Events
Kiva is an international nonprofit organization that helps small businesses access capital through crowdfunding. In the U.S., entrepreneurs can use Kiva to crowdfund zero percent interest loans of up to $10,000 to launch or grow a business. Almost 200 businesses in the Pittsburgh area have received Kiva loans, bringing more than $1 million in capital to the region.
Kiva utilizes "social underwriting," which incorporates community input, to identify businesses that are a good fit for a Kiva U.S. loan. The workshop will discuss how to apply for a Kiva loan and help businesses in the community access this resource.
This presentation would be useful for current and potential business owners as well as members of the community interested in improving the local economy, such as government officials, staff and volunteers of community development organizations and residents who want to see stronger business districts.
Date: Thursday, April 19
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Entrepreneurs are known for taking risks, but how do you do that? This workshop will help you become more comfortable accepting risks, which will help you become an entrepreneur. If it's your dream to start a business, but you're afraid to take the leap, this workshop is perfect for you.
Date: Monday, April 23
Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
Do you know what makes your business different from your competitors? Are you always looking for new clients even though you do great work? Do you have a hard time explaining your business to people? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then chances are you don’t have a solid brand. In this interactive presentation, Meg Huwar of Brand Accelerator will share her "5 Step Framework for Creating a Strong Brand." She also will share her formula for creating an elevator pitch that clearly and easily explains what you do. This presentation will be of particular interest to small business owners, entrepreneurs and solopreneurs.
Date: Thursday, April 26
Time: 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Have a cool idea that you want to turn into a business or see if it's viable? Your ultimate goal is to figure out, as quickly as possible, the right thing to create that customers want and will pay for. Before you can build anything, however, you must be able to 1) clearly articulate the problem/need that your customer has and 2) be able to find customers that have the problem.
Our 4-week Idea TestLab helps you get a better handle on what problem your customer really has, where they hang out, and what value you can provide that others can’t. Each two-hour workshop will feature guest speakers and interactive content to help you take your idea and get on the path to make it a reality.
Date: Multiple dates: June 18, June 19, June 25, June 26
Time: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.