By SARA FURLONG

s.furlong@bradfordera.com

Attention, aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners, community leaders and activists, students interested in social innovation and residents passionate about Bradford’s future.

Efforts continue to energize and empower entrepreneurship across the Bradford area, driven by close collaboration among organizations investing time and resources to enhance Bradford’s vitality. Next up is Basecamp: Igniting Bradford Entrepreneurs, a ‘dynamic,’ two-day workshop set March 15 and 16 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

Sessions are scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 15 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

March 16 in Mukaiyama University Room. The free workshop is sponsored by the Halloran Fellowship in partnership with Pitt-Bradford, Watson Institute and Bradford Area Alliance.

‘The collaboration between the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, local organizations, businesses and individuals is driving an incredible transformation in our community,’ said Angelique Newhouse, Watson Institute search manager. ‘By working together, we’re building a cohesive, thriving environment where entrepreneurship and innovation can flourish. This initiative is just getting

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Photo provided started, yet we’re already seeing the success of an enhanced entrepreneurial ecosystem and the revitalized energy it’s bringing to Bradford. It’s an exciting time to be part of this wave of change.”

University of Pittsburgh at Bradford President Rick Esch said, “All of us at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford are excited to collaborate with many creative and passionate people to help enhance our community. Developing new programs and supporting exciting opportunities will not only strengthen our community and our economy but also will secure our successful future.”

As participants work together to create opportunities for growth, organizers said attendees will gain:

■ A practical toolkit to turn ideas into action

■ Guidance from local leaders and experienced entrepreneurs

■ Hands-on workshops covering insight-driven action, solution design and community mapping

■ Opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and build a network

■ Inspiration and support to drive meaningful change in the community Keynote speaker Jeremy Callinan, professor of finance at Pitt-Bradford, former entrepreneur, and co-founder of protocol 80 Inc., will address how to identify and act on opportunities for local impact.

Workshop leaders and session hosts include Christian Smith, Bradford Area Alliance economic development specialist, with the From Insight to Action session; Jessie Kerr, Halloran Fellowship alum and Bradford Area Alliance marketing, with Community Opportunity Mapping; Julie Marasco, Halloran Trust’s Bradford Regional Engagement lead, with Fireside Chat; and Garrett Newhouse, Zippo’s Outdoor Channel business manager, will lead the Trolley Ride session. Event advisors and support are Shannon Ridenour, financial assistant and office manager at UPB, with the Resume and LinkedIn Best Practices workshop; and Grace Faucher, independent property owner and aspiring social entrepreneur, with day-of logistics.

A panel of local leaders will comprise Norm Strotman, senior vice president, Middle Market relationship manager at Northwest Bank and director at Zipcorp Inc.; Angie Wolfe, Pitt-Bradford associate dean of student affairs; Heidi Scrivo, president and CEO at Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce; Greg Gleason, thirdgrade teacher at School Street Elementary and co-owner of Pizza Napoli; and Christy Ruffner, Pitt-Bradford chief of staff and executive director of philanthropy and strategic partnerships.

A panel of Halloran Fellowship alumni will include Jessica Havers, ’23, founder of ABC Training Center; Ashly Colosimo-Gross, ’24, founder of Cosmos’ Lounge; Abby Leposa, ’24, founder of Speech Path Solutions; and Mark Young, ’24, founder of Young Web Designs.

One alum said, “This program has gone above and beyond my expectations. I have taken a dream and turned it into a reality. I have gained so much confidence and broken out of my comfort zone many times. I have found a community of people who are raising me up with no judgement or jealousy. I cannot express my gratitude for the time everyone has put into me.”

“The Bradford community is stepping up like never before,” organizers said. “From multiple new businesses launched through the Halloran Fellowship to the connections fostered by the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, mentorship provided by the American Refining Group Inc. Leadership Team, and ongoing support from both the Bradford Area Alliance and Pitt-Bradford, this collective effort is transforming ideas into action and fostering one cohesive community.”

Refreshments and lunch will be provided both days. Registration, which is available online, is required by March 10. Space is limited to 30 participants. Free parking is available in the Campus Drive lot.

For more information, contact Angelique Newhouse at angelique@ watson.is or (814) 5988480, or follow the event on Facebook.