Check Out the Available Resources Below 

Would you like to increase the capacity of your small business? Are you trying to take advantage of available resources that cater to your needs?

You're in the right place! See below for information on:​
  • Access to Capital
  • ​M/WBE Certification
  • Joint Ventures 
  • ​Legal Advice 
  • Becoming Union Signatory

Upcoming workshops and events are posted regularly on our socials. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram 
@lowerhillredev

  Not a business? Check out what training and job opportunities are available through the First Source Center
​

Access to Capital  

Avenue of Hope - Small Contractor Line of Credit Program

The URA recently launched their Small Contractor Line of Credit Program. See below to read more about the program.
For more information, you can visit the URA's website, email Lynette Morris [email protected] or call 412-255-6622

Lines of Credit through the Diversity Business Resource Center (DBRC)

Members of Riverside Center for Innovation's DBRC Program are eligible to participate in credit programs through Dollar Bank and the Hill District Federal Credit Union. Credit lines range between $10-$50k 

For more information about the DBRC Program and all the benefits that come with signing up, check out RCI's website 

For more information about the credit programs available, please reach out to Judy McNeil ​[email protected] or call 412-322-3272

M/WBE Certification  

Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program (PAUCP)

​​The Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program offers a free application for DBE (disadvantaged business enterprise) certification. 
DBEs must be owned by socially disadvantaged individuals. Members of the following groups are presumed to be socially disadvantaged:
  • Women
  • Black Americans
  • Hispanic Americans
  • Native Americans
  • Asian-Pacific Americans
  • Subcontinent Asian Americans
  • Other groups deemed Disadvantaged by the Small Business Administration
​
Learn more about the certification process and who you can reach to for assistance by visiting the  PAUCP webpage 

Joint Ventures  

Joint Venture Teaming Up for Better Opportunities (presented by Riverside Center for Innovation)

In May of 2021, the Riverside Center for Innovation held a workshops providing information on what you should know if you are interested in joint venturing. Check out the video below to watch the presentation. 
Learn more about the Riverside Center for Innovation by visiting their website 
Thinking of teaming up with another company bidding on the construction of the FNB Financial Center?

Check out our Construction & Bidding Page to see the updated list of companies that plan to bid.

Happy Networking! 

Legal Advice   

Take Advantage of Free Legal Advice by Becoming a DBRC Member 

Riverside Center for Innovation has partnered with Reed Smith LLP, a global law firm with more than 1,800 lawyers in 26 offices, to provide pro bono legal representation to select community based businesses since 2013.

In order to comply with the Reed Smith firm-wide pro bono policy, the businesses referred must comply with each of the following three criteria:
  • The business is owned or operated by low-income individual(s);
  • Neither the entity nor its equity owners could otherwise afford legal services
  • The business will primarily serve low income customers or will operate in an economically disadvantaged area.

Learn more about becoming a DBRC Member
Learn more about the legal services offered

Becoming Union Signatory 

In April of 2021, the Riverside Center for Innovation held 2 workshops providing information on what you should know if you are interested in becoming a union signatory contractor. Check out the video below to watch both classes. 
Learn more about the Riverside Center for Innovation by visiting their website 

Introduction to Union Signatories (Presented by Riverside Center for Innovation)

Information Sessions with Union Trades - Bidding on the FNB Financial Center 

PJ Dick, the contractor for the first development project, the FNB Financial Center, is signatory to the following trades: In order for non-union companies in these fields to be awarded the contract for the project, they will need to first sign a project agreement specific to the union trade they fall under. Information sessions specific for each trade and each project agreement were held in June. To watch the recorded session and review the documents provided, click on the trade you are interested in learning more about. 

    Can't find the resource you're looking for? Let us know! We'll try to connect you with someone who can help.