The University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence Celebrates 20 Years of Empowering Local Entrepreneurs!

By:  Justin A. Saporito, MAZURKRAEMER Law Clerk

Founded in 1993 and run out of the University of Pittsburgh Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE) began with a $300,000 grant and the mission of being the “innovative leader of economic renewal and growth serving enterprising people and businesses in the region.”  In pursuit of this mission the IEE utilizes a dynamic approach of programs and services including monthly workshops, customized consulting, social initiatives, educational programs, professionally-led peer forums, and social events.

This dynamic program has led the IEE to grow to $3 million in annual revenue and the annual serving of hundreds of businesses through its seminars, customized consulting, and millions of dollars in raised capital and revenue.  Last year alone the IEE served 824 businesses, helped create 39 startups, raised $10.7 million in capital, increased $14.4 million in revenue for clients, and educated more than 1,400 business leaders through 56 programs and seminars. (according to its 2012 Community Impact Report)

The IEE provides its services through its 8 institute centers and programs.  These centers/programs consist of Agricultural Entrepreneurship, a 12-month Entrepreneurial Fellows Program, the Family Enterprise Center, the Information Technology Program, PantherlabWorks, the Small Business Development Center, Student Entrepreneurship program in conjunction with Katz School of Business, and the Urban Entrepreneurship Program.  For more information about these programs please click here.  To take advantage of one or more of these programs an individual or firm must become an IEE member.  Membership includes benefits in addition to participation in IEE programs.  For more information about membership please see the IEE’s membership brochure or contact the IEE’s membership director Shelley Taylor.

For more information about the IEE please visit their website at http://www.entrepreneur.pitt.edu.

The Chatham University: Center for Women Entrepreneurship, Assisting Women Entrepreneurs Since 2005

By:  Justin A. Saporito, MAZURKRAEMER Law Clerk

Founded in 2005, the Chatham University: Center for Women Entrepreneurship was founded in 2005 with the mission is to educate, create economic opportunities, and foster entrepreneurial thinking for women entrepreneurs and business managers in all stages of business and students.  Through the Center for Women Entrepreneurship (CWE), women entrepreneurs and business managers can take advantage of Chatham University’s resources and its more than 120 years of experience in education.

The CWE’s programs and services include the Small Business Basics Workshop, the Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series, and the Annual Think Big Forum, and consulting services.

The Small Business Basics Workshops are geared towards women interested in starting their own business or expanding their current business.  At the workshops, industry experts discuss business planning, financing, bookkeeping, marketing, and legal issues pertaining to small business.

The Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series features prominent regional women business leaders speaking on a variety of progressive business topics.  Casual networking and a continental breakfast is followed by interactive presentations on topics essential for women in business such as innovative entrepreneurship, strategic business growth, unique marketing strategies, and logistical business planning.

The Annual Think Big Forum has been hosted by the CWE every year since its founding and has been growing every year.  Think Big hosts leading women business leaders and entrepreneurs such as CEOs and other executives from startups and established companies as speakers and panelists.

For more information about the Chatham University: Center for Women Entrepreneurship and its programs please visit http://www.chatham.edu/cwe/.