ORIGINS Monthly Network Meeting

Last Wednesday of Every Month | 6:00pm – 7:00pm

A monthly meeting led by Network Leader Roderick Ramsey, to provide a space for ORIGINS cohort members to gather, share ideas, collaborate on opportunities, and build community among peer creative businesses. ORIGINS is a dynamic and growing initiative that seeks to expand connections among Black entrepreneurs in western Pennsylvania and beyond. Each month, the ORIGINS network is invited to an hour-long virtual meeting to meet new ORIGINS members, learn about resources and opportunities, and discuss topics that are important to the group. Have questions or want to propose a topic for discussion? Reach out to ORIGINS Leader Roderick Ramsey.

ORIGINS Calendar

CEA Grant

Rolling Applications Through 2022

(Application Re-Opens Fall 2022)


Administered by The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council (GPAC) for the PA Council on the Arts, the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator (CEA) grant program provides creative entrepreneurs from Allegheny, Beaver, Greene, and Washington counties with up to $2,000 in critical financial resources to grow. The Creative Business Accelerator (CBA) at Bridgeway Capital is a referral partner for this grant opportunity. Please click the link below to view the application and learn more about the program.

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Next Leap

(2022 Cohort Announced June 1st)

Bridgeway Capital’s Creative Business Accelerator and Ascender combine their business-building capabilities to offer the third iteration of our successful Next Leap Program.

Up to seven creative businesses will be selected for a ten-week intensive course to transform a growth idea into an actionable plan that is ready to realize. Ascender’s team of experts and coaches will work closely with participants to forge that interesting growth idea into a strategy with sound financial and operational dimensions. The CBA will support participants through the program and help them make solid progress with their Next Leap goals over the following six months.

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ORIGINS Business Coaching Program

Building a creative business can be difficult. Through ORIGINS’ business coaching, creative entrepreneurs gain the skills and experiences to feel more equipped for the challenges ahead. Participants receive a supportive team dynamic, access to mentors, capital to reach for growth, and guidance from a nationally recognized leader in Black entrepreneurship.

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Room to Grow Residency

Applications for the 2022/2023 R2G program open in October 2022

Each year, up to three ORIGINS artists, makers, designs, and/or craftspeople from the Pittsburgh region are selected by the ORIGINS Advisory Committee to participate in the Room to Grow Residency program. These creatives demonstrate the momentum and enthusiasm needed to turn this year-long residency opportunity into a launching pad for their creative businesses.

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Deep Craft Scholarships

In partnership with Crafting the Future, ORIGINS Deep Craft Scholarships provide the opportunity for ORIGINS participants to attend a workshop at the Touchstone Center for Crafts . These scholarships cover all costs associated with attending and are intended to offer the same impactful opportunities as a national craft school experience for creatives who may not have the time or capacity to travel out of state.

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Past Opportunities

Learn More About Past ORIGINS Programming

Find past opportunities and events to learn more about ORIGINS. Each previous opportunity is saved to provide a comprehensive picture of the type of programming offered in ORIGINS. In addition to viewing past opportunities, explore impact and stories to learn more about the experience and outcomes for cohort members.

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