The Supportive Training, Entrepreneurial Education and Partnership Pathways (STEPP Forward) is an 18-month, $1.136 million initiative designed to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity in Southwestern Pennsylvania. It is part of the PA DCED’s Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program.

Participants of the program receive FREE Entrepreneurship Training through a Five-Step Pathway to Success cohort model.

1. STEPP Forward – Discover: Attending information sessions to learn about the program requirements and complete an application for Business Coaching and Cohort assignment
2. STEPP IN – Assess: Complete orientation, assessments, and coaching to determine your growth potential and plans
3. STEPP UP – Plan: Work with coaches and experts to develop and implement a Personalized Business Roadmap
4. STEPP THROUGH – Grow: Develop strategic plans and goals through specialized training and workshops
5. STEPP Out – Launch: Participate in networking sessions with key community stakeholders, organizations, and other businesses, as well as participate in competitions and apply for micro-grant funding

The STEPP Forward Program is specifically designed for under-resourced individuals and small businesses located in rural areas within Allegheny, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland counties of Southwestern Pennsylvania. It will provide opportunities to entrepreneurs who are facing barriers such as limited access to capital, networks, and business skills.

For this program, we seek to support those defined by the DCED as

• For-profit enterprises or controlled by one or more socially or economically disadvantaged persons who are Pennsylvania residents.
• At least 51% of the business should be owned and controlled by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals who are Pennsylvania residents

Participants must address the following issues before acceptance into the program:

• Must not be on the state’s disbarred list
• Must not owe any back taxes (local, state or federal)
• Must show proof of participation in any remediation programs

Must be legally permitted to work in the United States

Participants receive a unified ecosystem of resources, including:

• Financial literacy and business mindset education.
• Individualized training and counseling sessions.
• Mentorship opportunities and business competitions, such as “Dolphin Tank”.
• Access to AI-enabled business support and virtual platforms.

STEPP Forward will provide support in the following areas:

• Business planning and strategy
• Legal formation, licenses, or permits
• Marketing, branding, or social media
• Financial management, bookkeeping, or taxes
• Access to capital (loans, grants, investors)
• Digital/technology skills or tools
• Government contracting/certifications/bids
• Hiring or managing employees
• Other

Business Coaches, trainers and experienced business owners will provide assistance through:

• One‑on‑one business counseling
• Group workshops and training
• Help with loan or grant applications
• Networking and mentorship
• Preparing for government or institutional contracts
• Learning about micro‑grant opportunities

Although the STEPP Forward Program is a FREE service, participants are expected to adhere to the following:

• Completion of 100 hours (combined) of coaching, individual training, networking, and entrepreneurial education and workshop attendance
• Clear Progress after 3 months of program participation
• Participate in one-on-one coaching
• Attend Networking opportunities
• Work with a business mentor or coach for growth
• Access to funding opportunities
• Participate in a cohort model of like-minded individuals who are in non-competitive industries
• Completion of assessments, surveys, and other data collection activities
• Completion of a business plan (or a completed plan not more than 3 years old)
• Completion of training (or demonstrated knowledge) in the following areas:
  1. Accounting and Financial Basics
  2. Technology & AI Tools for Small Business
  3. Marketing & Branding
  4. Business Planning & Strategy
  5. Certifications & Contracting
  6. Networking & Mentorship

The STEPP Forward Program also prepares participants for micro-grant eligibility of up to $75,000. (Note: this amount is not guaranteed.) Applicants who complete the STEPP Forward Program will have direct access to capital to help implement entrepreneurial goals and plans, create jobs and related training, education, and mentorship. Grant funds will be administered by The Progress Fund. The STEPP Forward Program will provide a separate application process for the micro-grant funding process.

Micro-grants can be used for:

• Business filing fees
• Business licensing fees
• Diverse business certification
• Working/operating capital (examples: utilities, rent, business services such as website development, IT services, accounting, etc.)
• Marketing
• Inventory

Funding to support public sector procurement opportunities:

• Business certifications
• Equipment
• Insurance

Grant funds may NOT be used for:

• Repayment of existing debt
• Employee or owner payroll taxes
• Reimbursement of interest charges or finance charges
• Political or religious activities
• Lobbying services
• Fines or reparations resulting from lawsuits, citations, or regulatory actions

To be eligible for the micro-grant funding, participants must:

• Complete the STEPP Forward program (for priority preference)
• Have a completed business plan (not more than 3 years old)
• Have updated financial statements and records
• Complete a micro-grant application (provided through the STEPP Forward Program)
• Provide a certification of completion from the STEPP Forward Program
• Meet with a Business Coach, Counselor, or Financial Expert
• Meet all the requirements outlined in the STEPP Forward Program, i.e., current eligibility, financial standing, etc.