InnovatePGH and OBID Secure $71K Grant for the Development of Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Workforce Initiatives
The Oakland Business Improvement District (OBID) and InnovatePGH are excited to announce that we have received a grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) as part of the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) with funding support provided by our corporate partners: Dollar Bank, Duquesne Light Company, and First National Bank. The NAP program provides tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations’ efforts to revitalize communities.
OBID and InnovatePGH are collaborating on the implementation of Equitable Oakland, one of 261 projects funded throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Equitable Oakland aims to assist disadvantaged businesses and residents, concentrating on inclusive entrepreneurship and workforce initiatives aligned with the community goals outlined in The Oakland Plan, adopted in 2022, by the City of Pittsburgh Planning Commission. Reflecting the collective desires and values of thousands of Oakland residents, employees, businesses, and students, The Oakland Plan emerged from an extensive community engagement process guided by a Steering Committee in which both OBID and The Pittsburgh Innovation District (a strategic initiative of InnovatePGH) participated.
The Equitable Oakland initiative includes three community-supported programs - The Retail Residency program, the Innovation District Skills Alliance, and the Startup Residency. These programs are designed to improve the quality of life for residents of Oakland and Pittsburgh by increasing accessibility to Oakland's thriving knowledge-based economy.
Equitable Oakland will support the objectives outlined in The Oakland Plan, such as:
Access to careers: Regularly study and address barriers to participation for underrepresented communities in Oakland’s career opportunities at major employers via The Retail Residency program, which provides space, technical assistance, and marketing support for emerging Hispanic and BIPOC entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Grow job opportunities in Oakland: The employment base needs to grow to provide jobs that are available to everyone and coupled with workforce development efforts to create a ladder of opportunity. The Innovation District Skills Alliance establishes workforce pathways for marginalized residents to access jobs at Oakland anchor institutions with a new IDSA cohort serving residents, offering participation stipends and job placement.
Minority and immigrant business focus: Work to eliminate barriers faced by disadvantaged entrepreneurs by prioritizing tenanting of minority, women, and immigrant business enterprises, particularly by residents, in ground floor spaces on commercial corridors. The Startup Residency aligns marginalized startups with space and resources in the Pittsburgh Innovation District.
OBID and InnovatePGH express gratitude to our funding partners, including DCED, Dollar Bank, Duquesne Light Company, and First National Bank.
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To learn more about InnovatePGH visit InnovatePGH.com.
For all media inquiries or further questions, please contact Bethany Wallace, Communications Director at Bw@InnovatePGH.com