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 dont currently offer? Reach out to us and we will do our best to assist you!
EDUCATION & TRAINING INITIATIVES
Business planning workshops, financial management and accounting courses, marketing and social media strategy sessions, and more to come!
Take our Training Needs Survey so we can continue to develop the trainings offered at the BRC
IDEAS 2 ENTERPRISE
Take the first step towards igniting and fulfilling your entrepreneurial dreams!
Cohort 5 in June 2026 & Cohort 6 in October 2026!
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 cfsbank Business Resource Center!
To stay updated as details become available for the next Mon Valley Cohort, please email brc@monvalleyalliance.org
Mon Valley Cohort 1
Weneisha Young - Diverse Beauty LLC
Bill Hecklick - Hecklick Tax
Mohammad Imdad Ul Bashir Chowdhury - Bangladeshi Food
Diane Atland - Rosewood Tower Consulting
Amanda Altamare - 1837 Botanicals (First Place)
Tanya Bashor - Impart Clarity LLC (Third Place)
Jennifer Codeluppi - Studio 47 Portraits (Second Place)
Andrew Dunlevy - Dunlevy Construction, Inc. (Not pictured)
Mon Valley Cohort 2
Nicole Loether - Perfectly Imperfect (First Place)
Vanel Junior Dorzin (Second Place)
Tim McClung
Hayden Bryon - Auora
Kayle DiPiazza - Cloud 9 Studio
Tanya Chaney - Chaney's Natural, LLC
Tabitha Brickman - T.lewis.tattoo LLC (Third Place)
Kenley Dorzin
Not Pictured:
Steve Whitehead - 5th Hamer Innovation LLC
Darla Holma International Integrity Concepts and Connections
Mon Valley Cohort 3
Tricia Caputo - Massage Revolution LLC
Jan Scott - Graze Pittsburgh LLC
Hannah Widdifield - Simple String Studio
Nicole Grayson - Busy Bees Arty Party
Tommy Rodriguez
Julian Davenport - Good Company
Eva Humphreys - Hot Commodity Coffee Co.
Not Pictured:
Samuel Schumaker - T.A.O.M.
Jamont Kinds - Jamont Kinds LLC
Class Schedule
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
Practice Pitch Night
Pitch Night
Awards Night
2026 Spring Workshop Series
Join us for our Spring Workshop Series hosted at the cfsbank Business Resource Center!
This spring, the cfsbank Business Resource Center will host a FREE workshop series focused on helping local businesses and organizations strengthen operations, access resources, and plan for growth.
The Spring Workship Series is Sponsored By:
2026 Workshops
-
Government Procurement 101
-
Monday, March 30 ● 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
-
Presented by Government Agency Coordination Office (GACO), APEX Accelerator
-
-
People, Policies & Problems: Navigating HR in the Real World
-
Wednesday, April 15 ● 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
-
Presented by cfsbank
-
-
Make Your Mark: Building a Brand That Customers Remember
-
Wednesday, May 6 ● 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
-
Presented by cfsbank
-
ADVISORY SERVICES
Customized guidance for your specific business needs
OPEN OFFICE HOURS
Every Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM to assist small businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits with a wide range of needs.
The BRC offers general business resources including marketing, website development, business planning, networking opportunities, HR resources, government procurement support, access to capital, and grant assistance.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Connect with other professionals in your region!
MON VALLEY LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
Events hosted by Nonprofit Sidekick
The Mon Valley Leadership Circle brings together small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and professionals for monthly conversations focused on personal and professional growth. This judgment-free space welcomes all experience levels and values every voice. Sessions include book discussions and real-world leadership topics, all led by Stephanie Masters of Nonprofit Sidekick. With no pre-reading, each meeting offers practical tools, meaningful conversations, and plenty of laughs.
Professional Book Club
.png)
2026 Schedule
-
March 3 - Emotional Intelligence (Virtual)
-
April 7 - The Process of change management for small business
-
May 5 - The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
-
June 2 - Building your essential networks in business
-
July 7 - Essentialist by Martin G Hell
-
August 4 - Building your brand
-
September 1 - Wellbeing
-
October 6 - How to use LinkedIn as a business owner
-
November 3 - Inspire Greatness by Matt Tenney
-
December 1 - The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier.
To join for your first session for free, email steph@nonprofitsidekick.com
ACCESS TO RESOURCES
Identifying the services and support you need to grow, scale, and thrive!
MVA SSBCI REVOLVING LOAN FUND
Small Business Captial
The Mon Valley Alliance, has been awarded $750,000 in American Rescue Plan Funding, through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) to spur success and job creation opportunities in the Mid Mon Valley through non-traditional small business lending. MVA will be offering loans up to $50,000 to Very Small Businesses (VSB) and Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals - owned businesses (SEDI-owned businesses) for development and expansion projects focused on creating and retaining jobs.
Match Requirement
The revolving loan funds must be matched 1:1
For every $1 of public funding received through this loan program, businesses must secure $1 of private funding.
This helps businesses get the extra support they need to grow and create jobs.
Interest Rates
The interest rate on all loans will be a minimum of 4% or 1.5% below the Prime Interest Rate, whichever is higher.
Eligible Industries
Commercial, Industrial, Manufacturing, Retail, or Service
Potential Uses
Working CapitalPurchasing Machinery, Equipment, and other Fixed AssetsNew Construction, Alteration, ModificationRepair or Renovations of Existing Facilities
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