ALT What Allegheny County's Paid Parental Leave Requirement Means for Small Businesses 1. Which businesses are covered? 2. What benefit must be provided? 3. Who is eligible? 4. What events qualify? 5. How much pay is required? 6. When does it take effect? Practical guidance for Small Businesses Read the details and how this affects small businesses in Allegheny County - https://www.sbdc.duq.edu/Blog-Item-What-the-paid-parental-leave-means-for-small-businesses-in-Allegheny-County An important caveat This is a new local requirement and legal challenges, or implementation guidance may still emerge. Businesses should watch for final regulations, employer guidance from the Allegheny County Health Department, and advice from their employment counsel before making policy changes. #AlleghenyCounty #PaidParentalLeave #HumanResources #EmployeeBenefits #WorkforceDevelopment #SmallBusiness #HRLeadership #FamilyLeave #PittsburghBusiness #WorkplacePolicy #dusbdc

ALT Start Your Business with Confidence! Thinking about starting a business but not sure where to begin? Join First Step Business Essentials (Pittsburgh), a comprehensive workshop designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs build a strong foundation for success. The November 5th session will be presented entirely in Spanish Learn the essentials of: • Business Registration • Startup Funding • Taxes • Business Insurance • Business Plan Development • Financial Statements & Projections Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but the Duquesne University SBDC is here to guide you through the process and help you create a roadmap for your business success. Listen to Doug Harding, Senior Business Consultant, discuss the program on Radio Las Palmas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uI9YCdFVwc Sign up today and start creating your vision for the future - https://www.sbdc.duq.edu/Event-First-Step-Business-Essentials-Pittsburgh-in-Spanish #PittsburghBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Business

ALT Your Input Drives Change: Take the Small Business Credit Survey - Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey The Federal Reserve’s 2026 Small Business Credit Survey is now open, and the Pennsylvania SBDC is a partner in this effort. Owners and key financial decisionmakers of for-profit businesses, share your recent experiences about what financial conditions you face, whether and how you use debt, and more. Your perspective matters. Answers to these questions contribute to data that directly inform the Fed, federal government agencies, service providers, policymakers, and others—a public good ultimately benefiting your business and others like yours. Take the 12-minute survey by clicking the button below. Survey closes November 13, 2026. The survey is here - https://fedreserveboard.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_38k9xZy8ayEERue?orgID=PA_SBDC

ALT A strong brand message can make a lasting impact, even in just 45 seconds. See how MCL Family Law partnered with the Duquesne University SBDC Digital Media Production Program to create a professional video that helped introduce its new brand, generate over 8,200 Facebook views, and strengthen its digital presence. � Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6Zsu1lVJvI #MCLFamilyLaw #DigitalMarketing #VideoMarketing #ClientSuccess #FamilyLaw #LawFirmBranding #PittsburghBusiness #BusinessGrowth #SBDC #SmallBusinessSuccess

ALT Thinking About Starting a Business? The Boots to Business Reboot (B2BR) program is designed for veterans, military spouses, National Guard, and Reserve members who want to explore entrepreneurship or strengthen their small business knowledge. - October 20, 2026 - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET - Virtual via Zoom and in-person - Free to Attend During this full-day workshop, you'll learn: - What it takes to be an entrepreneur - How to evaluate business opportunities - Market research fundamentals - Business legal structures - Small business economics - Financing your venture - SBA resources and support programs - Business planning essentials Whether you're considering launching a new venture or looking for resources to grow your existing small business, this workshop provides valuable tools, guidance, and connections to help you succeed. Start the registration process here - https://bootstobusiness.sba.gov/s/class/a00SJ00001A5GPGYA3/us-sba-offices-pittsburghhybrid20261020reboot

