For Sale: Opportunity Franchising Event

NEWS RELEASE
September 09, 2012                                                                                        

Contact Information:
Linda Handley, Founder
Phone: 412.475.9010
E-mail:info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.com


Building Bridges for Business anticipates another sold-out crowd at For Sale: Opportunity franchising event on October 9

PITTSBURGH – Building Bridges for Business – a not-for-profit organization aimed at empowering and educating Pittsburgh’s small business owners – is expecting another sold-out event on October 9 between 4:30pm and 8:00 pm EST at the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.  They are hosting For Sale: Opportunity, intended to connect established franchisors, funding on the spot with a new loan program, 401k funding experts, finding space for the business, and potential franchisees and business owners.

“Franchises have long been an important component in the structure of American business,” said Linda Handley, founder, Building Bridges for Business. “Four out of five franchises succeed where as one out of five small businesses succeed after five years.”  Franchises provide over 9.8 million jobs with a payroll of over $229 billion according to the International Franchise Association, IFA.

At the event, built around networking opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs, Rich Fitzgerald, Executive, Allegheny County, will deliver a message on the current state of locally owned small businesses. “Rich’s passion for small business development and sustainability in Allegheny County has been unprecedented,” stated Amanda Wodzenski President of Building Bridges. “We’re excited to hear him speak and know he will provide regional small business owners with insights, information and resources from a governmental perspective.”

In addition to providing franchises with an established presence in the Pittsburgh region with growth opportunities, the event will also target new opportunities for franchises outside of the Pittsburgh market and potential local franchisees. “We are hopeful this will be an opportunity for new franchises to partner with local entrepreneurs and drive new business to our region and tri-state area,” Handley said. “It is apparent that Pittsburgh is experiencing significant economic growth, and this event will serve as a wonderful opportunity for national franchises to partner with local business leaders.”

Previous Building Bridges for Business events include Small Business Works, held at the Kingsley Center in Pittsburgh’s East End in 2011 and 2012, Young Entrepreneurs held at GOOGLE Pittsburgh, and Welcome to Oz, held at downtown Pittsburgh’s Fairmont Hotel in October 2011 and featuring Dr. Winslow Sargeant, Obama’s chief of advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration.  All of the organization’s previous events have sold out.

Partners for For Sale: Opportunity include, the Allegheny County Executive’s Office, the City of Pittsburgh, the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University and the Small Business Development Center at Duquesne University. Major sponsors are Positively Pittsburgh Live, Brunnhuber and Associates, Comcast Business Class, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Staples, Giant Eagle, Pittsburgh Business Times and Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association.  Interested participants can register for the event on Building Bridges for Business’ website (www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org). To learn more, follow Building Bridges for Business (@bridges4biz) on Twitter or contact Building Bridges for Business via e-mail at info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.org.

ABOUT BUILDING BRIDGES FOR BUSINESS Based in Pittsburgh, Pa., Building Bridges for Business 501(c) 3 aims at empowering and educating the region’s small business leaders by providing resources to start, manage, grow and promote their businesses. Since its inception in November 2010, the organization has hosted sold out events, featuring prominent keynote speakers, such as Dr. Winslow Sargeant, who is President Obama's adviser from the Small Business Administration. In addition to live events, Building Bridges for Business launched COFFEE WITH a trademarked Film Series and Pittsburgh's first-ever small business TweetChat.

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Building Bridges for Business Empowers Pittsburgh Small Business

NEWS RELEASE


August 23, 2012                                                                                      
Contact Information:  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
Linda Handley, Founder
Phone: 412.475.9010
E-mail:info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.com


Building Bridges for Business and Partners empower Pittsburgh Small Business Owners

PITTSBURGH – Building Bridges for Business – a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering small business owners by providing one-stop access to resources, information and partnerships – is achieving its organizational mission - providing small business owners with unprecedented connections to local agencies, contacts and other necessary business resources.

Founder Linda Handley

“Our team has certainly worked hard to push the organization forward and improve visibility among small business owners,” said Linda Handley, founder, Building Bridges for Business. “We have also been very fortunate to have the support from a host of pivotal partnerships, particularly the offices of Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.”  In addition, Building Bridges for Business has partnered with local universities, such as the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University and the Small Business Development Center at Duquesne University.

Sue Malone, President of Strategies for Small Business, after a recent event helping Pittsburgh Small Businesses for free, said, “Building Bridges does an outstanding job offering the small businesses of Pittsburgh an opportunity to soar."  I am in many cities working with Small Businesses and I have never seen such dedication as I see in Building Bridges to offer such a unique opportunity for the small businesses of Pittsburgh."  The organization hosted its fourth sold-out event this summer, Small Business Works, at the Kingsley Association. At the event over 200 local small business owners listened to a message from Malone, and every business that asked received assistance with funding, free advice on a formal business plan and/or free marketing collateral, such as logos and press kits.

