Did you know there are organizations dedicated specifically to helping Western PA and Pittsburgh-area businesses find success?

We’ve collected 10 FREE local resources that every small business owner in the area should be aware of. You’ll find everything from financial support, loans, and grants to advice, education, and peer connections here.

1. SBDC (Small Business Development Center) Pittsburgh: Provides business counseling and education, including workshops; environmental management assistance; international trade, tech, and spanish-language consulting; and general business consulting. Limited to Allegheny, Beaver, Greene, and Washington County businesses. https://entrepreneur.pitt.edu/centers/small-business-development-center-sbdc/

2. Neighborhood Community Development Fund / Northside Community Development Fund: Non-profit organization dedicated to the development of specific Allegheny County neighborhoods. Small businesses in served neighborhoods can work with NCDF for financing and other capital opportunities and financial education and business training.  

3. Allegheny County Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (MWDBE): Program operated by Allegheny County to help minority, women, and disadvantaged businesses bid on county contracts and/or become certified by PA UPC. MWDBE also provides services and resources for business growth. 

4. Pittsburgh’s Financial Empowerment Center (FEC): Free financial counseling services for residents and businesses in Pittsburgh helping clients build savings and improve their credit, among other things, which can assist with loan qualification, particularly SBA loans. 

5. SBA.gov: Provides education for U.S. business owners and also backs a number of loan programs. Applications for SBA-backed loans are not directly submitted to the SBA; businesses apply via a partnering financial institution or online lending platform. Note that not all businesses will qualify for an SBA loan, although organizations including FEC can help businesses meet the criteria.

6. PA Business One-Stop Shop: Resource and information hub for starting, growing, and building a business in Pennsylvania.  

7. Westmoreland County Business Outreach Program: Resources for starting and running a business in Westmoreland County. PA. Assistance can cover workforce training and hiring, advocacy for manufacturers, exporting, business planning, and financing advice.

8. Fay-Penn Economic Development Council: Resources for Fayette County, PA, businesses, regardless of stage of business. Information on local programs for financing and funding are described at https://www.faypenn.org/financing.          

9. Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development: Education, information, and financial resources for businesses operating in Beaver County, PA. 

10. SCORE: Non-profit partner of SBA.gov providing education and guidance through workshops, events, and mentorship to small business owners.

BONUS: Entrepreneurs Forever! If you’re not already familiar with us, we’re a non-profit, small business peer-learning program supporting owners through hands-on education and real-time, real-life problem solving. In 2022, 58% of businesses in Entrepreneurs Forever’s three-year program reported growth vs. 40% of small businesses nationwide. 

Interested in becoming a member of Entrepreneurs Forever (it's also FREE!)? Get in touch.