Conferences & Events
*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some events being shared at this moment are strictly virtual.
UPMC’s Women of Color Comedy Jam
November 26, 2022 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | DoubleTree Hotel Downtown Pittsburgh
Women of Color was created in 2008 and was first launched at the Glenpointe Marriott in Teaneck, New Jersey. It has been held in Atlanta, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and New Jersey. The purpose of the “Women of Color Expo 2022 is to reach out to aspiring and achieving women in the community from entry level to professionals. This expo will also serve as a health and wellness event dedicated to bringing awareness to and sharing resources for women of color in the areas of emotional, financial, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Key areas of the expo include fitness, beauty demonstrations and awareness talks as well as a variety of local vendors and entertainment
-Register here
Breaking Barriers Conference at Cheyney University
November 30, 2022 | 10 AM- 5 PM & December 1, 2022| 12 PM- 5 PM
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania – The Nation’s 1st HBCU invites you to join their annual Breaking Barriers Conference, in-person for the first time ever! Click the link below to view the agenda, speakers, and to register for our event!
Cheyney University developed the Breaking Barriers series to educate and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across an academic landscape. The Breaking Barriers Conference will do so with an emphasis on racial equity and securing authentic network partnerships that can begin eliminating the systemic racism barriers that have prevented the career advancement and expansion of scholarly pursuits in STEM.
Register here
Lower Hill Contractor’s Information Session
December 14, 2022 | 5:30 PM | Energy Innovation Center Pittsburgh
The Buccini/Pollin Group (BPG) is embarking on the second Lower Hill development project, a 910 space parking garage and 4,500 person music venue. Join them for a celebration of the MWBE businesses that have been critical to advancing the FNB Financial Center on Block G of the Lower Hill, and an information session for contracting opportunities on the Block E garage.
Together, BPG and the partners of the Lower Hill Development Team, have achieved impressive construction contracting commitments for the First National Bank Financial Center. To date, the initial contracts are valued at $102 million and are as follows:
- $35 million in contracts for MBEs (representing 35% of total to date)
- $24 million of which are Black-owned businesses (representing 23% of the total)
- Approximately $8 million of the total contracts are for WBEs
- Commitments for Architectural Millwork and Tiles in the month of August
- Commitments to 42 different M/WBEs across 29 trades
- To date, FNB Financial Center project has made commitments to 73 M/WBEs
-Register here
Grants, Scholarships & Programs
Application deadline of December 2, 2022.
The Knowledge for Impact Award enables six entrepreneurs per academic year to attend an upcoming Wharton Executive Education live online program at no cost. Their business must be located (or primarily conduct business) in a designated Opportunity Zone. The available programs, listed below, enable participants to acquire invaluable business and interpersonal skills as well as practical tools in finance and accounting, negotiations, business strategy, governance, and marketing.
Industry Specializations are training programs, built by leading universities, to help you develop additional expertise and unlock job opportunities in high-growth industries. After completing a Google Data Analytics, IT Support, or Project Management Certificate, you can build on your skills and take the next step in your career with a Specialization from Columbia Engineering, the University of Illinois’ Gies College of Business, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Michigan, or Arizona State University.
The next Cohort runs from July–December 2022
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined program assists small business owners in growing their business, creating jobs, and strengthening their communities. This innovative program is an intense 6-month course that includes in-person, self-paced, instruction, mentoring, and class room time. Providing small businesses the opportunity to work with experienced professionals at no financial cost.
Business Opportunities & RFPs
Riverside Center for Innovation – Multiple RFP Opportunities
Many construction opportunities to do business with Riverside Center for Innovation. Please see the links below for interest in the various RFPs. Bids can be obtained by clicking each specific links below.
ITB Braddock ITB Braddock Avenue Structural Repair
RFP Catch Basin and Inlet Replacement Contract
ITB Oakdale Borough Town Center Improvements Phase 1
ITB PA State Police Greensburg – DNA Laboratory Facility
ITB Water and Sewer Improvements
The Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce Proposals to Provide Bookkeeping Services
Due by 4:00 pm on Friday, November 18, 2022
The chamber utilizes QuickBooks, and it must be coordinated with the chamber’s database management system (CC Assist). Postings and procedures shall be in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
These services are to be provided by an outside consultant. Requirements include but are not limited to making entries, bank reconciliation, credit card reconciliation, recording cash receipts and other entries, cutting checks for signatures. In addition to the postings, various monthly reports shall be prepared and submitted for review by the Finance and Executive Committees and the Board of Directors. Coordination with staff is required.
Biweekly submission of billable hours is preferred.
Proposals shall be submitted in PDF format to bbrady@lbccc.org no later than 4:00 pm on Friday, November 18, 2022.
Any questions, please contact Bill Brady at bbrady@lbccc.org or call 215-943-7400.
SEPTA – Pre-Bid Meeting – Wissahickon Transportation Center Project
Due by November 25, 2022, at 11:00 AM
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (“SEPTA”) will accept Sealed Bids through its Electronic Procurement System (ePS) website for Wissahickon Transportation Center (hereinafter called (“the Work) as outlined in the Contract Documents, at which time the bids will be made public and read aloud.
Questions must be directed to Juliane Wasilewski of the Procurement, Supply Chain and DBE Division at awasilewski@septa.org or (215) 580-3043).
Huge $290M construction project on the street – State Police Academy
Huge opportunity to do business with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Questions regarding the live solicitation should be directed to the issuing officer listed in the e-marketplace announcement. Plans can be obtained upon registering as a user at the e-Builder site.
Sign up here
The Philadelphia Business Lending Network Incentive Grant
The Philadelphia Business Lending Network simplifies the process of applying for loans. It is a group of nonprofit lenders, for profit lenders, and other funders who work together with the Philadelphia Department of Commerce to improve access to capital for businesses throughout Philadelphia. The Commerce Department has launched a Philadelphia Business Lending Network Incentive Grant to increase access to capital for
Philadelphia’s small businesses. Read more below to apply and find out if you qualify.
Read more here
Posting Guidelines
- Posts are accepted for procurement opportunities from Supplier Diversity Corporate/Council Members in good standing.
- Posts are accepted for procurement opportunities for WBE-to-WBE spend by WBEs in good standing.
- The description and link will be added within four business days of receipt.
