Ready to Grow: Small Business Financing for 2026 at the Carnegie Library of Homestead presented by Steel Valley Accelerator

Ready to Grow: Small Business Financing for 2026 at the Carnegie Library of Homestead presented by Steel Valley Accelerator

Start the new year learning how to position your small business for growth! Join Steel Valley Accelerator for a practical, high-energy panel discussion on financing your small business in 2026.

Featuring panelists:
Allison Howard, Neighborhood Community Development Fund; Dr. Eric Swift, University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center; Dan Mitchell & Katherine Luketic from First National Bank & experts from the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development office.

Learn how to strengthen your financial readiness, what lenders look for, and where to find the right funding mix for your goals. You’ll walk away with actionable tips, local resources, and clear next steps to help position your business for growth in the year ahead.

Also featuring complementary non-alcoholic mocktails by Rogue BBQ and light fare by Dorothy 6 Cafe.

Please REGISTER at the link for a chance to win local gift cards from Golden Age Brewing, Dorothy 6 Cafe, AND a free day of coworking at Joyful Commons:
https://forms.gle/AqNuwnFamCr8ajVdA

Location:
Carnegie Library of Homestead
510 E 10th Avenue Munhall, PA 15120
Free street parking available behind the library.

This is a FREE EVENT brought to the community by Steel Valley Accelerator! Learn more about us at SteelValleyAccelerator.com
Steel Valley Accelerator is the Steel Valley’s official 501(c)(3) economic development nonprofit. Since 1996, we’ve supported local businesses and community initiatives with loans, grants, hands-on support, and strategic partnerships.

++ Detailed info about the event:

Start the new year with clarity, confidence, and practical tools to help your small business grow. Ready to Grow: Small Business Financing for 2026 is a free community event hosted by Steel Valley Accelerator at the historic Carnegie Library of Homestead, designed to help entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders better understand the financial landscape heading into 2026.

As the Steel Valley continues to evolve, access to clear, local, and actionable financial guidance has never been more important. This high-energy panel discussion brings together trusted experts in lending, economic development, and small business support to demystify financing options and help business owners position themselves for long-term success.

What You’ll Learn

During this interactive session, attendees will gain insight into:

• How to prepare your business financially for growth in 2026
• What lenders and funders look for when reviewing applications
• How to identify the right mix of loans, grants, and support programs
• Common financial pitfalls — and how to avoid them
• Local resources available right here in the Steel Valley and greater Allegheny County

Whether you’re launching a new venture, stabilizing an existing business, or planning your next phase of growth, this event is designed to meet you where you are and provide clear next steps you can act on immediately.

Expert Panelists

The Ready to Grow panel features experienced professionals who work directly with small businesses every day:

• Allison Howard, Neighborhood Community Development Fund
• Dr. Eric Swift, University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
• Dan Mitchell, First National Bank
• Allegheny County Department of Economic Development

Together, these panelists will share real-world perspectives on financing, capital readiness, and how small businesses can best navigate today’s funding environment.

Community, Connection, and Conversation

In addition to valuable insights, Ready to Grow is designed to be welcoming and community-focused. Attendees can enjoy complimentary non-alcoholic mocktails provided by Teetotal Initiative, along with light fare from Dorothy 6 Café, creating an inviting space for networking and conversation before and after the discussion.

Everyone who registers will also be entered for a chance to win local gift cards from: Golden Age Brewing, Dorothy 6 Café, A free day of coworking at Joyful Commons

Location:
Carnegie Library of Homestead
510 E 10th Avenue
Munhall, PA 15120

Free street parking is available behind the library.

Cost:
This is a FREE event, made possible by Steel Valley Accelerator and its partners.

Registration:
Please register in advance using the link below to reserve your spot and be eligible for giveaways:
https://forms.gle/AqNuwnFamCr8ajVdA

About Steel Valley Accelerator

Steel Valley Accelerator is the Steel Valley’s official 501(c)(3) economic development nonprofit. Since 1996, we’ve supported local businesses and community initiatives through loans, grants, hands-on support, and strategic partnerships. Our mission is to strengthen the Steel Valley economy by empowering entrepreneurs, revitalizing commercial corridors, and connecting businesses to the resources they need to grow and thrive.

Learn more about our programs, events, and impact at SteelValleyAccelerator.com.

Join us at Ready to Grow and take the next step toward building a stronger, more resilient small business in 2026 — right here in the Steel Valley.