Frederick Heldring’s Journey of Economic Justice
At the core of Entrepreneur Works is a legacy shaped by the late Frederick Heldring, a visionary leader who dedicated his life to creating greater economic opportunities for underserved communities. Fred believed in the transformative power of entrepreneurship to uplift individuals, revitalize neighborhoods, and build a more inclusive economy. His passion for economic justice continues to inspire our mission today.
Breaking Barriers in Banking
Frederick Heldring’s journey toward breaking barriers began in the 1970s when he served as President of Philadelphia National Bank. During this time, the practice of “red-lining” by banks was rampant where banks would deny loans to the residents in low-income neighborhoods deemed too risky. But Fred saw things differently. He firmly believed that residents in these communities deserved access to capital. According to Robert Palmer, a former Entrepreneur Works Board Member, “Fred fought the idea of red-lining by the banks, arguing that even though houses were in low-income neighborhoods, the banks should be encouraged to take risks and lend to those buyers who had jobs and exhibited character.”
Fred’s advocacy was not only groundbreaking but also essential in shaping the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, which mandated that banks serve all communities equitably. His leadership in economic justice laid the foundation for the work Entrepreneur Works continues to do today.
Frederick Heldring’s Legacy: Empowering Entrepreneurs and Strengthening Communities
In 1989, Frederick Heldring became Chairman of the Philadelphia Development Partnership, which later evolved into Entrepreneur Works. His vision was to help small business owners—especially those in disinvested neighborhoods—gain access to the tools and resources they needed to succeed. Even after stepping down as Chairman and becoming Chairman Emeritus in 2002, Fred remained actively involved, continuing to champion the organization’s mission.
Impact of Entrepreneur Works
Since our founding, Entrepreneur Works has helped more than 6,500 small businesses, provided over 530 microloans, and invested more than $3 million into Philadelphia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Fred’s belief that small businesses could drive economic mobility and build stronger communities remains at the heart of our work.
Celebrating 35 Years of Breaking Barriers and Empowering Dreams
As we celebrate 35 years of entrepreneurial innovation, we reflect on Frederick Heldring’s enduring legacy. In fiscal year 2024, alone we:
- Provided 273 entrepreneurs with business workshops, accelerator programs, and one-on-one counseling.
- Closed 20 new loans totaling $415,000, with $170,000 in grants leveraged from the City of Philadelphia.
- Supported 20 entrepreneurs through our Beauty and Barber Entrepreneur Accelerator.
- Delivered 135 hours of one-on-one technical assistance to over 106 entrepreneurs.
Each success story reflects Fred’s commitment to breaking down barriers and empowering dreams through entrepreneurship.
The Entrepreneur Works Frederick Heldring Hall of Fame: A Lasting Tribute
In honor of Frederick Heldring’s extraordinary contributions, we are proud to announce the renaming of our Hall of Fame to the Entrepreneur Works Frederick Heldring Hall of Fame. This tribute celebrates Fred’s legacy as a trailblazer for community development and honors the many entrepreneurs who have benefited from his visionary leadership.
The Hall of Fame will continue to recognize those who, like Fred, have used entrepreneurship as a tool for driving economic and social change in their communities. It stands as a reminder of the lives transformed through his unwavering commitment to justice and opportunity.
Honoring Judy Wicks: A Visionary Leader Who Embodies Fred’s Spirit
As part of our 35th Anniversary Celebration, we are proud to present the Frederick Heldring Visionary Achiever Award to Judy Wicks, a trailblazing entrepreneur whose work exemplifies Fred’s belief in the power of business to foster social and economic change.
Judy Wicks’ Impact on Social Responsibility
Judy is the founder of the White Dog Cafe, a renowned restaurant that has become a model for sustainable business practices and local economic development. Beyond the success of her restaurant, Judy has been a leader in the local food movement, championing fair trade, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Her commitment to using business as a force for good aligns perfectly with Frederick Heldring’s vision of entrepreneurship as a tool for community empowerment.
Judy’s work has had a lasting impact, not just in Philadelphia but across the country, where she has inspired countless small businesses to embrace sustainability and social responsibility. Her leadership and dedication to community engagement make her a fitting recipient of the Frederick Heldring Visionary Achiever Award. We are honored to recognize her contributions as we continue Fred’s legacy of supporting entrepreneurs who seek to create positive, lasting change.
Continuing Frederick Heldring’s Legacy: The Future of Entrepreneur Works
As we look toward the future, Frederick Heldring’s legacy remains central to Entrepreneur Works. Our mission continues to be focused on providing underserved entrepreneurs with the tools, capital, and guidance they need to succeed.
Entrepreneur Works’ Commitment to Economic Mobility
Whether through our Digital Marketing Accelerator Program or industry-specific workshops, we are committed to evolving alongside the entrepreneurs we support, ensuring that they have the resources to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Entrepreneurship is about more than just starting a business—it’s about creating economic mobility, building wealth, and fostering innovation in communities that have historically been excluded from opportunity. Every small business we support plays a role in shaping the future of its community, creating jobs, and contributing to the local economy. Frederick Heldring’s belief in the power of entrepreneurship continues to guide us as we carry his legacy forward.
Join Us in Celebrating 35 Years of Impact
Join us at our 35th Anniversary Celebration on October 17th at Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack, where we will celebrate the remarkable achievements of the past three decades and look forward to the future of small business innovation. It will be a night to honor the leaders and entrepreneurs, like Judy Wicks, who embody Fred’s spirit and continue to make a lasting impact in the Philadelphia region and beyond
As we honor Frederick Heldring’s extraordinary contributions and celebrate 35 years of entrepreneurial innovation, we invite you to reflect on the transformative role of entrepreneurship in building stronger, more inclusive communities. Every business we’ve supported is a testament to Fred’s vision of a more equitable economy.
Get your tickets today and be part of this special evening, celebrating 35 years of breaking barriers and empowering dreams.