“Thanks to the support of our sponsors, donors and partners, we are reaching our goals and achieving our vision,” said Amanda Wodzenski President of Building Bridges for Business. “The contributions and support from so many organizations and individuals has made starting a business and sustaining a business in Pittsburgh simpler, and our local economy will continue to benefit as a result.”  Major sponsors include Staples, Comcast, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Brunnhuber and Associates, and Pittsburgh Venture Capital.

Other live events – all of which have sold out – include fall 2011’s Welcome to Oz, featuring guest speakers Dr. Winslow Sargeant, chief council for advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration and Luke Ravenstahl, mayor, City of Pittsburgh at the Fairmont Hotel. Last summer, Google’s Pittsburgh headquarters opened its doors to local business owners and the organization held a Young Entrepreneurs event.

Aside from live events, Building Bridges for Business also launched Pittsburgh’s first-ever monthly TweetChat in September 2011, using the hashtag #SmallBizPgh and featuring small business experts, entrepreneurs and government officials from across the United States. At these events, local business owners can pose questions to the featured guests via Twitter.

This summer, the organization kicked off its Coffee With…SM video series, available on YouTube and the organization’s website. Geared towards small business owners, the videos feature guests – including Dr. Sargeant, city council members and successful small business owners – discussing current issues facing small business and sharing tips to help business owners succeed.

For more information, visit Building Bridges for Business’ homepage at www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org, follow Building Bridges for Business (@bridges4biz) on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn or contact Building Bridges for Business by e-mailing info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.org.  Major sponsors include Staples, Comcast, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Brunnhuber and Associates, and Pittsburgh Venture Capital.
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Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Second Annual Small Business Works Seminar

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2012

Contact Information:
Linda Handley, Founder Building Bridges for Business
Phone: 412.475.9010
E-mail:info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.com

Five Powerhouse Organizations Partner to Provide Second Annual Small Business Works Seminar

Pittsburgh, PA – The second annual Small Business Works seminars – aimed at empowering and educating small business owners – will kick off at 9 a.m. on May 21, 2012 at the Kingsley Association in East Pittsburgh. The event will be hosted by Building Bridges for Business, the County of Allegheny, the City of Pittsburgh, the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University and Duquesne University’s Small Business Development Center.

Small Business Works will provide education on the necessary steps to obtain capital. Learn from our nationally known expert speaker on HOW to apply successfully for a business loan. Information will be provided on:

• What are the basic steps and information needed in applying for a loan?
• The hidden obstacles in the loan application process and how to overcome them.
• Sources and types of capital.
• We walk you through filling out a sample loan package.

The event will also feature resources that will offer growth opportunities for attendees.

“Small businesses are really the lifeblood of our economy and their impact and importance has really been seen in this tight economy,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.  “Offering programs like this helps to eliminate the barriers that small companies face and empowers and educates them so that they may take advantage of the opportunities that exist.”

“Small businesses are essential to our neighborhood business districts and their success and growth is key to maintaining a livable and vibrant City,” said Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. “Through opportunities like this, we hope to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs achieve success by educating them on the many tools and existing programs that are currently available.”

The Kingsley event will be the first in a series of other Small Business Works seminars in various Allegheny County neighborhoods set to occur in 2012. Each event will provide access to education and regional business resources. Major sponsors for the Kingsley Small Business Works seminars include: Brunnhuber and Associates, Comcast Business Class, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Pittsburgh Business Times, Pittsburgh Venture Capital, Staples, the Frankstown Road Giant Eagle, and Positively Pittsburgh Live. Find more information and to register for the event on Building Bridges for Business’ web site, www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org.

“The event with Building Bridges is about giving financial options to the small businesses of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,” said Sue Malone keynote speaker for the May 21, 2012 event.  Malone added, “The first thing we have to understand financing is still available for small businesses, both start up and existing businesses. We have all been through the economic down turn and have heard there is “no” money available. I will let you know, there is money available, it just takes a bit more effort to obtain the financing.”

About Building Bridges for Business
Since its inception in November 2010, Building Bridges for Business hosted three sold out events, featuring prominent keynote speakers, such as Dr. Winslow Sargeant, who is President Obama's main adviser for small business. Other events have featured educational resources and key local small business figures. “We want to bridge the valuable resources in Western Pennsylvania with business owners and residents who want to start a business,” says Building Bridges President, Amanda Wodzenski.