ALT Protect What Matters Most: Cybersecurity in Today's World Cyber threats are evolving every day. Are you prepared? On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET attend the webinar featuring James Scopis, Cyber Crime Senior Specialist at Bank of America as he explores today's digital threat landscape, the growing role of AI in cybercrime and cybersecurity, and practical steps you can take to safeguard your personal and financial information. • Learn about emerging cyber risks • Understand how AI is changing the cybersecurity landscape • Discover actionable strategies to protect yourself online • Enhance your cybersecurity awareness and digital safety Reserve your spot today and gain valuable insights to help protect what matters most. Register Here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/2adeec7f-d292-4fd1-90cd-ddaf4997fb41@2b256175-5eca-4aaa-935a-4c63d79447ce?source=copyLinkOneEventsShareDialog Hosted by The Schwartz Group. #Cybersecurity #CyberAwareness #CyberSafety

ALT Pennsylvania Creative Businesses: Grant Funding Opportunity Now Open! Are you a Pennsylvania-based creative entrepreneur looking to grow your business and increase your community impact? The newly revised Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator (CEA) Grant Program is now accepting applications through Keystone Creatives. The CEA program provides funding to support the growth and success of creative businesses across the Commonwealth, helping entrepreneurs expand their reach, strengthen their operations, and contribute to their local communities. • Grant funding available for eligible creative businesses • Support for business growth and community impact • No-cost and low-cost business advising available through Pennsylvania's SBDC Network and other entrepreneurial support organizations • Application guidance resources available for prospective applicants The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) encourages eligible creative entrepreneurs throughout Allegheny County

ALT We Created THIS Video for Polly & Esther PGH! [DUQ SBDC No-Cost Media Production Program] The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), through the center's Digital Media Production Program, was able to assist Polly & Esther PGH in creating this overview/introduction video highlighting their local boutique store. The DUQ SBDC assisted this business by facilitating all of the necessary steps in the video production process, including brainstorming, outlining, scripting, filming, & editing. Suzan, the owner of Polly & Esther PGH, intends to use this video on her social media platforms as well as her website in order to promote brand awareness. View the finished video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2NY_1i5xyg #DuquesneSBDC #PollyAndEstherPGH #ShopLocal #SupportSmallBusiness #PittsburghBusiness #VideoMarketing #BrandAwareness #DigitalMediaProduction #SmallBusinessSuccess #Entrepreneurship #WomenOwnedBusiness #ContentCreation #BusinessGrowth #LocalBusiness #

ALT Cyber threats can put your business’s data, finances, operations, and reputation at risk. But knowing where your business may be vulnerable, and what steps to take to protect it, isn’t always easy. The Pennsylvania SBDC has cyber-certified consultants who can help. Our no-cost, confidential cybersecurity consulting services provide practical, one-on-one guidance to help you identify potential risks, recognize cyber threats, improve password and backup practices, train employees, and prepare for, respond to, and recover from a potential breach. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it a timely opportunity to strengthen your business’s cybersecurity. Learn more, access resources, and connect with your local SBDC at www.pasbdc.org/cybersecurity #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth #CyberSecurity #SmallBusinessSecurity #ProtectYourBusiness #CyberThreats #DataProtection #CyberResilience #BusinessContinuity #PASBDC #PennsylvaniaSBDC #SmallBusinessSupport #dusbdc

ALT Client Success Story - Duquesne SBDC Keystone Veterinary Clinic - Compassionate Care for our Deserving Pet Dr. Janelle Hoffman had a vision for more than a veterinary practice—she wanted to create an independent, locally owned clinic rooted in compassion, trust, and a commitment to the Slippery Rock community. After earning degrees in Animal Sciences and Agribusiness Management from Penn State University and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Hoffman set out to make that vision a reality with Keystone Veterinary Care. Launching the clinic required finding the right location, securing capital, renovating the building, and purchasing specialized equipment and supplies. In 2025, Dr. Hoffman connected with the Duquesne University SBDC.. Read full story here: https://www.sbdc.duq.edu/Resource-Keystone-Veterinary-Care #KeystoneVeterinaryCare #VeterinaryClinic #VeterinaryCare #PetCare #AnimalHealth #SmallBusinessSuccess #Entrepreneurship

ALT Virtual question and answer session titled Office Hours: Intro to America's Seed Fund at NSF: Thursday, October 8, 2-3 p.m. EDT - https://nsf.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_MYWzjmdpSiWWN7tu1tzqow?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#/registration Duquesne SBDC has expertise in the SBIR/STTR application process and is here to further assist you. https://www.sbdc.duq.edu/GovernmentGrants

