Are you thinking of starting a new business, but it seems a little intimidating? You might have an idea in mind, but you’re not exactly sure where to begin.
Don’t worry. At the Neighborhood Community Development Fund (The Fund), we can help connect you to the resources needed to get your business off the ground.
Our Loan Officers
Take Miauna Connor, for instance. As one of our loan officers, Miauna can help clients figure out their financial statements. She’ll also identify which funding sources may serve them best. Miauna is specialized in serving clients on Pittsburgh’s Northside, so if you’re located there, she knows the ins and outs of the area – and what can help it most.
Rich Newell and Stefani Smith, who are also loan officers, provide ongoing business support and technical assistance for clients in all of Allegheny County – beyond the Northside. No matter where you’re located, they’ll be able to help you with your business needs.
Here at The Fund, our team of experts is ready with the resources and expertise clients seek. You can learn more about our full team here.
Our Partners
Our community partners are hard at work in Allegheny County, helping small business owners get the support they need. These partners have many resources that can help you start your business, and they include:
- University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Part of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, the Pitt SBDC is a resource for small business owners that provides consulting, workshops, and other specialty business-building support at all stages of the business lifecycle.
- Riverside Center for Innovation (RCI): A full-service small business incubator for anyone looking to start, sustain or grow their business.
- Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA): Pittsburgh’s economic development agency, supporting the city’s economic development goals, which are designed to create a city of inclusive opportunity for residents, stakeholders, and communities.
- Northside Leadership Conference: The Northside Leadership Conference offers business development for existing and prospective Northside businesses through technical assistance, advocacy, networking, promotional events, and Main Street initiatives.
- North Side/Shore Chamber of Commerce (NS/SCC): A resource of services that help to promote, maintain, and enhance business activities on the Northside through events, programming, and networking activities.
- McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation (MRCDC): Revitalization is the focus of MRCDC. They work within the Sto-Rox community to foster inclusive and equitable growth, generational wealth building, affordable housing, commercial development, and creativity.
- Hilltop Alliance: A community and economic development coalition of eleven City neighborhoods in south Pittsburgh’s “Hilltop,” and Mt. Oliver Borough. The Hilltop Alliance serves the goals and priorities of neighborhood-specific, all-volunteer organizations to deliver programs and projects, including: Business District Growth Programs (Allentown & Mt. Oliver), Vacant Property Recycling, Affordable Housing Preservation & Development (including home repair assistance), Tangled Title Assistance & Prevention, and Free Food Assistance.
- Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation (WCDC): The WCDC helps businesses in Wilkinsburg succeed through small business workshops, mini-grants, and other types of support.
- Explore BGL: The Bloomfield Development Corporation, Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation, and Lawrenceville Corporation have joined together as Explore BGL to offer help collaboratively to small businesses and residents in their communities.
No matter which organization you turn to, you can feel confident knowing that you’re taking concrete steps towards starting your new business.
To learn more about The Fund and how we can help you start your business, contact us.
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By Mark Masterson, Executive Director