KeyBank, Lower Hudson Valley SBDC and U.S. Small Business Administration celebrate successful completion of Key4Entrepreneurs℠ Business Accelerator

KeyBank, Lower Hudson Valley SBDC and U.S. Small Business Administration celebrate successful completion of Key4Entrepreneurs℠ Business Accelerator

KeyBank, the Lower Hudson Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) celebrated the successful completion of the inaugural Key4Entrepreneurs℠ Business Accelerator Program, a 10-week initiative that provided 53 small business owners with expert guidance, practical business education and growth opportunities designed to help them strengthen and scale their businesses.

The accelerator, conducted from May 1 through July 10, brought together entrepreneurs representing a broad range of industries, including technology, engineering, legal services, accounting, retail and other professional services. Participants engaged in a series of workshops focused on business growth strategies, customer engagement, financial management and emerging technologies.

“The strength of our small business community depends on partnerships that provide entrepreneurs with the knowledge, support and connections they need to succeed,” said Juan Adorno, national program manager, Key4Entrepreneurs℠. “By bringing together the expertise of the Lower Hudson Valley SBDC, the SBA and KeyBank, this accelerator helped business owners develop actionable strategies for growth while building valuable relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders.”

The accelerator featured four expert-led workshops:

• Crafting a Unique Brand Identity
• Delivering Exceptional Client Service
• Cash Flow and SBA Capital
• AI for Business Growth and Pitch Preparation

The program culminated on July 10 with a Pitch Contest, where participants presented their business growth plans to a panel of judges for the opportunity to receive an award to support the next stage of their business development

Pitch Contest Winners
Grand Prize ($10,000): Orane Barrett, Kool Nerd Connect
Kool Nerd Connect provides career awareness and workforce exposure programs for middle and high school students, particularly in underserved communities. Since 2020, the organization has served more than 1,400 students across eight New York geographies.

Second Place ($7,000): Theresa Weber, All Heart Baking Company
Founded from a passion for sharing joy through artisan cookies, All Heart Baking Company continues to grow through innovative flavors and a commitment to creating memorable customer experiences.

Third Place ($3,000): Anthony Moreno, Fusion House
Fusion House helps adults build stronger, healthier and more connected lives through expert coaching, small-group training and a supportive fitness community, with a particular focus on adults over 50 and individuals returning to exercise.

In addition, ten participating businesses received honorable mention awards of $1,000 each.

Key4Entrepreneurs is part of KeyBank’s commitment to supporting local economic development by connecting entrepreneurs with educational resources, expert guidance and growth opportunities. As the program expands, KeyBank will continue creating pathways for small business success across the communities it serves.

For more information about Key4Entrepreneurs, visit key.com/k4e.