Building Bridges for Business was founded in 2010 in conjunction with Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, the Allegheny County Executive's Office, Duquesne University and Chatham University to provide education and resources for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County entrepreneurs on business growth, promotion, management and to aid individuals hoping to launch a new business. In addition to live events, Building Bridges for Business launched Pittsburgh's first-ever small business Twitterchat in September 2011 to offer vital resources from small business experts to entrepreneurs via Twitter.
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Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Branding and the Customer Experience at Chatham's CWE Think Big Forum

Maxine Clark

Chatham University
Center for Women's Entrepreneurship

6th Annual Think Big Forum

"Branding and the Customer Experience"


Friday, October 21, 2011

7:45 a.m. - Noon

Chatham University, Shadyside Campus

Cost: $45.00


Keynote Speaker: Maxine Clark,

CEO and Founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Panel Topic: "Branding: Boiling it Down to the Basics"

Panelists:

Susan Gregg Koger, Chief Creative Officer and Lead Buyer, ModCloth
Donna Sturgess, President and Founding Partner of Buyology, Inc. and Former Global Head of Innovation, GlaxoSmithKline
Laurie R. Mizrahi, President, Mizrahi, Inc. and Interim Vice President Creative, GNC Corporation


Moderator:



Michele Anne Petruccelli, President, Petruccelli Strategic Marketing Consulting


Forum Agenda

7:45-8:15 AM Networking Breakfast & Check-In

8:15-8:30 Welcome & Keynote Introduction

8:30 - 9:30 Keynote Speaker

9:30 - 9:45 Keynote Q & A

9:45 -10:15 Networking Break

10:15 -10:30 Panel Introductions

10:30-11:30 Panel Discussion

11:30 - 11:45 Panel Q & A

11:45 AM Closing

Building Bridges for Business Hosts Welcome to Oz

Pittsburgh, PA – September 7, 2011

Welcome to Oz – Where Small Business and Sustainability Collide

Allegheny County, The City of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University Small Business Development Center, Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University and Building Bridges for Business will host Welcome to Oz – Where Small Business and Sustainability Collide to educate and empower business owners. The third seminar in the SOLD OUT series will be held on October 10, 2011 at the Fairmont Hotel. The key note speaker will inspire attendees and 15+ resources will share strategies to be sustainable and grow their business.

The five organizations partnered and will host the October event and several other events scheduled in neighborhoods in the greater Pittsburgh region. Every event provides access to education and the region’s amazing business resources. Details for the October 2011 Welcome to Oz event are located on http://www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org/.

These events will allow participants to expand networking opportunities and meet valuable business resources at the same time. Fifteen sustainable and green companies will be on hand to share cash generating/environment saving techniques. Major sponsors include The Pittsburgh Technology Council, The Pittsburgh Business Times, Fireman Creative, c-leveled, Enterprise Rent a Car, Cold Cypress, solutions4networks, Louis Plung and Comcast Business Class. Register for this event at www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org.

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl will be providing opening remarks. "Small businesses are the lifeline of neighborhood business districts and their success and growth is key to maintaining a livable and vibrant City", said Ravenstahl. "Through opportunities like this, we hope to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs achieve success by educating them on the many tools and existing programs that are currently available."

The event’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Winslow Sargeant Chief Advocate for Small Business Research and Regulatory Affairs. President Obama appointed Winslow to this role in 2009. His background:

• Entrepreneur/Small business start up owner, Co-founder, Aanetcom—A Fabless semiconductor company in Allentown, PA Company was acquired: for $800M in March 2000 by PMC Sierra

• Government Official: National Science Foundation, Program Director, SBIR/STTR Program

• VC experience: Kauffman Fellow, Managing Director, Venture Investors, LLC (2006-2009)

• President Obama Appointed: Nominated, Chief Counsel for Advocacy, 2009, a Senate-confirmed position
Received Recess appointment, August 2010

"The vision for the Building Bridges for Business community is an environment where entrepreneurs can grow and advance their business, support other business owners, and develop as entrepreneurs giving back to their community," says Building Bridges for Business founder Linda Handley, an entrepreneur, author and business advisor. "We want to bridge the valuable resources in Western Pennsylvania with business owners and residents who want to start a business," says Amanda Wodzenski, President of Building Bridges. Building Bridges for Business was created based on the need Handley and others saw in the area understanding that small and start up business owners have limited finances.

Building Bridges for Business focuses on business growth, promotion, management, and people who want to launch a new business. In the past year, Building Bridges has grown and showcases over 30+ Pittsburgh resources. Building Bridge’s goal is to create an organization that truly serves the "small" business owner or struggling entrepreneur.

There is no fee or yearly membership rate to join as a general member of Building Bridges for Business. That is one of the major factors that differentiates Building Bridges from other business and networking groups. Additionally, Building Bridges has plans to offer educational webinars empowering and educating entrepreneurs throughout the year. The variety of programming, allows Building Bridges for Business to provide value to the greatest number of education and business resources regardless of budgetary and time constraints. Visit www.BuildingBridgesForBusiness.org for a full listing of resource partners, educational opportunities and events.

Linda Handley
Building Bridges For Business
342 South Highland Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Contact: 412.475.9010
info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.org
http://www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org/

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