10/02/2026
Collaboration Creates Opportunity
The Business Assistance Service Center (BASC) recently convened an outstanding group of leaders and economic development professionals from across Pennsylvania to discuss opportunities for collaboration, entrepreneurship, business support services, and economic growth.
Through meaningful conversations and strategic partnerships, organizations from across the region explored new ways to connect business owners with the resources, guidance, and support they need to start, grow, and thrive.
Together, we're creating pathways to opportunity and building a stronger future for small businesses.
Thank you to everyone who participated and continues to champion small business growth throughout our region.
Read more about the Business Assistance Service Center (BASC) here - https://www.sbdc.duq.edu/Business-Assistance-Service-Center
Our partners in the picture left to right:
• Jeffrey Boldizar, Director, Saint Francis University SBDC
• Eric Swift, Assistant Director, University of Pittsburgh SBDC
• Matt Reckner, Business Consultant, Saint Francis University SBDC
• Rafique Iddrisu, Manager of Business/Client Services & Business Consultant, Duquesne University SBDC
• Cindy Nellis, Director, PennWest Clarion SBDC
• Rich Longo, Director, Duquesne University SBDC
• Christina Nowak, Chief Operating Officer, Colorful Voices
• Jeremy Scheifele, Director of Programs, Colorful Voices
• Noelia Ortiz De La Rosa, Economic Development Analyst, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
• Bryan Garcia, Economic Development Manager, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
• Jeromy Lamya, Business Consultant / Analytics - Business Assistance Service Center, Duquesne University SBDC
• Cindi Oliver, Manager / Business Consultation Services - Business Assistance Service Center, Duquesne University SBDC
• Timothy Jones, Founder and CEO, Colorful Voices
• Lyzona Marshall, Assistant Professor of Business & Director, Wukich Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunities
School of Business, Seton Hill University
• Sarah Fullwood, Events Committee Lead, Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Meghan Hillegas, Director of Capital Acquisition & Growth Services, PASBDC
This project was financed in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development.