University Times

Pitt’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE), the Hill House Association (HHA) and the Pittsburgh Central Keystone Innovation Zone (PCKIZ) have been awarded a $1.95 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The grant aims to accelerate the creation of jobs and economic growth in underserved communities that have not benefited from the resurgence of industries in the region. The Pittsburgh communities to be targeted through the program are the Hill District, East Liberty, Garfield, Larimer, Lincoln and Homewood.

“The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence has great respect for entrepreneurs and believes that they are the lifeblood of the community — providing jobs and leadership at a time when both are sorely needed,”  said Christine Kush, associate director of IEE, which is housed in the Katz Graduate School of Business. “This grant will enable the institute to continue its work in underserved communities and provide support so entrepreneurs can sustain and grow their businesses.”

As part of the grant, IEE and Duquesne University’s Small Business Development Center will provide individualized business management consulting and educational programs to emerging and existing business owners.

The PCKIZ, the Hill House Economic Development Corp., the Hill Community Development Corp. and Innovation Works will promote entrepreneurship and innovation to spur community development and job creation. HHA, the Community College of Allegheny County and the Hill District Development Corp. will recruit individuals in distressed neighborhoods to participate in training programs that will prepare them for career advancement in the energy and health care fields.

The grant is part of the Obama administration’s Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge, which is designed to support 20 projects nationwide to help develop a skilled workforce and bolster long-term regional success.