READY FOR BUSINESS—Urban Innovation21 startup business winners are ready to roll. Linsey McDonald of Lively Roots, Jomari Peterson and Walter Lewis of Hajj Media, Michael White of Uncle Mikes Sandwich Shop and Keir Wells of Homecare Sustainability Solutions. (Photo by Diane Daniels)
In November of 2012 the staff of Urban Innovation21 introduced to the Homewood-Brushton community the Homewood Business Grant Competition to an audience of approximately 50 potential and existing entrepreneurs. During a July 17 awards ceremony and business expo, the group awarded $70,000 to four startups and four existing businesses and numerous of the program participants displayed their products and services.
Urban Innovation21 officials say that in August a Kiva Trustee will announce 10 additional awards of $1,000 toward a Kiva Zip zero-interest loan of up to $5,000. This, according to Carolina Pais-Barreto Beyers, the group’s Vice President and Pittsburgh Central Keystone Innovation Zone Coordinator, leverages the Internet and a global network of more than 1 million lenders. In total $100,000 will be granted to Homewood Business Grant Competition participants.
“This is great. This program is helping me get back on track toward reestablishing my sandwich shop. Fulfilling a dream I have been holding on to since 1995,” said Michael White of Uncle Mike’s Sandwich Shop. White is a recipient of a $10,000 startup grant.
Linsey McDonald of Lively Roots and Keir Wells of Homecare Sustainability Solutions also were $10,000 startup business recipients and Jomari Peterson and his partner Walter Lewis owners of Hajj Media received $5,000.
In the existing business category, $10,000 recipients were Yolanda Hill of East End Notary, Etc., Neal Dorsey of Dorsey’s Records and Steven and Amber Dent of Lady D’s Mini Market. The $5,000 recipient was Denise Jones and Brittce Clay of Jones Printing.
“More than announcing our grant winners, this event is a celebration of the entrepreneurial drive and fighting spirit that exists in this community,” said William Generett Jr., Urban Innovation21’s President and CEO. “I am excited about what is happening here. Over 80 people originally participated in this program.”
A predominantly African-American community, it is reported that Homewood is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the State where more than one in three residents lives in poverty. Growing up in the neighborhood, Generett says he remembers Homewood as a thriving community. “This is personal to me. I remember the business corridor of the 1970’s and 80’s. I left Pittsburgh, but when I returned, I shedded tears. Now there is hope. There is a lot of great work happening in Homewood. We are excited to work with Homewood based nonprofits to play a collaborative role in rebuilding this community.”
Strictly designed for for profit businesses, Generett said the Homewood Grant Competition will and is bringing other nonprofit organizations into the community to create an environment where businesses can grow. “Our goal is to establish businesses that will add jobs and revitalize the community,” he emphasized.
Urban Innovation 21, based in the Hill District is defined as a public-private partnership that boosts regional economic development through 21st century innovation-driven entrepreneurship. The organization is concerned with the stagnation of local communities like Homewood and the Hill District in contrast to the rapidly changing global market. The group’s belief is that a successful innovation economy can drive economic growth, but lasting regional progress occurs when all communities are connected to wealth generators.
EXPERIENCE COUNTS—With years of experience under their belts these established business owners are aiming for the next level. Yolanda Hill of East End Notary Etc., Neal Dorsey of Dorsey’s Records and Steven and Amber Dent of Lady D’s Mini Market. (Photo by Diane Daniels)
In line with the organization’s purpose, Generett outlined the goals for the Homewood business grant competition as a way to increase the number of new start-up businesses in Homewood; to provide small grants to successful existing businesses to help them grow; to connect Homewood businesses to existing sources of financing; to recruit other organizations to provide resources and services that will create successful businesses owned by Homewood residents; to increase awareness of and get more Homewood based businesses to use the services of existing business service providers and to assist the Homewood community become connected to the city’s successful new economy.
“This is an exciting day in Homewood,” commented District nine City Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess demonstrating support and political representation along with County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Democratic Mayoral candidate and City Councilman Bill Peduto. “I am excited about the investment being made in this community,” said Burgess noting that there is a need for committed resources to rebuild the business corridor in Homewood. “There is a vision to help rebuild the business corridor on Homewood Avenue but it has to be done from the bus way up.” He pointed out that aside from the businesses to have a vibrant community there also has to be homes and a safe neighborhood. “The future is bright and we have to be in this together,” he said thanking Generett for his vision.
Because of his entrepreneurial experience, Fitzgerald encouraged the award recipients to continue their hard work. “The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. Opportunities are here due to the rebuilding of the economy. People are coming into the community and they need resources,” he said. He assured the audience that he and Bill (Peduto) are committed to Homewood. “Partnerships are important and we are working together at all levels of government.”
“It’s about people and we all have to work together like pieces in a puzzle,” said Peduto, feeling connected to Homewood, describing how his grandfather worked in the area. “We have to work from the bottom up to make sure there are employment programs, support and partnerships.”
Also taking part in the awards ceremony organized by Tricina Cash of the Osmosis Group were Daniel Taylor; senior vice president of PNC Bank serving as award presenter and closing remarks were made by Shawn Escoffery; program director of strong local economies of the Surdna Foundation out of New York.
Award recipients ranged from businesses in the infancy stage looking for locations to Jones Printing and Dorseys Records with more than 50 years of operation.
The next steps, according to Generett are for the businesses to continue working their plan and to be paired with business coaches. He also mentioned that another Homewood Business Grant Competition will be launched in about six months.
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