STEPP Forward & Microgrants to Support SWPA Small Businesses
Seton Hill is launching its STEPP Forward Program to assist small businesses across Westmoreland, Allegheny, Cambria, Indiana, Somerset, Fayette, Washington and Greene counties with a $1.136 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development. The DCED distributed a total of $21 million in grants to help support 11 new Business Assistance Service Centers across the state, including Seton Hill’s STEPP Forward Program, to provide new support for small businesses across Pennsylvania.
This effort will be augmented through another grant award of $1.1 million to Seton Hill, the second highest award amount distributed, as part of the $15 million investment to support small businesses across Pennsylvania through the Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program, which creates 10 microgrant programs that will help small businesses with startup and expansion costs.
“Seton Hill values its role as an anchor institution in our community and is grateful for this extraordinary grant support from the DCED that will enhance the University’s efforts to contribute to the expansion of the economy in Southwestern Pennsylvania by providing entrepreneurial resources to small businesses in our region,” said Seton Hill University President Mary Finger. “The need for funding often tops the list of requests we receive from fledgling entrepreneurs and small business owners. We are pleased to work with a premier development organization, The Progress Fund, with offices here in Greensburg as well as Pittsburgh, on the distribution of microgrants.”
“We appreciate how this partnership with Seton Hill will allow us to put capital directly into the hands of entrepreneurs enrolled in the STEPP Forward Program,” said David A. Kahley, President and CEO of The Progress Fund. “The STEPP Forward Program and associated microgrants will help stimulate community revitalization, create jobs, and ensure equitable access to educational resources and funding.”
“The opportunity to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in our region aligns with Seton Hill’s mission by actively addressing economic disparities and revitalizing local economies,” said Seton Hill Assistant Professor of Business Lyz Marshall, who designed the STEPP Forward program and is serving as program director. “Our goal is to help these businesses view challenges as opportunities for growth. By building on existing partnerships and creating new ones, we will increase support for small business owners across Southwestern Pennsylvania.”
The STEPP Forward Program
The STEPP (Supportive Training, Entrepreneurial Education, and Partnership Pathways) Forward Program is a community-driven initiative designed to empower local entrepreneurs through tailored business training, education, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. It will be housed within The Wukich Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunities within The School of Business and Technology at Seton Hill University. It was financed, in part, by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development.
By identifying innovative pathways for economic growth, the Program assists small business owners to expand their business potential and skills, impact and contribute to their communities, and drive lasting economic change in a supportive ecosystem. The program will assist in providing access to capital, education, networking opportunities, and support for business owners. Within the program, a variety of tracks are available to meet entrepreneurs in every phase of developing and growing their businesses.
The STEPP Forward program will be offered in cohort models of 20-25 individuals or small businesses that are interested in developing or growing a business. Applications open on June 1, 2026 with the first cohort launching in mid to late June. Visit the STEPP Forward Program website to find additional program information or to apply for the program.
The program is working across eight counties with community partners including the Fayette County Cultural Trust, Studio 404 Community Space and WEEE Build.
The Microgrant Program
Seton Hill is partnering with The Progress Fund on the distribution of the microgrants to STEPP Forward Program participants. The application process is available through the STEPP Forward Program website. Grant amounts will vary, ranging from $3,500 to $20,000 for approximately 75 to 140 participants through June 2027.
Applicants interested in receiving grant funding will be required to complete a multi-step application process to assess eligibility, meet requirements for business coaching and technical assistance, and have a business plan and financial documentation. Accommodations are available for individuals with limited English proficiency or in need of bilingual services.