Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence

Happy National #SBDCDay from the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence! Today, we celebrated the impact of SBDCs and the vital role they play in supporting small businesses everywhere. This afternoon, the IEE and Pitt SBDC team gathered for a staff lunch to reflect on the impact of our work and the incredible community we’re proud to be part of. Join the celebration by connecting with us, attending an upcoming event, or supporting your favorite local business!

Meet the Entrepreneurial Fellows (EFC) Class of 2025! The 27th cohort of the Entrepreneurial Fellows Class has embarked on its year-long business leadership certificate program, designed to equip CEOs, founders, and next-generation business leaders with the skills to grow and manage their businesses. We welcome the Class of 2025 and look forward to the year ahead with these rising leaders! Meet the 2025 Fellows here ?? https://lnkd.in/gbCza2fB Guy Amatangelo Rahul Asanikar Katie Binetti Ross Chapman Patrick Bowes Mathew Davis Herbert Gallagher Shane Dushack Sean Guesman Maria Pina-Heller Lydia Guthrie, PMP, CSM Jillian Herrle Leroy Mabins Cortney Kosmack Matthew Messerly Johnathan Proano marlaina peters Michael Pineda-O'Donnell Matthew Rutkowski Kevin Rich Christy Scalzitti Jenna Shock, MSD Jason Sebak Billy Spohn Jr. Krystie Stiles Ben Steiner Joe Tavella Kurt Treser Daniel Turner Tony Treser Lauren Williams Ross Wilkerson Sara Waldschmidt Rissa Witul

This Thursday, March 20! Attend the next CP2P Alumni Association event for a chance to win an HP 6701dn Color LaserJet Printer! Join JP Morgan Chase team members and IEE UCEP staff for an informative and interactive workshop designed to help businesses leverage their certification and access new contracting opportunities! What You’ll Learn: ?Find Your Opportunities (Diverse & Non-Diverse) ?Navigate Government Contracting Successfully ?Access Corporate Supplier Programs ?Prepare Your Business for Certification Don’t miss this chance to gain insider knowledge, connect with industry experts, and position your business for success!

Congratulations to IEE’s Senior Program Director, Rhonda Carson Leach, on her well-deserved recognition as a 2025 Pittsburgh Business Times Woman of Influence! ??

This morning, IEE members and guests gathered at the River’s Club for our March member programming with Robert "Cujo" Teschner”. A retired Air Force fighter pilot and former F-15 Weapons School instructor, Teschner delivered an active and engaging talk, “Debrief to Win”, guiding attendees through the power of practicing accountability as a leader and as a team to achieve high performance and long-term success. A special thank you to David Kerr of AT&T for introducing our speaker and to Bill Farrell of PNC for providing our closing remarks.

In recognition of International Women's Day, the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence celebrates the remarkable women entrepreneurs and business leaders who contribute to the growth and innovation of our region’s economy.

Join JPMorganChase team members and IEE UCEP staff for an informative and interactive workshop designed to help businesses leverage their certification and access new contracting opportunities!

This morning, more than 110 IEE members, sponsors, community stakeholders, and guests gathered for the 10th annual?State of the Pittsburgh Economy?event at the Rohr Auditorium in The Tower at PNC Plaza. The event featured introductory remarks by PNC Regional President?Louis Cestello,?updates and insights from local leaders, and an economic update from PNC's Chief Economist?Gus Faucher. We extend our appreciation to the regional leaders who provided their insights into Pittsburgh’s economic landscape and the key initiatives shaping the region's future. Aaron Pitts, Chief Commercial Officer, PA Department of Community and Economic Development Senator Dave McCormick Sara Innamorato, Allegheny County Executive Ed Gainey, Mayor, City of Pittsburgh Stefani Pashman, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development Christina Cassotis, CEO, Allegheny County Airport Authority

Great opportunity for local small businesses!

Thank you to the IEE board, sponsors, members, stakeholders, staff, family, and friends who contributed to the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence on Pitt Day of Giving! ?? ?? Because of your generosity, we raised over $36,000 from 143 donors! Your support strengthens the IEE and Pitt SBDC, helping small businesses across Western PA start, grow, and succeed. Thank you to all the IEE members who joined us at our Pitt Day of Giving Happy Hour—your contributions helped us cross the finish line and surpass last year’s donation total! A special thank you to Gregg Broujos, SIOR for co-hosting last night’s event and to Michael Troiani for welcoming us to Papa J’s in the Strip District, where we celebrated with fantastic food, drinks, and great company. We truly appreciate your generous support on Pitt Day of Giving!