Last week, Penn launched a free entrepreneurship academy aimed at strengthening local small businesses. In collaboration with the Community College of Philadelphia, the program targets West Philadelphia entrepreneurs aspiring to achieve annual revenues between $1 million and $10 million within three years. The academy will use a cohort-based learning approach and feature 10 sessions led by Penn faculty and industry experts.
Praveen Kosuri, the initiative’s faculty director, emphasized that the partnership aims to equip entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and the ability to seek additional help when needed. The curriculum, designed by Kosuri, involves stages such as building foundations and preparing for growth, and will include applied instruction, peer exchange, and guest speakers. The program culminates in a Capstone and graduation ceremony.
The team also includes Renita Miller, Richard Perry, and executive director Franne McNeal, who expressed optimism about the academy’s potential to impact business owners and the broader community. The inaugural cohort begins on Oct. 22 and runs for three months, with applications due by Oct. 1. Sessions will be held at CCP’s Career and Advanced Technology Center in West Philadelphia to reduce barriers to participation. The academy officially launched on Sept. 11 with a ceremonial signing at CCP.
