Emmet Smith of Golden Triangle Distributors is a past participant of the Community Power to Prosper program and credits the six-month business training for his success in opening a second distribution location. He says that the training opened his eyes to the things he didn’t know about his business and then taught him how to work through challenges. Now Smith has a better understanding of what to expect from the staff that he employs, the services he needs to run his business, and how to achieve his goals.
The Community Power to Prosper program (CPP), facilitated by Pitt’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE) and run on site in Homewood, provides small business owners with dedicated, hands-on staff to lead participants through business training. Over 72 businesses across Pittsburgh have participated in the program, including businesses right in Homewood community: Golden Triangle Distributors, Strong Fabric Care LLC, and Simmies Restaurant and Lounge to name a few.
Community Power to Prosper is proud to work with business owners to help them achieve their goals
CPP provides foundational resources, demonstrating that there are common challenges experienced by all business owners, regardless of industry. The speaker series is an example of this foundational resource. Experts from different fields present to the class and provide guidance on a specific area. Smith benefited directly from the accounting presentation, realizing that his current accountant wasn’t actually completing his responsibilities. So Smith went about hiring a new accountant and can now successfully set clear expectations for this employee and track their work.
The one-on-one support is unique to CPP. Smith appreciated the relationship and mentoring he received from Nicole Hudson, Senior Program Manager at the IEE. He describes Hudson as engaged and engaging, encouraging him to stick with it even when he felt overwhelmed. It’s because of Hudson that Smith is now furthering his knowledge as part of the Entrepreneurial Fellows Class.