What happens when mission-driven capital meets Pittsburgh’s entrepreneurs, small businesses, and childcare providers? In 2025, the results spoke for themselves.

The holiday season (depending on how you measure it) is officially here, and that means it’s time for twinkling lights, warm drinks… and gift lists a mile long. Make it mean something more: an opportunity to support the entrepreneurs who keep Pittsburgh unique, creative, and thriving.

This year’s theme, “Opportunity Next,” isn’t about predicting what’s coming, it’s about deciding what comes next, together. In the opening plenary, the tone in the room was hopeful but grounded, full of energy and conviction, but maybe just a little bit tired (this work is not for the faint of heart).

When you walk through the doors of A Giving Heart’s Arlington location, it’s immediately apparent that this isn’t just another childcare center. Bright colors, soft lighting, and the kind of energy that only passion can generate makes this space feel alive.

Picture it: you’re sipping a cocktail while your Goldendoodle makes friends with a Great Dane, and they’re just two of the Very Good Dogs that are keeping you company while you stay cool at the bar. Welcome to The Dog Penn, where “ruff” days get a whole lot smoother.

"We want to be everywhere, but for the right reasons," said Dustin. From their punk rock pies to their mission-driven mindset, '77 Club is doing more than making pizza, they're creating and uplifting culture. So if you catch them at a night market, a block party, or a brewery pop-up, you'll know right away: this is what Pittsburgh tastes like.

On June 14, Invest PGH is thrilled to join the big babe energy of Babesburgh Bash 2025 as a community partner. On that day, Allegheny Landing Park will transform into a vibrant celebration of creativity, empowerment, and community, celebrating women and femmes of all identities, backgrounds, and expressions in all their brilliance.

Invest PGH’s 2024 was all about making connections: connecting small businesses with the funding they needed to launch, grow, and thrive; connecting childcare providers with the support they need to nurture the future of our city; and connecting borrowers with the knowledge and resources they need to ensure long-term success. We’re excited to look back with you on an incredible year of impact, highlighting how our programs made a difference in Pittsburgh.

Nestled snugly on a corner in Garfield, Third Space Bakery is more than just a bakery: it’s a vibrant, community-focused business that brings together art, chemistry, and a passion for food. Founded by a group of dedicated bakers and creatives, this cooperative is redefining what it means to serve delicious artisanal baked goods and to serve the local community.

Meet Kelly Glover, co-owner and the heart and soul behind Armful of Flowers, a flower farm and shop on Mount Washington that’s as bright and full of life as the bouquets she creates. What began as a personal project in her own backyard has flourished into a full-scale farm, and Kelly’s story is just as colorful.

Initiatives like CRiB ensure that childcare businesses can continue to thrive, expand their capacity, and offer high-quality care to more children. The work Invest PGH does is vital, and ongoing funding and support for initiatives like these are crucial for sustaining and growing these efforts. By investing in childcare, we are not only supporting local businesses but also helping to build a stronger, more resilient community for the future.

The success of Sol Refill is a testament to the hard work and innovative thinking that people like Sydney Shoff bring to the table, and to the impact that small, strategic investments can have on brilliant ideas and startups. Our newly renamed SMAL program continues this mission by supporting entrepreneurs like Sydney, who have big ideas and the drive to make a real difference.

Invest PGH is proud to announce its recent accreditation as a Pennsylvania Development Bank Lender. This certification was granted by the Pennsylvania Community Development Bank’s operational committee meeting last week.