Labor Day and the Mentor-Protégé Program

Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El August 29, 2025 | 11:13 AM

Dear Neighbor,

Office Closed in Observance of Labor Day

The labor movement in the U.S. has helped make the country a beacon of democracy and equality for the rest of the world. The eight-hour workday, collective bargaining, wage increases, Social Security, unemployment insurance, and other safety net programs are all legacies of this struggle.

Please take a moment this weekend to honor the labor movement, whose fight has ensured you have time to enjoy with family and friends.

My office will close at noon on Friday, Aug. 29, and will remain closed on Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day. It will also be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 2, for training new team members, and will reopen on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

PA Mentor-Protégé Program expanded to support

more veteran-owned businesses

The Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP), launched by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services in May 2024, pairs experienced contractors with small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses to help them grow, compete, and win state contracts.

Companies that participate in the year-long program become part of a “cohort.” The second cohort began this week and is composed of vendors approved under Pennsylvania’s Consulting Services Invitation to Qualify (ITQ) contract.

Additional cohorts will be added to the MPP soon. Interested firms can learn more and apply online. If your company is not a current ITQ vendor with Pennsylvania, you should begin the ITQ prequalification process to become eligible. For questions, please contact Charlie White, MPP Manager.

To be eligible for the MPP:

Mentors must be active Pennsylvania prime contractors in good standing with at least one contract award of $300,000 or more in the past three years.
Protégés must be verified as a Small Diverse Business (SDB) or Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) by DGS and listed on the Consulting Services ITQ.

Expanding the MPP is part of the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s broader effort to open doors for businesses of all sizes and backgrounds. Earlier this summer, DGS also launched new Micro and Midsize Business Programs.

In the Community!

I’ve been so glad to join several community events over the past few weeks that celebrate new beginnings for constituents in the 49^th Legislative District.

Congratulations to HDC MidAtlantic on the grand opening of The Apartments at College Ave! We appreciate your work in helping more people call Lancaster home.

Thank you to Principal Rachel Esh and Community School Director Shane Howell for the warm welcome at Carter & MacRae Elementary School’s Back-to-School Night!

Congratulations to Community Basics, Inc., and Valley Youth House on the groundbreaking of Manor Youth House, which will provide stable housing and wraparound support for young adults.

Upcoming Events

Calling all small business owners and entrepreneurs!

Whether you’re just starting out or already running your business, this is your chance to connect with powerful local and state resources that can help you grow!

Join Rep. Rivera and me for our Small Business Grant Workshop on Thursday, September 11, from 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Conference Center at IU13!

Learn about tools and programs designed to support your business
Network with fellow entrepreneurs
Enjoy complimentary breakfast and refreshments

Don’t wait—spots are limited, and September 5 is the last day to register! Secure your seat today by emailing RepSmithWadeEl@pahouse.net or RepRivera@pahouse.net.

Let’s build stronger businesses, together!