From Vision to Venture: Backing Local Entrepreneurs with the Capital to Thrive
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Vibrant communities rely on the success of local entrepreneurs. However, for many early-stage small businesses—particularly those in under-resourced neighborhoods—access to capital remains a significant hurdle. Through innovative partnerships, targeted investments, and personalized support, small businesses can obtain the resources they need to succeed.
In 2024, Fulton Bank launched a transformative early-stage financing initiative in partnership with The Enterprise Center, a Philadelphia-based community development financial institution. Backed by a $250,000 grant from the Fulton Forward Foundation, the program provides $10,000 investment awards to promising small businesses that face barriers to traditional funding.
But it’s more than capital—it’s a comprehensive support system. Each recipient is paired with a mentor from The Enterprise Center and an EMPOWER Business Banking Advocate from Fulton Bank and receives tailored advisory services designed to foster sustainable growth.
Black Dragon, a West Philadelphia restaurant, is a standout recipient of one of these early-stage financing grants. Black Dragon continues its mission of nourishing the community with dishes that honor Black culinary traditions while embracing the familiar aesthetic of Chinese takeout. Co-founded by Chef Kurt Evans, Kyle Moore and Andrew Trotter, the restaurant reclaims former takeout storefronts and transforms them into vibrant spaces of cultural pride and renewal. With a menu rooted in soul food and a commitment to second-chance hiring, Black Dragon is more than a storefront —it’s a symbol of resilience, restoration, and community belonging.
This program is part of Fulton Bank’s broader EMPOWER Community Banking strategy, which focuses on financial inclusion, education, and equity. By investing in entrepreneurs like Chef Evans, we’re not just funding businesses—we’re fueling dreams, creating jobs, and revitalizing neighborhoods.
The impact is already tangible. Dozens of businesses have received grants, each with a unique story and a shared goal: to build something lasting. From home care startups to culinary ventures, these entrepreneurs are proving that with the right support, small businesses can thrive.
At Fulton Bank, we see ourselves not just as lenders, but as partners in progress. Through strategic collaboration and community investment, we’re helping local businesses access the capital they need to succeed—and shaping a stronger, more equitable future for all.
Learn more about our small business initiatives and how we’re building vibrant communities at Fulton Bank. Fulton Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Joseph Tredinnick serves as Market President for Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey at Fulton Bank, where he oversees strategic growth, deepens client relationships, and strengthens community partnerships across the region. With more than 30 years of experience in banking and financial leadership, he brings a proven track record of driving financial performance and fostering innovation. Tredinnick’s leadership reflects Fulton Bank’s mission to deliver exceptional service while building vibrant communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
856-787-6298 | Jtredinnick@fultonbank.com | fultonbank.com