Economic Opportunity
Entrepreneurship & Economic Opportunity
Helping residents, students, and emerging entrepreneurs turn ideas into opportunity, build practical skills, and strengthen the local economy.
Our Mission
Building Pathways from Ideas to Impact
Entrepreneurship is more than business ownership. It is a pathway to self-determination, leadership, job creation, and neighborhood revitalization. Through workshops, mentorship, partnerships, and practical learning opportunities, Called To Serve CDC supports individuals who want to explore business ideas, develop real-world skills, and contribute to the economic future of Nicetown-Tioga and North Philadelphia.
What We Support
Supporting Entrepreneurs at Every Stage
From first ideas to business readiness, CTS helps residents and young adults build confidence, sharpen practical skills, and connect with support that moves them forward.
Explore the Idea
For residents and students who have a business concept, creative skill, side hustle, or service idea and need help shaping the next step.
Build the Foundation
Practical learning around business planning, pricing, budgeting, customer service, branding, and basic operations.
Connect with Guidance
Mentorship, coaching, and resource navigation through local partners, business leaders, and community advocates.
Grow Local Opportunity
Helping entrepreneurs prepare for visibility, marketplace opportunities, partnerships, and long-term neighborhood impact.
How We Help
Practical Support for Emerging Entrepreneurs
Through workshops, mentorship, resource connections, and real community opportunities, CTS helps participants move from interest to action.
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Learn the Basics
Entrepreneurship Workshops
Hands-on sessions that help participants understand planning, pricing, branding, customer service, operations, and the everyday decisions that shape a stronger business.
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Find the Right Support
Small Business Resource Navigation
Guidance that helps residents connect with local business resources, technical assistance, funding pathways, partner programs, and next-step opportunities.
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Build Future Skills
Student Innovation & Career Readiness
Experiences that introduce students and young adults to entrepreneurship, digital skills, leadership, problem-solving, and career pathways connected to real-world opportunity.
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Gain Visibility
Community Marketplace Opportunities
Opportunities for local makers, vendors, and small businesses to be seen, build confidence, test ideas, and connect with the community through CTS events and partnerships.
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Local Businesses Strengthen Local Communities
When residents have the tools to build businesses and create opportunity, neighborhoods become stronger. Entrepreneurship supports family stability, local hiring, youth inspiration, and long-term community investment.
- Encourages local ownership
- Builds workforce and leadership skills
- Supports wealth-building pathways
- Strengthens neighborhood corridors
- Inspires the next generation
Your Support Matters
Have a Business Idea or Want to Support Local Entrepreneurs?
Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a local business owner, a mentor, or a community partner, there is a place for you in this work.
Be part of the work that helps bring this vision to life.