Drive Your Business Program

Geographic Scope: Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley regions of Pennsylvania

Focus Areas:

• Small business development and growth
• Underserved entrepreneurs and business owners
• Technical assistance and education
• Bookkeeping practices
• Access to capital
• Business growth support

Overview:
Drive Your Business is a hands-on technical assistance and coaching program developed by the PA CDFI Network to help underserved small business owners develop, launch, or grow their businesses. The program was funded with a $1 million grant from TD Bank's 2024 TD Ready Challenge.

Program Model:

• Flexible capital paired with hands-on technical assistance
• Recognition that long-term business success depends on both access to funding and tools to use it effectively
• Hands-on approach to technology, education, coaching and community collaboration
• Emphasis on bookkeeping practices, access to capital, and business growth
• Long-term collaborative effort to remove common barriers among underserved entrepreneurs

Service Areas & Delivery Partners:
Program delivered in partnership with five CDFIs operating in Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley regions:

• Finanta
• Neighborhood Progress Fund
• Impact Loan Fund
• Entrepreneur Works
• The Enterprise Center

Success Stories:

• Rocky Philly Souvenirs (Philadelphia) - navigated credit challenges and strengthened operations
• Brü Daddy's Brewing Company (Allentown) - moved toward sustainable growth through CDFI support