees.

Priority will be given to minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, non-college degree, first generation college students/graduates and those reentering the workforce after an extended absence, the rules state. In addition, priority will be given to businesses that have started during or since the pandemic.

Businesses that have received previous New Business Champions grants are not eligible.

The New Business Champions program was created and is managed by the Chester County Economic Development Council, and is made possible with funding in part from the Chester County Workforce Development Board and Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.