The Philadelphia Department of Commerce recently announced that it awarded $750,000 to six organizations through the PHL: Most Diverse Tech Hub initiative.
The city uses the initiative to invest in organizations and programs that enhance technology skills, provide resources to startup tech businesses, enhance the Philadelphia Tech Industry Partnership, and generate partnerships between local colleges and universities.
Proposals were evaluated in three categories: tech talent pipeline development, most diverse tech startup pitch competition, and tech industry partnership management.
Tech talent pipeline development organizations were awarded funding for their work to retain black or brown students in higher education and expose them to tech employment opportunities.
Venture for America, Coded by Kids, and Diverse Force were awarded $100,000 each.
Most diverse tech startup pitch competition organizations were awarded funds to invest in underrepresented startup founders through an innovative pitch competition. The competition provides growing capital or seed funding for black and brown tech companies and helps provide mentorship, discounted space, and technical assistance for diverse and innovative firms.
The Enterprise Center and Mom Your Business were awarded $125,000 each.
Technically Media, a management organization, was awarded $200,000 to fund the management of the Philadelphia Tech Industry Partnership.