PantherlabWorks, the commercialization and product development center of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE), proudly announces the launch of its “Made to Last” initiative, designed to help gig workers and creators scale their businesses while paving ways to employment opportunities. The programing will be made possible through the receipt of a generous grant from the esteemed Richard King Mellon Foundation, furthering the IEE’s mission to empower and scale businesses from startups to established, multi-generational family businesses. The grant, totaling $288,000, will be instrumental in expanding PantherlabWorks’s initial “Made to Last” program, which was piloted by the IEE in Spring 2023.
“Made to Last” is a comprehensive 6-week educational series designed to assist makers, artists, crafters, and other gig-economy workers in formalizing and scaling their businesses, with a specific emphasis on enhancing their digital footprints. The program covers a range of essential topics, including goal setting, sales channels, funding options, financial literacy, social media best practices, e-commerce strategies, engaging in retail settings, scaling operations, and building a team.
Recognizing the increasing demand for such programs, the IEE plans to offer “Made to Last” multiple times during the next 18-month period. Post-program support will include peer forums for accountability, technical assistance for e-commerce efforts, private consulting sessions, and a follow-up conference, “Built for Employment,” aimed at connecting “Made to Last” cohorts with regional manufacturers struggling to fill jobs.
“The need for programs like ‘Made to Last’ is evident in the current economic landscape, particularly for gig workers who face challenges in sustaining their businesses,” said Victoria Hassett, Director of the IEE’s PantherlabWorks. “This grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation will allow us to expand our capabilities to provide significant training, resources, and support for this growing segment of our economy.”
Creatives and creators play a significant role in Pennsylvania’s economy, supporting an estimated 165,000 jobs statewide according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. A Pew Research Center study found, however, that more than two-thirds of gig workers consider their work as part-time. The IEE’s partnership with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the state’s ongoing investment in creative businesses, as highlighted by Governor Shapiro’s announcement of the Creative Business Loan Fund expansion, underscores the urgency and relevance of initiatives like “Made to Last.” The IEE’s pilot program in Spring 2023 also revealed an overwhelming demand for such initiatives.
“The IEE commends the Richard King Mellon Foundation for recognizing the need for opportunities like this, both for workers in the gig economy and for regional businesses that can benefit from the talents of our diverse workforce,” said Bob Stein, Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation of Entrepreneurship at the University of Pittsburgh and Executive Director of the IEE. “We’re excited to continue deploying this program to more people throughout our region in 2024.”
More information on program components, participation opportunities, and programing availability will be released in the first quarter of 2024 on the IEE’s website at https://entrepreneur.pitt.edu.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Brett Smith, Marketing Director, Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, at bsmith@innovation.pitt.edu.
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About PantherlabWorks
PantherlabWorks is a leading innovation hub that fosters collaboration and growth among entrepreneurs, startups, and creative minds. By providing resources, consulting, and a vibrant ecosystem, PantherlabWorks accelerates the development of groundbreaking ideas into successful ventures.
About The IEE
The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, part of the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, empowers western Pennsylvania’s entrepreneurs and business leaders through education, consulting, and networking. With a commitment to fostering innovation and economic development, the IEE plays a pivotal role in driving the region’s entrepreneurial landscape.