The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE), the unit of the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship dedicated to providing small business entrepreneurs throughout Western Pennsylvania with education, consulting, and networking opportunities to help them launch, grow and transition their businesses.
Rhonda Carson Leach has been helping guide the IEE’s growth since 2010, leading some of its most important program areas. We talked with Rhonda about her experiences.
Tell us a little about your career journey.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management I worked in a management and marketing role for a local company in Pittsburgh. I served as a business consultant at Duquesne University for several years before launching my own consultancy. Along the way I earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Geneva College and a Master of Public Policy and Management from Pitt’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, along with several certificates in entrepreneurship teaching and training.
I joined Pitt in as a business consultant and lead facilitator and instructor of the Urban Power to Prosper program, a nine-month education certificate program designed to provide entrepreneurs in urban and moderate-income communities with education.
You now have a multifaceted role at the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, including overseeing the organization’s Membership component. Who can be an IEE member and what are some of the benefits of membership?
Membership is open to business owners, entrepreneurs, and executives who have reached a minimum of $1 million in revenue, and who are looking to grow their businesses and expand their networks. The benefits of membership include:
- Access to monthly educational workshops, seminars, and a speaker series featuring industry experts on leadership, innovation, and business growth;
- Networking opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs and business leaders to build meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships;
- Exclusive access to peer groups where members can share challenges, seek advice and learn from the experiences of others.
You also in charge of two important education programs – the Urban & Community Entrepreneur Program (UCEP) and the Entrepreneurial Fellows Class. Tell us a little about each.
The UCEP program supports small businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved areas and community settings, fostering economic growth and sustainability. In addition, the program includes consulting services, community partnerships, and networking and collaboration opportunities.
Entrepreneurs supported by UCEP often report increased revenue, improved operational efficiency, and access to new markets. For example, one of our recent program graduates expanded his hair care salon business by launching a new product line after learning about strategic planning and financial management through the program.
Similarly, another graduate utilized social media strategies taught in the program to enhance her contracting business's online presence, boosting her revenue growth.
Entrepreneurial Fellows is a premier year-long program for business leaders, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and executives eager to grow their businesses and organizations through personal and professional development. Key features include a comprehensive curriculum, peer learning, and customized mentorship opportunities.
We recently highlighted the Turner Dairy family as our Business of the Year at the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s Celebration of Innovation. They have had several members of the fourth generation of this iconic Western Pennsylvania family business participate in the EFC program to gain new skills to keep the company innovating and growing.
The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence is accepting applications for the BizFIT Community Power to Prosper program. This six-month, free certificate program is for businesses looking to sustain and grow their sales, hire and retain talent, and learn about legal and financial management. Learn more and apply for this program.