Carnegie Mellon University
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Strength in Numbers

Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship WMBE Outreach Program 

We are delivering a very "hands-on" program to support women and minority small businesses in two specific neighborhoods of Pittsburgh: Wilkinsburg and Homewood. We are working with small businesses that are women-owned and led and/or minority-owned and led in those zip codes. The companies will spend time at the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship as well as in other venues in the communities of Wilkinsburg and Homewood receiving help to:

  • Build their accounting and finance capacity
  • Build their on-line presence through the use of websites and landing pages
  • Address their ad-hoc business questions

The programming is free of charge for the entrepreneurs. After the initial programming - the companies will be supported by CMU alumni mentors that have experience in accounting, finance, and entrepreneurship as well as CMU students who are adept at business disciplines and the use of technology.

Meet the Companies! 

 

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Christine Ferguson-Rau leading the first workshop on accounting and finance. 
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Anjali Akula and Tina Lin from re:Bloom share the importance of an online presence
for small businesses in an interactive workshop.

Participating Companies

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9Cafe

Soulful Carribean restaurant and lounge serving food through reusable and compostable containers. 

Tierra Patterson

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A&M Healthcare Agency

Here at A&M Healthcare Agency, LLC it is our mission to efficiently provide client-centered, quality nursing from the heart. While maintaining the highest standards of care, we strive to approach our jobs with passion and commitment. We build trust and teamwork to continually facilitate n expanded array of growth strategies to meet and exceed our consumer expectations. 

Adrienne Moon
Saran Ewers

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Alex's Pit Stop

Convenience store and family-friendly dine-in and take-out restaurant.

Rhonda Sears
Alex Harris

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Campbell's Seafood Market

Coming soon - first fish market in Wilkinsburg. 

Adrienne Moon
Michael Campbell

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Carter & Associates

Construction Services. Additional information coming soon. 

Dana Lance

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CodeJoy

We’ve created a live webinar studio that captures the essence of what it means to learn in a classroom. We combine multiple cameras, studio-quality video production, and thoughtful teaching to create an authentic classroom experience that you can join from anywhere. Services provided include interactive remote robotics & coding classes for students and educators. 

Kelsey Derringer
Matt Chillbert

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Cougar Life

Cougar Life is dedicated to the process of making natural clean burning candles & wax melts with 100% Soy. Candles' wicks are made of braided cotton containing no zinc, and all fragrances are Phthalate free. All body products are also Phthalate free and contain high quality oils and vitamins that leave you feel oh so refreshed. 

Deborah Mosley

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J Koko Hauling

J KoKo Hauling LLC is a Dump Truck service company. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, our company is a veteranminority and woman owned enterprise (MWBE) recognized by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) of Pittsburgh. Our goal is to become a primary hauling resource in Allegheny County and surrounding communities. 

Jill Smallwood

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Jameelah's Creative Creations

Wilkinsburg's custom clothing and retail shop. 

Jameelah Luster

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K.R.J. Enterprises

Commercial real estate and landscaping

Kipp Jackson

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Mindfulness Construction & Design 

Construction services. 

Melanie Anderson

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Miss Cassidy Creates

Miss Cassidy is an educator and kid's entertainer. Through her career in professional theatre, she has discovered that her absolute favorite role is playing pretend with kids and inspiring a desire to never stop learning! You can book Miss Cassidy for: Virtual Classes & Social Groups, Private Parties, Recorded Video Greetings, and One-on-One & Group Lessons. 

Cassidy Adkins

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Reallionaire

Hair Extensions: MWBE Extensions, Wigs, and Accessories Boutique. 

Amerika "Rika" Diggs 

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The Sleeping Octopus

The revitalization of the three-store Yingling Mansion is part of the borough's growing renaissance. Today, the decor is both carefully curated and charmingly organic. A range of genres and styles — paintings, sculpture, mixed media from local artists grace the walls and tabletops, appearing, disappearing and reappearing as seasons and events change. The mansion currently is listed on Airbnb under its new moniker - The Sleeping Octopus

Nicole Santella

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Soulful Finesse d.b.a Lulu's 

“Healthy soul food” - Southern restaurant with an emphasis on healthy menu items. 

Taneisha "Neisha" Reed

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TakeOut Team

We offer safe & speedy delivery and crucial concierge services to B2B and B2C customers in Pittsburgh's East End communities. We help customers gain full access to local product, customized services and entertainment experiences! 

Tamitra Miles

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Tiffany's on Wood

Hair Stylist located on Wood Street with a variety of exceptional braiding services. 

Kayla Lee

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Una Biologicals

Una Biologicals is rooted in the belief that you deserve the best. Being the best at Una means being free from chemicals, additives, unnecessary preservatives, and artificial fragrances. To this end, we've created skin food luxury that nourishes your body & soul allowing you to feel good, look good, & actualize your happiest, healthiest self!

Jessica Wilson Graves 

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