FNB, Penguins Launch Fourth Small Business Camp

The Pittsburgh Penguins and First National Bank, the largest subsidiary of F.N.B. Corporation, are launching the fourth annual FNB Small Business Development Camp for Pittsburgh-area companies. Five locally owned businesses will be selected for a six-week training program.

Participants will work directly with executives and experts from the bank, the hockey team, and the Riverside Center for Innovation (RCI). The program is designed to provide guidance on sustaining, scaling, and advancing a small business.

Program Curriculum and Structure

Industry experts will cover a range of critical topics during the six-week camp. These include financial services and resources for small businesses, pricing models, and general marketing strategies.

The curriculum also addresses finding and attracting investors, building and managing a team, and general pitch preparation. The program concludes with each business presenting a pitch to a panel of expert judges.

Prizes and Past Success

The top three businesses from the pitch competition will receive a share of a $50,000 grant for their operations. All five participating companies will get marketing opportunities with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Last year's grand prize winner was Street Fries Forever. The business received a $25,000 grant and marketing exposure at PPG Paints Arena, on SportsNet Pittsburgh broadcasts, and on the Penguins Radio Network.

Owner Eric Williams credited the program for his company's growth. "Winning the Small Business Development Camp is a game-changer for Street Fries Forever," Williams said. "The accelerated training provided by RCI, combined with the incredible support from the Pittsburgh Penguins and First National Bank, gave us the exact blueprint we needed to scale. This $25,000 grand prize isn't just capital, it gave us the momentum we needed to take our business to the next level and hire people right here in Pittsburgh."

Application and Executive Support

Vincent Delie, Chairman, President and CEO of F.N.B. Corporation and First National Bank, emphasized the bank's commitment. "Our bankers regularly work with entrepreneurs throughout our footprint," Delie stated. "The Small Business Development Camp continues to be a natural opportunity for us to work with our dedicated partners, the Penguins and RCI, to share proven expertise with the local business community."

Local business owners can nominate their companies for the program online. The submission window is open now through October 2. Further details on eligibility and prizing are also available on the program's website.