M&T Bank and Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Graduates Latest Spanish-Language 0-100 Business Accelerator Program Cohort
M&T’s 2nd Spanish Language 0-100 Business Accelerator Program Highlights Spanish Leaders in Diverse Industries
COLLEGE PARK, MD – July 17, 2024 — A women-owned construction company, a government contractor, and a property management company were announced as the winners of M&T Bank’s (NYSE:MTB) 2nd Multicultural Small Business Lab pitch competition in Maryland, in partnership with Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGEDC).
The winners, who were awarded a total of $8,000, were selected following a pitch competition held at the College Park Aviation Museum. The winners were selected by a panel of judges including representatives from M&T and PGEDC, and include:
Will Avila Watson, Clean Decisions, LLC (First Prize, $4,500)—A government contractor dedicated to providing employment and resources to formerly incarcerated individuals.
Maria Kery Phipps, Phipps Construction, LLC (Second Prize, $2,500)—A women-owned and environmentally friendly construction company.
Arianne Desiree Munoz, Lunita’s Properties (Third Prize, $1,000)—A property management company.
“The mission of the Multicultural Small Business Lab is to create a more resilient community and this competition is an example of how M&T shows up to help communities where we live and work,” said Vickie Mejia, Retail Sales Manager, and co-developer of the program in Prince Georges, County, MD. “At M&T, we are committed to the sustainability of our diverse small businesses, and we are excited to see these winners spur economic activity and create generational wealth.”
“The impact of the Business Accelerator Program and Pitch Competition is immeasurable as it transcends traditional business lines into authentic cultural ones,” said Rocio Treminio-Lopez, Latin Business Development Manager of Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation. “This year’s program was specialized, providing more growth while strengthening business opportunities. With the assistance of PGEDC’s Grow Prince George’s umbrella of programs, participants benefited from one-on-one mentoring sessions and much more.”
The Accelerator Program provides Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs the guidance and skills to build strong companies, spur economic growth in Prince George’s County, and help build generational wealth.
“I am grateful to M&T and PGEDC for conducting this competition, as this was such an invaluable experience,” said Will Avila Watson, Owner, Clean Decisions and first prize winner. “I feel energized, and so ready to take my business to the next level.”
The seven-week program, which began on April 25, featured courses on business planning, establishing credit, managing bank accounts, marketing, branding, and licensing. Sessions were collaboratively led by M&T Program Lead Karla Bermudez, Bilingual Sr. Branch Manager, Marcelo Loredo, Bilingual Branch Manager, and Prince George’s County officials. All workshops were held entirely in Spanish.
Participants had to complete an online application, be fluent in Spanish, be based in Prince George’s County, and be in good standing. Qualified applicants were enrolled in the free program on a first-come, first-based basis.
To learn more about M&T Bank’s Accelerator Program, please visit Accelerator Program | M&T Bank (mtb.com), and M&T’s efforts to support small business diversity, visit: M&T Multicultural Banking.
To learn about Grow Prince George’s, visit https://www.pgcedc.com/grow-prince-georges.
About M&T Bank
M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T's principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services in 12 states across the northeastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trust-related services are provided in select markets in the U.S. and abroad by M&T’s Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. For more information about M&T Bank, visit www.mtb.com.
Media Contact:
Mid-Atlantic Region (Maryland, DC, Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania):
Neil Dhillon
(202) 768.1071
About Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation
PGCEDC’s mission is to cultivate and promote a strong local economy that supports the growth and prosperity of entrepreneurs and businesses, dedicated to strengthening communities through business development and job creation. For more information about Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation’s services to local companies, visit www.pgcedc.com.
Media Contact:
Rhett Butler
Marketing & Communications Manager, PGCEDC
(301) 345.5334