PhillyiHub Application

Launched by Mt. Airy CDC in 2016, the Philadelphia Innovation Hub (PhillyiHub) offers training, resources and work space to people looking to start or grow a business. Since then, hundreds of graduates have completed the program, and many have launched successful businesses and continued their business training through additional programs. In 2022, PhillyiHub expands in partnership with Fairmount CDC, bringing the program to residents of the Fairmount, Brewerytown, Francisville and Sharswood neighborhoods. The program is managed by the Business Services staff at both agencies, with curriculum led by Kingdom Social Media.

Email *

Eligibility Requirements:

By completing this application I agree to the following requirements:

-I will schedule a personal interview session with PhillyiHub management

-I agree to attend all classes

-I agree to have video on during virtual sessions

-I agree to complete a Credit and Budget application and attend (virtually) one credit counseling session

Optional Opportunities:

If interested, you can join a Peer Accountability Pod. If selected, you agree to participate with all required components of the Pod Structure.

If interested, you can apply for free Business Navigator Consulting. Free consulting is available on a limited basis to students who complete the application and agree to the required additional time

Please Remember:

This is a competitive process, however we are looking for entrepreneurs in all stages of concept and product development. Fill out the application with as much information as possible and be prepared to discuss areas where you need support and hope to grow.

COVID Protocol:

Currently all cohorts remain virtual. If/When in-person sessions return, you will be informed of your location options. If you choose to attend an in-person session, we will not ask your vaccination status, however all in-person students must agree to sign a waiver stating their acceptance of any Covid-related risk that comes with attending inside group activities.

Location Options:

The PhillyiHub has two in-person locations: PhillyiHub Mt. Airy (located at Work Mt. Airy on Germantown Avenue) and PhillyiHub North (on Girard Avenue in Brewerytown). We will try and place you in the location most convenient for you, however placement depends on availability in each cohort. Currently all cohorts remain virtual.

Accepting All Requirements:

Acceptance depends on all the above requirements as well as approval by all PhillyiHub managers. PhillyiHub managers reserve the right to reject an applicant if the business is determined inappropriate or disrespectful to any person or people.

Do you understand and agree to the above eligibility requirements? *

Yes

No

Personal Information

First Name

Last Name

Phone *

Address *

Address 2

City *

State/Province *

Zip

Primary Email *

Highest Education Level Completed *

None

Elementary School

High School

Some College

Associates Degree

College Degree

Masters Degree

PhD

Current Occupation

Race / Ethnicity *

African-American / Black

Asian / Pacific Islander

Caucasian / White (non-hispanic)

Hispanic / Latino

American Indian / Native Alaskan

Other

Age Range *

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65 and over

Gender: How do you identify? *

Male

Female

Non-Binary

Prefer to Self Identify

Prefer not to respond

Hub Questions

How did you hear about the PhillyiHub? *

What would you like to gain from this program?

Do you have a preference for neighborhood attendance (when in-person cohorts resume)?

PhillyiHub Mt. Airy

All Virtual

PhillyiHub Fairmount/Brewerytown

Business Questions

Briefly explain your business idea.

Do you have any business training?

Yes

No

If "yes," briefly describe your business training.

In one or two sentences explain your work/business history *

What is the stage of your business development?

Inspiration and Ideation: You have an idea, or you've been thinking about turning a hobby into a business.

Execution: You've attempted to sell your product or service, or you've started filing legal paperwork to establish your business.

Scaling the business: You've started running your business, trying to consistently make money from it. At this point you're trying to acquire customers and stabilize the business.

Stabilizing or pivoting the business: You have been running your business for a while and you are trying to improve or pivot the established business.

Other

Tightening up: Your business is running successfully; using this knowledge will expand one or two areas.

Do you currently work another job? *

Yes

No

If "yes", what type of job is it?

Currently how much time do you spend running your business *

When I can manage (less than 15 hours a week)

Part-time (15-20 hours a week)

Full- time (20-37.5 hours per week)

I never stop working (more than 37.5 hours per week)

Are you planning on pursuing this business as a:

Full-Time Venture

Part-Time Venture

Undecided

Where is your target market?

Local (Philadelphia)

Regional

U.S.

International

Other

Value Proposition

If applicable, email your business plan or concept paper along with your application.

Briefly describe the value your business or services will offer to your clients *

List 3 challenges you are facing right now in your process: *

List 3 things about your business (or idea) that you are excited about: *

Do you have a completed business plan for this venture?

Yes

No

How many years has your business been in operation?

Credit and Capital

How is your business being financed?

Financial Institution

Angel Investor

Bank Loan

Personal Savings

Family and Friends

Other

Do you have any prior experience raising capital for a new venture?

Yes

No

Please Explain

Do you run your business?

Yes

No

Do you own your business 100% or do you have a partner?

Sole Owner

Partnership

Cooperatively Owned

Other

How many jobs does your business provide?

Within what range does your personal Credit Score fall? *

300-629

630-689

690-719

720-850

I Don't Know

How comfortable are you with understanding your credit score? *

1 (Not at all)

2

3

4

5 (Extremely)

How do you keep your credit score strong? *

Pay Bills on Time

Keep Credit Card Balances Low

Don't Close Old Credit Cards

Manage Your Debt

I Don't Know

How well do you understand the process of getting a loan? *

1 (Not at all)

2

3

4

5 (Extremely)

Have you taken out a loan? *

Yes, a personal loan

Yes, a business loan

No

If "yes", did you make timely payments throughout your repayment schedule? (If "No" write "Not Applicable") *

Have you heard about alternative lending (eg. lending circles, ROSCA, susu, tandas, etc.)? *

Yes

Yes, but not in the US

No

Business Service Requirements

Please Identify the Urgency of your need for each topic based on the following options:

Immediate (1-6 months); Moderate (7 months- 24 months); Long Term (over two years)

General Business Assistance *

Immediate

Moderate

Long Term

Not Applicable

Testing Your Business Idea *

Immediate

Moderate

Long Term

Not Applicable

Pricing & Money *

Immediate

Moderate

Long Term

Not Applicable

General Marketing *

Immediate

Moderate

Long Term

Not Applicable

Operations *

Immediate

Moderate

Long Term

Not Applicable

Pitching Your Idea *

Immediate

Moderate

Long Term

Not Applicable

Please include anything you feel we need to know about you and your business needs:

REQUIRED EMAIL SUBMISSIONS

The following documents are not required but are helpful for your application to move forward. Please email them to acrump@mtairycdc.org.

- Personal Resume

- Business Plan or Concept Paper (if applicable)

Getting Ready for your Interview:

We may ask you to discuss:

- Business idea or concept

- Personal experience and difficulties surrounding business development

- Understanding of how your business will operate financially

- Key resources and personnel and what they contribute

- Business goals for your time in the PhillyiHub program

Data & Privacy:

Email

SMS/MMS