About the IEE

Are you an entrepreneur, leader, innovator or small business owner? Are you passionate about promoting growth, building entrepreneurial networks and leading economic development in our region? Are you interested in business support, consulting, programs and networking opportunities provided by people who share your passion and understand the unique opportunities of entrepreneurship?

The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence can help you realize your dreams, whether you want to transition a business to the next generation of leadership, revolutionize our world by bringing a new technology to market, secure a strong future for our agricultural producers, or achieve success by launching a new enterprise fueled by your skills and passions.

We are growing Western Pennsylvania’s economy by supporting, nurturing and promoting commercialization, entrepreneurial activity, new business creation and established business growth. We carry out our mission and address specific needs in the business community through our five distinct centers:

PantherlabWorks is catalyzing technology commercialization by providing resources and support to bring early stage innovations from laboratory to marketplace.

Agricultural Entrepreneurship Program supports new farmers entering the agricultural industry, helps seasoned producers keep their businesses profitable, and provides planning guidance to secure the future of our region’s farms.

Small Business Development Center delivers personal attention, honest guidance and valuable resources to establish, grow and build a strong legacy for small businesses.

Entrepreneurial Fellows Center provides dynamic management programs to help growing firms achieve the next level of success while also matching business founders and leaders with established entrepreneurial mentors.

Family Enterprise Center addresses the personal and business needs of family enterprises, promoting strong relationships, healthy organizations and the success of future generations.

The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence is building a vibrant, dynamic network of entrepreneurs. Learn more about our efforts and achievements in our Strategic Plan and 2007 Annual Highlights Report. For previous Highlights Reports, click here.

Spotlight

  • SBDC client named best coffeehouse in Pittsburgh
    City Paper
    Date: 12/11/2008

    Pitt SBDC client Your Inner Vagabond of Lawrenceville has been voted the best coffeehouse in Pittsburgh by the readers of Pittsburgh City Paper in its 2008 "Best Of" issue. Congratulations to owners AJ Schaffer and Andrew Watson, who have worked tirelessly (and made good use of the Pitt SBDC's expertise) to grow their young business.
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  • Mike Lehman profiled for supporting entrepreneurship
    University Times
    Date: 12/04/2008

    The University of Pittsburgh’s University Times printed a feature about the excellent support the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE) offers to entrepreneurs. Mike Lehman, director of student services and PantherlabWorks, discussed the services available to researchers and innovators looking to commercialize new products and technologies and to enterprising students throughout the University of Pittsburgh.
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  • Global Entrepreneurship Week a Success
    Date: 11/24/2008

    Students, faculty and young entrepreneurs throughout the region collaborated to make Global Entrepreneurship Week a tremendous experience.
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  • Enterprising Pitt students in Post-Gazette
    Date: 11/21/2008

    Several enterprising Pitt students were featured on the front page of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for raising a profit in the IEE's $5 Challenge.
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