EDUCATION & TRAINING INITIATIVES
Business planning workshops, financial management and accounting courses, marketing and social media strategy sessions, and more to come! Take our Training Needs Survey so we can continue to develop the trainings offered at the BRC!
IDEAS 2 ENTERPRISE
Take the first step towards igniting and fulfilling your entrepreneurial dreams!
Ideas 2 Enterprise (I2E) is a free, five-week program created to help entrepreneurs develop a business model or plan for both new and existing ventures. Initially created and launched by our partners as Washington & Jefferson College’s Ignite Business Incubator, I2E offers participants access to expert guidance, valuable resources, and a collaborative community of innovative thinkers.
At the end of the five-week I2E program, participants will compete in a pitch competition judged by local experts. The top three pitches will win grants of $5,000, $3,000, and $1,000. I2E is sponsored by the EQT Foundation. While the program is typically held at Ignite's Washington location, we’re excited to host a Mon Valley cohort at the BRC every February, June, and October.
For more information or to be added to the I2E interest list for a future cohort, visit the Ignite website at igniteforsuccess.org or email ignite@washjeff.edu
Week 1:
Visioning, Business Planning and Market Research Framework
Week 2:
Understanding Marketing vs. Sales
Week 3:
Operations Framework
Week 4:
Financial Modeling Including Building ProForma Statement
Week 5:
Pitching 101- Best Pitch Tactics
Mon Valley Cohort 1 Participants
Weneisha Young - Diverse Beauty LLC
Bill Hecklick - Hecklick Tax
Mohammad Imdad Ul Bashir Chowdhury - Bangladeshi Food
Diane Atland - Rosewood Tower Consulting
Amanda Altamare - 1837 Botanicals
Tanya Bashor - Impart Clarity LLC
Jennifer Codeluppi - Studio 47 Portraits
Not Pictured: Andrew Dunlevy - Dunlevy Construction, Inc.
Mon Valley Cohort 1 Winners
1st Place: Amanda Altamare - 1837 Botancials
2nd Place: Jennifer Codeluppi - Studio 47 Portraits
3rd Place: Tanya Bashor - Impact Clarity LLC
GISMONDI JOB TRAINING PROGRAM
Short-term training for a long-term career! No previous knowledge or experience required.
The Gismondi Job Training Program is a free, 3-month program broadband telecommunications training for adults seeking employment in jobs that install, test, and troubleshoot infrastructure for telephone, television, or internet systems.
The Gismondi Job Training Program is a collaborative initiative launched by the Gismondi Family Foundation in partnership with Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh. While the program has historically been held in Washington, PA, location, we’re excited to announce that a new training location will be in the Mon Valley at MVAF's Business Resource Center.
What is Taught
The Program teaches skills needed to be successful in the field of telecommunications infrastructure.
Focused training on 3 mediums: Low voltage electricity, Light transmission, and Radio frequency waves
Students will learn the science behind each medium, and practice making cables that are run underground, on telephone lines, and through buildings. The course covers all the basics you would need to start a career in telecommunications.
Jobs Available
Telecommunications is a broad field, and technician jobs are all different. The industry is growing, and many jobs provide the means for extending your learning and climbing up the ladder.
Some examples of jobs in the field of telecommunications are: Telecommunications technician (both residential and commercial sites), Security installer, Fire alarm systems installer, Cell tower technician, Fiber optic splicer, or Lineman (Fiber and low voltage electric)
Additional Benefits
What is offered
Hands-on telecommunications training in just 3 months
Connections to businesses that are looking for your new skills
Learn the basics of telecommunications technologies and how they connect us with the world
Expert, hands-on experience to prepare you for your job
Find employment and provide additional job skills like resume building or interview practice - even after you graduate.
What you will earn immediately
Five professional certifications sought after by the telecommunications industry
A starting wage of $18/hour
What you can expect in the future
Continued growth and higher income
An end of living paycheck to paycheck
For more information please email: jobtraining@ccpgh.org or call: 412-579-4968
Cohort 1 Graduates
Services
ADVISORY SERVICES
Customized guidance for your specific business needs.
OPEN OFFICE HOURS
Every Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM to assist small businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits with a wide range of needs.
The BRC offers general business resources including marketing, website development, business planning, networking opportunities, HR resources, government procurement support, access to capital, and grant assistance.
During open office hours, visitors will be greeted by staff who review completed intake forms, discuss challenges and opportunities, and work collaboratively to create an action plan tailored to each organization’s goals.
Appointments are not required but attendees should fill out the intake form in advance.
When additional expertise is needed, staff members provide referrals to trusted partner organizations.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Connect with other professionals in your region!
MON VALLEY LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
PROFESSIONAL BOOK CLUB
Events hosted by Nonprofit Sidekick
Join the MVLC and dive into a new book each month, followed by guided discussions on key concepts and their relevance to leadership and business. This circle is a dedicated space for learning, connection, and the exchange of innovative ideas, especially for small business and nonprofit leaders facing challenges and isolation.
Why Join MVLC?
Unique Learning Opportunity
Monthly book discussions on leadership and business.
Overcoming Isolation
Engage with peers to exchange ideas and broaden your professional network.
Personal and Professional Growth
The club promotes intellectual growth, personal development, and collaborative learning in a supportive environment. Through engaging and thought-provoking books, you’ll enhance your critical thinking and communication skills.
Flexibility
Reading the books is optional.
Key concepts are summarized for easy participation, by our facilitator, Steph Masters, making it easy to participate even with a busy schedule.
Experience your first session for FREE!
Email steph@nonprofitsidekick.com or mcodeluppi@monvalleyalliance.org
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ACCESS TO RESOURCES
Identifying the services and support you need to grow, scale, and thrive!
MVA SSBCI REVOLVING LOAN FUND
Small Business Captial
The Mon Valley Alliance, has been awarded $750,000 in American Rescue Plan Funding, through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) to spur success and job creation opportunities in the Mid Mon Valley through non-traditional small business lending. MVA will be offering loans up to $50,000 to Very Small Businesses (VSB) and Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals - owned businesses (SEDI-owned businesses) for development and expansion projects focused on creating and retaining jobs.
Match Requirement
The revolving loan funds must be matched 1:1
For every $1 of public funding received through this loan program, businesses must secure $1 of private funding.
This helps businesses get the extra support they need to grow and create jobs.
Interest Rates
The interest rate on all loans will be a minimum of 4% or 1.5% below the Prime Interest Rate, whichever is higher.
Eligible Industries
Commercial, Industrial, Manufacturing, Retail, or Service
Potential Uses
Working Capital
Purchasing Machinery, Equipment, and other Fixed Assets
New Construction, Alteration, Modification
Repair or Renovations of Existing Facilities
FINDING BUSINESS GRANTS
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