Peer-based Learning Experience
Through this 12 week, 36-hour program, you will gain practical skills that you can immediately put into action and learn how to create a business improvement plan to help grow your business. Learn the foundations of small business management and other tools needed for a successful small business through this FREE training program that provides the following:
- Team of experts that teach marketing, financials, human resource and operations, insurance and legal, and how to develop a tactical improvement plan
- Learn from experienced entrepreneurs through our peer-based learning model
- Coaching support from a business coach and financial coach
- Our training is held in local Philadelphia communities so local businesses can connect and network easily
Who is Eligible
- Business located within the City of Philadelphia
- In business for at least one year with some sales (sales cannot exceed $1 million)
- Have one full-time equivalent employee (can include owner or 2 part-timers)
- Must be an owner, have an ownership stake or be a decision maker in the company
Business Owner and Community Leader Spotlight
CORRIELUS CARDIOLOGY
With a bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College and a health carefocused MBA, I bring more than 25 years of clinical experience as a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author in heart health. Specializing in preventive cardiology, my practice prioritizes culturally competent care to address health inequities, offering comprehensive noninvasive cardiac diagnostic evaluations and treatments. As the founder of the Community Cardiovascular Initiative, a 501(C)(3) organization, I'm dedicated to promoting heart health education.
Participating in the Peer-based Learning Experience has been transformative. Peer interactions provided invaluable support and insights, highlighting the significance of collaborative networks and shared learning experiences. My handpicked business coach played a pivotal role in my growth, offering tailored guidance and support, which allowed me to access various data sources about my business and develop a sound tactical plan for growth.
With my coach, I crafted a robust plan informed by data sources, navigating the intricacies of small business ownership with the necessary tools and resources provided by Power Up Your Business.
This program breathed new life into my practice, offering a fresh perspective and the vitality required for success. I am deeply grateful for its profound impact on my journey.
– Dr. Sanul Corrielus, President and CEO
Dates and Locations
Workshops are from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Cohort 26 - Virtual (Online)
January 22, 2025 - April 16, 2025
Application Deadline: December 18, 2024
Cohort 27 - In-Person (Career and Advanced Technology Center - West Philadelphia)
May 7, 2025 - July 30, 2025
Application Deadline: April 16, 2025
Cohort 28 - In-Person (Center for Business and Industry - Main Campus)
September 3, 2025 - December 3, 2025
Application Deadline: August 14, 2025
Cohort 29 - Virtual (Online)
January 22, 2026 - April 30, 2026
Application Deadline: December 10, 2025
Apply to the Peer-based Learning Experience
Peer-Based Learning cohorts occur three times per year. Class size is limited.
More than 300 businesses located in every zip code in Philadelphia, have completed this incredible free program.
To qualify for acceptance to the Peer-Based Learning Experience program, your business must be operational and registered within Philadelphia city limits.
Business Spotlight
POMELO: FLOWER, PLANT AND GIFT SHOP
“The Peer-based Learning Experience provided me with a supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs, offering peer mentorship and practical insights. The program's structured approach facilitated goal setting, accountability and strategic planning. I wholeheartedly endorse the program to both emerging and seasoned entrepreneurs for its effectiveness as a networking platform and catalyst for growth.”
– Kaitlin Orner, Founder and CEO
BLACK DOLLS MATTER LLC
“Recently, I immersed myself in a Peer-based Learning Virtual Experience, a pivotal step in fortifying my business pursuits. Collaborating with fellow entrepreneurs and learning from seasoned instructors has imbued me with invaluable insights and sparked innovative growth strategies. Notably, the accounting session equipped me with essential financial management skills, crucial for the continued expansion and scaling of my business. This experience has been instrumental in advancing my professional growth and business success.”
– Mark Ruffin, Founder and CEO
JERK PARK
“My business coach played a pivotal role in developing my Tactical Improvement Plan, which became my guiding compass. Through the Peer-based Learning Experience, our group evolved from mere peers to a tightly knit family, under the invaluable mentorship of Tiffany Spraggins, a constant wellspring of wisdom and support. The diverse cohort, from landscapers to real estate investors, enriched our learning journey and fostered collaboration.”
– Sierra Crosby, Founder and CEO
How to Apply
To apply for the Peer-based Learning Experience program, simply complete our online application and email the following business verification information to powerup@ccp.edu:
1. Submit one of the following:
- a copy of your most recent business tax return
- a copy of your most recent Profit and Loss Statement
2. Submit a copy of your City Commercial Activity License (CAL): Applicants who do not have their CAL at time of submission may obtain it prior to the start of the program.
3. Applicant must obtain a support letter (recommendation) from their area CDC, business association, civic association, City council person, or from a small business support organization.
Business Spotlight
AQUA WATERPROOF HEADWEAR
I am the visionary behind the Kay & Kay Group and the inventor of AQUA Waterproof Headwear. From West Philadelphia, my entrepreneurial journey started early, driven by a passion for innovation. After graduating from Philadelphia High School for Girls, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Marketing focus from Temple University.
My career in procurement and project management thrived, but my evenings were dedicated to innovation, leading to the creation of Kay & Kay Group, LLC, and the invention of AQUA Waterproof Headwear.
Participating in the Peer-based Learning Experience was a game changer for me. My main takeaway is access to my peers and extremely talented instructors. Tiffany Spraggins, a guiding light throughout, generously continues to share invaluable insights and resources with us to this day. Christopher Hess's seasonal workshops expanded my horizons; I have taken several.
Prior to the program, I hadn’t realized the necessity of a Tactical Improvement Plan. My business coach, Marc Kramer, was instrumental in crafting a robust plan, devising a solid financial model, and imparting wisdom about scaling strategies and angel investing. Initially focused on fashion, Marc's guidance revealed an opportunity in the medical category. With my first hire and a 150% revenue increase from the previous year, my experience in the Power Up Your Business Program was invaluable.
– Khadijah Robinson, Founder and CEO
Questions?
Thinking about enrolling but need additional information or assistance with registering?
Business Spotlight
V Marks the Shop
“Being a graduate of Cohort 14 in Power Up was a highlight of 2021 for me. I learned so much from the classes and workshops, especially around areas of finance and operations. My mentor and business coach really gave me ‘food for thought’ during each mentoring session. I was able to really take a step back, identify opportunities, and set goals to find ways to grow and improve my business. COVID-19 hit us hard. I honestly feel that if it weren't for Power Up that I wouldn't have the wherewithal to keep pushing and rebuilding my business.”
– Carmella Lanni
Cannstatter Volksfest-Verein Catering
“I took over as the general manager and was looking for better ways to handle our two large catering rooms and expand the business of our seven acres of onsite picnic grounds. I found out that Community College of Philadelphia was providing the Power Up Your Business Program to help businesses pivot and expand their operations. With a small staff of only six permanent employees and a fluctuating part-time staff of about 20 waiters and bartenders, it was becoming tougher and tougher to compete.”
– Pauline Mann
Revolution Taco
“Based on what I got out of this program, I would recommend it 100 percent to other business owners. There is always something to take away and learn from the experience. There is tremendous value in working with qualified instructors and peers alike; everyone brings a different approach or skillset to the table. I have had several meetings with my business coach and have found it extremely helpful for my continued knowledge and growth.”
– Carolyn Nguyen