It's no secret that small businesses play a key role in building strong, thriving communities. Local entrepreneurs are not only responsible for a significant share of job creation, but they also drive wealth circulation within the area. By keeping money within a community, small businesses advance economic stability and foster long-term growth.
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The MVAF recognizes that small businesses within the Mid Mon Valley have unique challenges distinct from their peers elsewhere in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Since the Mid Mon Valley communities are situated at the intersection of four local counties (Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland) and are distant from their respective County seats, these small river towns have less access to resources and supports that are specifically designed to help businesses prosper.​
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Our vision is for all small business owners in the Mid Mon Valley to have access to the resources, and educational opportunities they seek for their businesses to grow, scale and thrive.
Ideas2Enterprise
Take the first step towards igniting and fulfilling your entrepreneurial dreams!
Coming soon in February of 2025
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. Created and taught 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.
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At the end of the five-week I2E program, participants will have created a business plan and financial projections for their venture. The entrepreneurs will also compete in a pitch competition judged by five local community and/or business leaders. The top three pitches will win grants of $5,000, $3,000, and $1,000.
While the program has historically been held at Ignite's Washington, PA, location, we’re excited to announce that a new cohort will be launching right here in the Mon Valley at MVA's Monongahela office.
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The Mon Valley cohort will begin in February 2025, with recruitment starting in November 2024. To stay updated as details become available, 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
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Week 2:
Understanding Marketing vs. Sales
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Week 3:
Operations Framework
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Week 4:
Financial Modeling Including Building ProForma Statement
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Week 5:
Pitching 101- Best Pitch Tactics