PHILADELPHIA, PA — Lancaster Avenue 21st Century Business Association Community Development Corporation has received grant support from Truist Foundation to expand a small business assistance program focused on financial readiness, technology adoption and operational resilience for Philadelphia entrepreneurs.
The funding will support LA21-CDC’s Small Business Sustainability Initiative, which provides business owners with coaching, technical assistance, strategic planning, accountability support and capital-readiness guidance.
The program also includes practical applications of artificial intelligence, reflecting growing pressure on small businesses to adopt digital tools while managing costs, customer acquisition and changing market conditions.
Participating businesses will receive support in areas including business planning, financial management, marketing, customer engagement, digital presence and operational systems.
LA21-CDC characterized the initiative as a shift from conventional business training toward implementation and measurable business outcomes.
“Success today requires more than hard work, it requires access to the right systems, strategies, and tools,” LA21-CDC President and CEO Kwaku Boateng stated.
Boateng stated that the program will combine business development methods with applied AI tools to help entrepreneurs improve productivity, decision-making and operations.
Truist Pennsylvania and New Jersey Regional President Lindsey Stampone stated that the foundation is supporting the effort to help small businesses “build capacity, embrace new tools, and create lasting opportunities.”
The announcement did not disclose the grant amount.
The initiative is aimed at helping entrepreneurs strengthen business foundations, improve access to capital and create opportunities for revenue growth and job creation in Philadelphia communities.
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