Best Small Business Resources in the Pittsburgh Area

Description

This organization offers various workshops on turning your business concept into a reality. It also offers more specific workshops on business aspects like creating a website. If you have an established business, there are workshops for growing and expanding it. The WBC also provides one-on-one counseling. Oftentimes, veterans can attend these workshops for free or a discounted prices. While this organization is helping businesses at all stages, it is best for businesses in the idea or planning stage, as the majority of its articles and resources are focused on jump-starting a business.

Restrictions

This organization serves Pittsburgh and its eleven surrounding counties.

Description

Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available

Restrictions

The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.

Description

The aim of the PDCDC is to recruit independent businesses for storefronts in downtown Pittsburgh. Its benefits are largely networking and marketing related; a PDCDC membership will give a business advertising space in local papers and on social media, as well as invitations to events with other local business owners. This organization is, therefore, best for those who have either already started a business and are looking for a great location or are in the planning stage of starting a business.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.