ALT Client Success Story - Duquesne SBDC Crafting Success: How Dan Buchanan Turned Creativity into a Thriving Business For Pittsburgh entrepreneur Dan Buchanan, creativity has always been a driving force. But turning that creativity into a sustainable business required more than artistic talent—it required a strategy for growth. When Dan first connected with the SBDC, he was working a day job while operating a glass manufacutring business from his home on the side. He had developed his craft and established a foundation for the business, but his larger goal was clear: grow sales enough to leave his day job and pursue the business full time. Read full story here: https://www.sbdc.duq.edu/Resource-Crafting-Success-How-Dan-Buchanan-Turned-Creativity-into-a-Thriving-Business #SmallBusinessSuccess #EntrepreneurSuccess #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusinessOwner #EntrepreneurJourney #BusinessDevelopment #StartupSuccess #SuccessStory #WomenAndMenInBusiness #SmallBusinessSupport #dusbdc

ALT Summary of the proposed Allegheny County paid parental leave regulation A new proposal under consideration would require all employers operating in Allegheny County—regardless of size—to provide up to 18 weeks of paid, job-protected parental leave for qualifying employees. Who would qualify? • Employees with just 30 days of employment • Full-time and part-time workers • Low-wage workers often excluded from existing leave programs What would be covered? • Birth of a child • Adoption of a child • Foster care placement Key benefits proposed • Up to 18 weeks of paid leave • Job protection with return to the same or equivalent position • Continued health insurance and employee benefits • Leave available within 12 months of the qualifying event How does it compare to FMLA? • Paid instead of unpaid leave • 18 weeks instead of 12 weeks • Covers all employer sizes instead of only larger employers • Requires only 30 days of employment versus 12 months and 1,250 hours worked

ALT Thinking about selling your products or services beyond the U.S.? Exporting can open the door to new customers and new opportunities but knowing where to start is key. Join the Pennsylvania SBDC for this no-cost webinar and learn the fundamentals of exporting, including how to determine if your business is export-ready, identify promising international markets, navigate the export process, and connect with resources that can help you succeed globally. Whether you're exploring international sales for the first time or ready to take the next step, you'll leave with practical guidance you can put into action. 📅 Thursday, September 24 🕘 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM 📍Zoom Webinar Register here: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/33721 #PennsylvaniaSBDC #SBDCScranton #WilkesSBDC #GannonSBDC #WidenerSBDC #PittSBDC #DUSBDC

ALT Winning SBIR & STTR Grants for Your Pennsylvania Business - From Application to Award Is your small business developing new products, services, or processes? SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) grants provide up to $2.7M in federal funding, without giving up equity. This 90-minute workshop will cover eligibility, the application process, IPart resources, and includes Q&A with a successful grantee. What You’ll Learn: What SBIR & STTR grants cover and who qualifies The Phase I → Phase II funding pathway and realistic timelines Key differences between SBIR and STTR programs How to navigate agency-specific requirements and competitive scoring Special Focus: IPart Resources We’ll introduce IPart, Pennsylvania’s dedicated grant preparation resource, and show how it can guide you through application planning, writing, and submission.

ALT BizBurgh Presents: Buy/Sell Fair 2026 Connecting Business Owners, Buyers, and Advisors for Successful Transitions Thursday, September 24th - 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Breakfast Included | Lunch Included | Parking Included Are you looking to buy a business, sell your company, or develop a succession plan for the future? Join us for a full-day, in-person conference designed to provide the knowledge, resources, and connections you need to navigate business acquisitions and ownership transitions with confidence. Business Acquisitions & Growth Through Acquisition SBA Financing Opportunities Succession Planning Strategies Legal, HR, Accounting & Tax Considerations Business Broker Insights Networking with Industry Experts, Lenders & Advisors Hear from experienced professionals representing: • Live Oak Bank • First Commonwealth Bank • The Bradley Partnerships • Wilke CPAs & Advisors • First Choice Business Brokers Pittsburgh • Duquesne University Small Business Development Center