Global Entrepreneur In Residence

 

If you are an international entrepreneur looking to stay in Pittsburgh post-graduation or come to Pittsburgh to grow your startup, this Global Entrepreneur in Residence program is made for you. InnovatePGH and Point Park University are partnering to run a Global Entrepreneur in Residence Program. This first-of-its-kind program in Pennsylvania creates a pathway for talent to stay and grow in the Pittsburgh region. Global Entereprenuer in Residence fellows will teach part-time at Point Park University while also working on their startup.

Program Benefits

  • Part-time work opportunity at Point Park University to support innovation and entrepreneurship on campus  

  • Eligible for a Cap-exempt H-1B visa through the GEIR program (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services makes all final decisions for visa eligibility) 

  • Connections into the Pittsburgh Startup Ecosystem  

Eligibility

  • Graduating international students or international entrepreneurs eligible for cap-exempt H-1B visa status  

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher  

  • A startup founder with scalable high-growth business 

Additional factors that are considered during the application and review process  

  • If applicants have an MVP or market ready product  

  • Evidence of financial success and financial projections for the business   

  • Alignment between the startup founder’s expertise and Point Park University’s entrepreneurship and innovation mission  

  • Interest in the Pittsburgh startup ecosystem and growing your venture in the region 

  • Commitment to complete the fellowship within 12-months  

“It was an entrepreneurial spirit that led to Point Park being founded in 1933 and we have been fostering and nurturing that same spirit within our students throughout our history. We are excited to work with Innovate PGH on a program that will help grow Pittsburgh’s dynamic startup ecosystem while helping global entrepreneurs to thrive. ”
— Dr. Chris W. Brussalis, President of Point Park University

FAQs

 

Do I have to be in the Pittsburgh region for this program?  

  • Yes, this is an in-person fellowship in Pittsburgh. Accepted fellows will work part-time on campus at Point Park University while also working on their startup. Fellows are responsible for transportation to and from required activities. This program does not offer relocation assistance. 

Do I automatically get a cap-exempt H-1B Visa?  

  • No, fellows do not automatically receive cap-exempt H-1B visas. All fellows must meet the eligibility requirements to qualify for a cap-exempt H-1B visa. The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement makes all visa decisions. This Global Entrepreneur in Residence Program abides by all of those decisions.  

  • After being approved for a cap-exempt H-1B visa, fellows will need to apply for a concurrent H-1B visa from their startup. Ideal applicants will be further along in their entrepreneurial journey with the ability to demonstrate their startups legitimacy through a business plan, proof of funding, evidence of a structured work environment with a designated role for the H-1B employee.  

Who is best suited to apply for this program?  

  • International students graduating from universities, individuals at the end of their OPT, or other international entrepreneurs with a scalable high growth business and interest in growing their startup in the Pittsburgh region should apply.  

Does the startup need to fit within a specific sector?  

  • No, this pilot Global Entrepreneur in Residence program is seeking talented startup founders who are working on scalable innovative solutions. While there are no requirements for the type of startups that can apply for this program, those applying should clearly demonstrate their business plan, proof of financial success, market research, and plans for growing their startup.  

Do I pay for my visa?  

  • The program covers the cost of the cap-exempt visa application and filing. Fellows are responsible for paying all fees associated with the concurrent H-1B visa from their startup.  

How long is the fellowship?  

  • This is a 12-month-long fellowship. Applicants will be assessed on their commitment to transition out of the program.  

 

Have additional Questions?  Reach out to Program Manager, Zivya Sutton at zs@innovatePGH.edu  

Point Park University, immersed in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, focuses on student success through innovative experiential learning opportunities. Point Park enrolls nearly 3,500 students in over 100 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs offered through its Conservatory of Performing Arts (School of Dance and School of Film, Theatre and Animation), Rowland School of Business, and schools of Arts and Sciences, Communication, and Education. The University’s alumni and students represent all 50 states and 34 countries around the world.