Overview

Why are you interested in becoming a Trustee?

The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence has excelled in the development of the entrepreneurial venture from idea to family generational transition for the past 20 years. Entrepreneurs and dedicated family business owners are the driving force of our economy, and helping them find success benefits the entire region. We help entrepreneurs harness the power of innovation, collaboration, diversify revenue streams and knowledge to increase profit margins. We take pride in knowing that, collectively, the people we serve fuel southwestern Pennsylvania’s resurgent economy. The Kiva Zip program is a natural extension of our work and ability to serve our clients.

What is the mission of your organization?

The Institute’s mission is to be the innovative leader of economic renewal and growth serving enterprising people and businesses in the region. A dynamic economic development organization created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence at the University of Pittsburgh (www.entrepreneur.pitt.edu) provides the power fueling the entrepreneurial vitality of western Pennsylvania.

Borrower Due Diligence

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

With the twenty years of experience working with entrepreneurs of Western PA, we have established processes to take the entrepreneur through all the stages of the business lifecycle, and to make sure we have evaluated the business opportunity and to ensure they are receiving the resources they need at the appropriate time.