Programs

Recognizing our unique position to connect needs with resources, we administer a wide array of programs:
 
Pittsburgh Central Keystone Innovation Zone

• Since 2007, the Pittsburgh Central Keystone Innovation Zone has supported startups within a specific geographic boundary, encompassing communities in need of the revitalization and vibrancy that comes with new economic growth. Startups in these communities are benefiting from access to tax credits, business capital, paid internships and networking opportunities.

Internship programs

• Students from partner institutions team up with local startups in paid internships. The program expands students' professional networks and increases their employment marketability while building capacity in small, young companies.

Community programs

• Urban Innovation21's Partners are supporting the customized replication of the PCKIZ in other underserved communities in western Pa. Homewood is the first neighborhood in which this replication will take place. Homewood, similarly to the Hill District, has not been connected to Pittsburgh's economic transformation. It is primarily an African American community, and one is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the state.

Economic development initiatives

• The budding cluster created by the PCKIZ and the concentrated financial support and guidance of PCKIZ partners has helped to spur a variety of economic development projects that will connect the residents of the Greater Hill District to the benefits of the innovation economy. A few of these initiatives are: the Hill District grocery store project, the $60M Energy Innovation Center (former Connelly School) and the renovation of the historic Crawford Grill

Workforce development programs

• Southwestern Pennsylvania Urban Revitalization Program (Federal Jobs and Innovation Acceleration Grant). A $1.95M federal investment will be used in the course of two years and its goal is to connect residents from underserved communities, particularly the Hill District, with the local energy and health care industry clusters. This will be accomplished by focusing programs and activities on predominantly African-American communities that have, to date, not benefited from the resurgence of Pittsburgh through its notable clusters.

• The Pittsburgh Wealth-Building Initiative (PWBI) will catalyze the creation of employee-owned/ community-based businesses in low-income neighborhoods enabling local residents to build wealth and income through the production and delivery of goods and services that meet the needs of area anchor institutions as well as other customers. This Initiative will also implement the best workforce development models to create a successful pipeline to connect residents to the workforce of PWBI anchor institutions.

Policy advocacy for an inclusive innovation economy