Business Resource Center to offer regular Tuesday hours

Anyone who needs help can visit the office on Main Street in Monongahela.

Small businesses in the Mon Valley will have easy access to support they need when the Business Resource Center launches new office hours today.

It’s been a long process to get the business center ready to make what leaders believe will be a lasting impact in the Mon Valley.

In 2021, the MVApartnered with Community Bank to relocate its office and create a business resource center in the former bank building on Main Street in Monongahela.

Nearly $400,000 has been invested into the center, which will be geared toward connecting business owners with the tools and resources they need to grow and be successful.

The project was paid for using $250,000 in Local Share Account funds, a $50,000 grant from the Washington County Community Foundation and an additional $110,000 paid by the MVA to cover final costs.

Located at the Mon Valley Alliance office on Main Street in Monongahela, the BRC launched in November and began to offer its first programs in January.

Now, weekly open office hours will allow the BRC to meet the needs of the community it serves.

Starting today, walk-ins will be accepted each Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help small businesses, municipalities and nonprofits with various needs.

The BRC offers general business resources such as marketing, website development, business and financial planning, networking opportunities, HR resources, government procurement support, access to capital and grant assistance.

Since its ribbon cutting, the BRC has become a valuable hub for the region, providing support with business planning, access to loans and guidance to other regional and state resources.

The center has hosted a variety of events, including the Ideas2Enterprise business accelerator, the Mid Mon Valley Rapid Readiness Workshop, the Gismondi Job Training Program and CENTER •A4

“We want to understand what businesses, nonprofits and municipalities in the Valley truly need so we can serve them more effectively.”

ABIGAIL STARK community networking events designed to connect entrepreneurs within Mon Valley communities.

The open office hours will expand the impact the BRC has already made.

In addition to offering walk-in support, the BRC is available to rent for training, meetings and programs that align with the mission of fostering community and economic development in the Mon Valley.

During open office hours, visitors will be connected with staff who will review completed intake forms, discuss challenges and opportunities and work collaboratively with leaders/owners to create an action plan tailored to the goals they have for their business, community or organization.

Appointments are not required, but it’s suggested that intakes forms are filled out before stopping by.

Forms can be found online at www.mvabrc.org/intake. When additional expertise is needed, staff members will provide referrals to trusted partner organizations.

Madison Codeluppi, business development manager for the MVA, said the BRC will support one of the Valley’s strongest assets — its small businesses.

“Small businesses and local governments are the backbone of the Valley,” Codeluppi said. “Providing them with accessible, personalized support through the BRC is essential to helping the region thrive.”

The BRC team, including Codeluppi, Clint Will and Abigail Stark, director of strategy and development for the Mon Valley Alliance Foundation, will continue to assess the requests and ask visitors to complete a brief survey to help identify specific training interests for future events and services.

“These open office hours are not just about providing resources, they’re about listening,” Stark said. “We want to understand what businesses, nonprofits and municipalities in the Valley truly need so we can serve them more effectively.”

As the BRC continues to grow, the MVAF wants to commit to deliver responsive, accessible support to strengthen the Valley’s economic future.

For more information or a schedule of upcoming events, go to www.mvabrc.org.

Questions can be directed to brc@monvalleyalliance.org.