Overview

Why are you interested in becoming a Trustee?

Economic Development South has adhered to a comprehensive approach to economic development: wherein issues of real estate development, community marketing, small business services, green infrastructure, transportation and transit accessibility, and beautification are advanced concurrently instead of opportunistically. Our wide-reaching approach to encouraging revitalization and reinvestment centers in these specific five core areas. EDS is working to advance the small businesses in our communities by providing continued training and one-on-one coaching opportunities, as well as marketing and branding opportunities through a comprehensive small-business website platform. EDS understands that micro-lending is also a critical opportunity for the helping small local businesses grow. Therefore, EDS is excited about our partnership with Kiva Zip so that we can offer micro-lending as a layer in our suite of services for small business development in the communities we serve.

What is the mission of your organization?

EDS is a non-profit community development corporation committed to facilitating investment and reinvestment, creating jobs, and enhancing the competitiveness of the area. EDS engages in projects and initiatives that reinforce and revitalize local commercial districts, while encouraging long-term, sustainable, investment in our neighborhoods. Member communities include the Allegheny County boroughs of Brentwood, Baldwin, Whitehall, Mt. Oliver, Jefferson Hills, Pleasant Hills; and the City of Pittsburgh neighborhoods of Carrick, Overbrook, and Brookline. EDS communities total over 100,000 residents and nearly 3,300 businesses; approximately 10 percent of the total residents and businesses in Allegheny County.

Borrower Due Diligence

How will you decide who to endorse as a borrower? What due diligence will you conduct?

Economic Development South will establish a small business/mirco-lending steering committee to review potential applicants through our vast networks of supporters. We have developed a review process that outlines how we select and determine eligibility for businesses within our service area.