FOR BUSINESSES
FOR BUSINESSES
In Mt. Oliver Borough, we strive to provide businesses the resources they need to succeed. Below are just a few resources available to new and existing business owners. If you need help with a specific question or if you are looking for an available storefront in Mt. Oliver, we encourage to contact Meg O’Brien, Director of Economic Development at meg@pghhilltopalliance.org
MARKETING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Mt. Oliver Borough, in partnership with the Hilltop Economic Development Corporation (HEDC), is offering marketing and communications support services to businesses to help with this transition. Businesses needing support with branding, marketing, graphic design, web development, social media, and more, can apply for no-cost technical assistance through Mt. Oliver Borough.
To qualify for Mt. Oliver’s Marketing Technical Assistance Program (MTAP), you must be a licensed business by Mt Oliver or Knoxville, a storefront business along Brownsville Road from border to border, or provide evidence that the business contributes to the economic development or foot traffic in Mt Oliver / Knoxville. Priority will be given to brick and mortar businesses in Mt Oliver and Knoxville. After completing an application, the HEDC staff will connect you with First Sip Studios for a consultation meeting.
FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
First impressions have a lasting influence. That’s why it’s important that neighborhood business districts present an appealing image to potential customers, tenants, and investors. The Facade Improvement Program is a tool to improve the physical appearance of commercial storefronts in the Mt. Oliver Business District, while promoting place-making and thoughtful design throughout the corridor.
Eligible activities include exterior building improvements based on an approved work plan such as storefront lighting, signage, windows, painting, etc. This program can fund up to 75% of eligible improvements, with a maximum grant award of $18,750.
The application period for this program is closed, but stay tuned for future rounds!
SIGN & LIGHT PROGRAM
Sometimes all you need is a nice sign or some new lighting! The HEDC’s Sign & Light Program provides up to $2,500 for permanent signage or lighting. Applicants are responsible for 10% of the total project cost as a match.
RENT ABATEMENT
Starting a new businesses can be risky. To help minimize that risk, the Hilltop Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) has implemented a Rent Abatement Program that could subsidize a portion of monthly rent for qualified businesses – just another incentive for starting or moving your business to Mt. Oliver Borough.
PITT SBDC
The University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center (Pitt SBDC) is free resource that provides support for businesses of all sizes and stages. Whether you are just starting out or expanding an already successful enterprise, Pitt SBDC offers many workshops, as well as no-cost, one-on-one consulting services to help establish and grow your business.
KIVA
Kiva is an international non-profit that provides no-interest loans to small businesses through crowd funding.
EXPLORE MT. OLIVER
Take a tour of Mt. Oliver and see what it’s like at the center of it all! From parks and playgrounds to great businesses and homes, Mt. Oliver has so much to offer. And with our community being so close to the City of Pittsburgh, it provides the best of city living, with a hometown, suburban feel.
STAY CONNECTED WITH MT. OLIVER
Mt. Oliver Borough
150 Brownsville Road
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15210
412-431-8107