The Enterprise Center recently announced a regional call-for-applications for diverse owners of tech businesses to participate in a new pitch competition.

This is the first-ever ‘Most Diverse Tech Hub’ (MDTH) Pitch Competition is in partnership with Mom Your Business and the City of Philadelphia, and was launched to help position Philadelphia as one of the most diverse tech hubs in the country.

“Our overall objective is to spark the creation of tomorrow’s technology for a digital economy in Philadelphia,” said Sarah Bondzie, associate, investment & loan officer at the Enterprise Center, in a statement.

“This competition will not only shine a spotlight on Minority-owned businesses within the Philadelphia region, but will also provide the winners with access to up to $80,000 in seed capital,” she added. 

In January 2023, the City released Equity and Opportunity for All: Moving Philadelphia Forward, a report outlining the Administration’s core priorities for 2023. 

Among those priorities were driving inclusive growth and economic opportunity.

“We are committed to investing in our city’s long-term economic competitiveness in every neighborhood and commercial area while spreading our impact within the global economy,” said Philadelphia Commerce Director Anne Nadol. 

She added that the Commerce Department will continue to fuel the inclusive growth of tech workforce skills and tech-based companies in Philadelphia.

“That includes by matching Black and brown talent—especially Philadelphia public school students—to local tech companies for learning and imagining innovative possibilities that can enhance the future of our city and region,” Nadol continued.

In March 2023, the Enterprise Center was announced as one of six local organizations receiving a portion of the $750,000 in combined city grants for the 2023 Most Diverse Tech Hub Initiative. 

“Philadelphia has all the ingredients to become a national leader in fostering a more diverse, innovative tech sector,” said Mayor Jim Kenney, adding that the goal is to highlight the best and brightest of the city’s tech sector and enable more diverse individuals to be inspired to succeed in that particular sector.

To this end, Bondzie added, “With the city's support, we are now doubly empowered to realize our vision of a more inclusive and diverse tech ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurship and drives economic growth in the region.”

The Most Diverse Tech Hub Pitch Competition is currently accepting applications through Monday, June 26, 2023.

An in-person finale event is scheduled to take place Tuesday, October 3, 2023. 

For more information or to apply for the 2023 Most Diverse Tech Hub Pitch Competition, click here.