Expanded Pathways to Entrepreneurship supports small businesses and diverse entrepreneurs in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing. The fellowship provides BIPOC and women entrepreneurs with a 9-month program at the Robotics Institute designed to foster their growth and success. Key initiatives include TMACE (Training and Market Access for Entrepreneurs) and the Pathways Fellowship. TMACE provides technical assistance to BIPOC, women-owned, veteran-owned, and rural small businesses, with 219 small businesses receiving over 385 hours of support this year. The Pathways Fellowship helps emerging entrepreneurs, with fellows participating in workshops, mentorship, and networking events.
Diversifying Pittsburgh’s advanced manufacturing and robotics sector is essential for the ecosystem. It creates opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses to access new markets, fosters an inclusive supply chain, and empowers local entrepreneurs to innovate. By cultivating an entrepreneurial pipeline through the Pathways Fellowship and equipping small businesses with resources and technical assistance, Project 5 strengthens local economic resilience.
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Expanded Pathways to Entrepreneurship significantly impacted Pittsburgh’s advanced manufacturing, robotics, and automation sectors by empowering diverse businesses and entrepreneurs. Through TMACE, 219 small businesses - 41% minority-owned and 34% women-owned - have received over 385 hours of technical assistance, helping them access new markets and build connections with robotics and automation companies. The Pathways Fellowship further strengthened the local talent pipeline, with fellows moving into roles at robotics firms, accelerator programs, and advanced studies. This project is fostering inclusivity, supporting underserved groups in high-tech fields, and driving regional growth as a leader in robotics and innovation.
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Adoption:
Robotics & AI Expansion forSmall & Medium Enterprises
Adoption:
Robotics & AIManufacturing Hub
Upskilling:
Expanded Pathways to New Economy Careers
Commercialization:
Robotics & AIStartup Factory
Commercialization:
Expanded Pathways to Entrepreneurship
Robotics & AI Expansion for
Small & Medium Enterprises
Robotics & AI
Manufacturing Hub
Expanded Pathways to New Economy Careers
Robotics & AI Startup Factory
Expanded Pathways to Entrepreneurship
