May 13, 2015 3 min read

A drive through Southpointe in Cecil Township gives credence to the claim that industry is alive and well in Western Pennsylvania.

But while some businesses may be booming, educators at California University of Pennsylvania hope to usher in a new generation of entrepreneurs to the area.

The Center for Innovation at Southpointe kicks off its Community Launchpad program with an “Ignition Meet-up” event today, giving area entrepreneurs tools to grow their business.

“It’s not just for people who want to start a company, but also for others who want to expand,” said Dr. Stephen Whitehead, associate provost of innovation at the university.

Whitehead said the Pittsburgh region is resplendent with new business resources, such as AlphaLab Gear, which provides education, workspace and mentors for people who want to start a company.

“We don’t see that same buzz beyond Allegheny County,” said Whitehead. “We asked, “How to we get Washington, Fayette and Greene County entrepreneurs together?'”

The idea, Whitehead said, is to give startups ideas on how to launch their business, put them in contact with others who are going through the same thing and talk to mentors who can answer their questions.

Whitehead is expecting young businesspeople as well as women returning to careers after raising children and “encore entrepreneurs” who are retiring or leaving one field for another.

“Our goal is to get to know people who are interested in this kind of service and plan monthly events catered to their needs,” Whitehead said.

The center will offer workspace and courses on specific topics, like legal advice, marketing, patenting and funding.

There are seven members of the advisory mentor board. They range from students to business owners to attorneys.

“We have resources to connect (entrepreneurs) to the right people,” said mentor Scott Imblum, a Cal U. alumnus and Peters Township resident. Imblum is co-founder of Pump Peelz, a company he developed with his wife that offers personalized and artistic medical accessories for people with diabetes. He also owned U Rock Music Center, McMurray, where he still teaches guitar, and worked for the Pittsburgh Technical Council as a business development manager.

As a new business owner, Imblum said he didn’t realize the amount of resources available.

“It’s tough because if you work until 5 p.m., finding time is difficult,” he said. “If we can get you to one event a month to meet people, it may be just the little boost you need to start your business.”

Imblum has found that many successful local business owners, himself included, are more than happy to help novices. And, he said, the region is especially conducive to startups.

“We have a nice combination of technology and manufacturing,” he said. “We have a leg up because we have a manufacturing background. It’s a really great place to be.”

To learn more about California University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Innovation at Southpointe and the Community Launchpad, visit www.calu.edu or call 724-873-2733.