Nov 26, 2014 2 min read

A pop-up creative firm called UpTo will offer public relations, design and digital media services in downtown Charleroi from Monday through Friday at 209 Fifth Street.

Eric Sloss, a co-founder of UpTo, said in a news release that the firm is a group of local writers and designers who deploy a charity effort to help local businesses prepare for the holiday shopping season and to introduce design and writing services to local main street businesses.

“We ask for a donation for the services, whatever the business can afford, so we can help small businesses in other communities,” he said.

During the office hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., UpTo will offer marketing services that include writing press releases, designing logos, creating social media channels like Facebook and Twitter and other offerings on an a-la-carte basis. Sloss said all services will be completed in 24 to 48 hours. Customers can pick from a menu of services with suggested prices ranging from $25 to $150 dollars. Businesses can find out more and schedule an appointment at www.whatareyouupto.org.

According to Sloss, UpTo is a first-of-its-kind social enterprise that began in the Pittsburgh-based Idea Foundry business incubator, with assistance from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. It is committed to giving access to quality writing and design services to those who do not have the opportunity to receive professional creative assets. The social venture also links local creative professionals to local businesses while revitalizing empty storefronts in mainstreets across America. In addition to Charleroi, UpTo also visited the business districts of Butler, East Liberty, Wilkinsburg, McKees Rocks, Millvale and Mt. Oliver.

All content produced during the project will be published on the whatareyouupto.org website for additional exposure. The files will be shared with each customer in digital format. UpTo will offer these exclusive suggested prices in the vacant space for four days only.

“We also build marketing assets for individuals as well,” Sloss said. “We redesign resumes, build logos for an individual’s personal page or help folks understand how to use social media pages appropriately.”

Customers can walk in or schedule an appointment, meet with a professional to discuss their needs and receive the finished product by the end of the day. Services can be secured by debit or credit card. Customers must have an e-mail address.