BRC Services
At the BRC, we've created partnerships with several organizations to ensure small businesses have access to a wide variety of supports and programs.
Need a service we don't currently offer? Reach out to us and we will do our best to assist you!
Education & Training Initiatives
Ideas2Enterprise
Take the first step towards igniting and fulfilling your entrepreneurial dreams!
Cohort 2 Coming Soon!
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 three local experts. The top three pitches will win grants of $5,000, $3,000, and $1,000. While the program is typically held at Ignite's Washington location, we’re excited to announce that we’ll be launching a new cohort right here in the Mon Valley at the MVA offices.
To stay updated as details become available for the next Mon Valley Cohort, we encourage you to sign up for our I2E mailing list. Please note, joining the mailing list does not commit you to the program or guarantee a spot—it simply ensures you’ll be among the first to receive the information and register when the time comes.
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
Gismondi Job Training Program
Short-term training for a long-term career!
No previous knowledge or experience required.
First class started January 2025. Stay tuned for information about the next class!
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
The Mon Valley training opportunity will begin in February 2025, with recruitment starting in December 2024. To stay updated as details become available, we encourage you to sign up for our Gismondi mailing list.
*Please note, joining the mailing list does not commit you to the program or guarantee a spot—it simply ensures you’ll be among the first to receive the information and register when the time comes.
Advisory Services
Customized guidance for your specific business needs.
One-on-One Business Coaching
Navigating the Small Business Ecosystem
Looking for personalized guidance to tackle your unique business challenges? Let us know what you need.
Our one-on-one coaching provides tailored solutions to help you succeed. If we can’t assist directly, we’ll connect you with the right expert from our extensive network to ensure you get the support you need.
We know that several nonprofit organizations focus on helping small businesses in the Mid Mon Valley region, just like we do.
While we’re always eager to assist, there are times when another organization might be better equipped to meet your specific needs. In those cases, we’ll personally connect you to the right resources through a warm handoff, ensuring you get the support you seek without any extra hassle.
Please fill out our BRC Intake Form so we can best assist you!
Networking Opportunites
Connect with other professionals in your region!
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NexGen Mon Valley
Young Professionals Networking
A partnership with the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (MVRCC)
Sign up to receive update
about future meetings!
Business Networking Group
Events hosted by the MVRCC
Check our event calendar for the next networking opportunity!
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.
Access to Resources
Identifying the services and support you need to grow, scale, and thrive!
Search Tools For Finding Business Grants
Hello Alice is an online platform that helps small business owners find opportunities. It provides resources like funding options, business advice, and networking events to support their growth and success.
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a nonprofit organization that provides free and confidential mentoring, workshops, and resources to help small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed. Founded in 1964, SCORE has a network of experienced volunteers, many of whom are retired business professionals, who offer guidance on various aspects of running a business