PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh-based nonprofit the Mansmann Foundation launched its premier program Entrepreneurs Forever, at an event on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The event welcomed business owners from Beaver County, and marked the debut of the program in the area. The first program of its kind in the county, this event was made possible in partnership with Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, City of Beaver Falls Pennsylvania, Beaver Falls Business District Authority and The B-HIVE : Beaver Valley LaunchBox.
The program, which is funded by a recent grant secured by PA Senator Bob Casey with the US Small Business Administration, will allow Entrepreneurs Forever to offer their program – at no cost – to 300 small business owners in Western Pennsylvania.
The Entrepreneurs Forever program brings together small business owners to learn from each other’s experiences, share support and tackle problems as they happen. The 3-year program utilizes peer groups composed of a diverse set of non-competing small business owners. Working with an experienced facilitator, they discuss challenges, develop solutions and build stronger ownership skills.
“Beaver County has a vibrant small business community that we cannot wait to tap into with our new program,” said Entrepreneurs Forever CEO & President, A.J. Drexler. “This event is just our first step in continuing our legacy of being an agent of growth in Southwestern Pennsylvania. We look forward to meeting Beaver’s inventive small business owners and presenting them with this unique program we have to offer.”
The event hosted over 40 local business owners and included interactive activities, discussion as well as a presentation on the benefits of their new program. Speakers at the event included:
- Mayor City of Beaver Falls, Dr. Kenya Johns
- John Hertneky, a lifelong resident of Beaver County and member of the Penn State Beaver Advisory Board. John also serves as the Immediate Past President of the Beaver Valley Innovation Hub – more commonly known as The B-HIVE – soon to be opening its doors in Beaver Falls.
- Molly Suehr, Director of Membership and Events at Beaver County Chamber of Commerce
- Nicole Sariochek, Beaver Falls Business District. Owner of Wolfes Shoes & Clothing
- Stephen Kretschman, Patterson Township Board of Commissioners
“Southwestern PA has been my home my entire life – I am Beaver Falls born and bred,” said Mayor City of Beaver Falls, Dr. Kenya Johns. “I think it is important for those who live here and want our community to grow, to understand the power of small businesses. We see the benefits this program can have for small businesses in our area — when small business thrives, everything thrives, and I feel it is time to push each other and thrive together.”
Entrepreneurs Forever has provided long-term business support to over 1,000 small business owners across four states. The mission of Entrepreneurs Forever is to empower all small business owners to grow thriving businesses that sustain their families and support their communities.
In 2022, the Entrepreneurs Forever Program had a notable impact. 55% of members more than doubled their annual owner compensation, increasing it from an average of $20,551 to $48,415. Additionally, 67% of participating businesses experienced revenue growth exceeding 10% and augmented their hiring by 40%
Additional events will take place in counties across Western Pennsylvania in 2024. The next event will take place in Fayette County on March 14, 2024.
Limited seats are available for this program. For more information, small business owners in Western Pennsylvania should visit entrepreneursforever.org/owners.
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