McClinton, Harris applaud $100,000 grant for ACANA and the African and Caribbean Business Council of Philadelphia
State House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, and Appropriations Charman Jordan Harris, D-Phila., announced that the African Cultural Alliance of North America, Inc. and the African and Caribbean Business Council of Philadelphia are receiving a $100,000 state grant to strengthen outreach to the community’s locally owned, small businesses.
Rep. Joanna E. McClinton March 27, 2025 | 2:20 PM
PHILADELPHIA, March 26 – State House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, and Appropriations Charman Jordan Harris, D-Phila., announced that the African Cultural Alliance of North America, Inc. and the African and Caribbean Business Council of Philadelphia are receiving a $100,000 state grant to strengthen outreach to the community’s locally owned, small businesses.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and when those businesses thrive, the whole community can flourish,” McClinton said. “Investing in Philadelphia’s African and Caribbean small business sector creates good jobs, preserves cultural heritage, gives consumers great local options and keeps more money moving through our local economy.”
“As Appropriations chairman, I am proud to support investments that uplift our small businesses and empower the African and Caribbean diaspora—my brothers and sisters—who are vital to the cultural and economic fabric of Philadelphia,” Harris said. “ACANA and the African and Caribbean Business Council have been unwavering champions for economic opportunity, ensuring that local entrepreneurs have the resources they need to succeed. This funding will strengthen their invaluable work, fostering growth, financial stability and innovation among our small business owners. When we invest in our small businesses, we invest in the future of our communities.”
“The African Cultural Alliance of North America and the African and Caribbean Business Council of Greater Philadelphia are grateful to House Speaker Joanna McClinton and Chairman Jordan Harris for their unwavering support and commitment to fostering economic growth in Southwest Philadelphia,” said ACANA CEO Voffee Jabateh. “This initiative is aimed at uplifting and empowering businesses in Southwest Philadelphia, which is home to approximately 700 small businesses.”
Jabateh added that the funding will support the Business and Technical Assistance Program, which provides essential technical assistance and education in financial literacy, resource mobilization and social media marketing. Business owners gain vital skills to improve bookkeeping, tax compliance and access to loans and grants.
The state funds are being awarded by Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development which has a mission of supporting sustainable development initiatives in Pennsylvania with an emphasis on diversity and inclusiveness.