It's often said that small businesses are the key to a strong economy, but in today's economic climate many continue to struggle. Monday afternoon, the "Small Business Works — Welcome to Oz" workshop will take place in downtown Pittsburgh. It's an effort to connect small businesses, startups and entrepreneurs with needed resources.
This is the third event of its kind, which is sort of a one-stop shop for small businesses to find what they need.
"Too many time[s] we've heard people say that they went someplace for help and didn't get what they need, so we want to make sure that people are getting to the right place at the right time, and early enough for their business, so they can get the assistance they need," said Amanda Wodzenski, president of Building Bridges for Business, an organization aimed at helping small businesses find resources.
One in five businesses fail in the first five years, which Wodzenski said is why getting help early is essential.
The event will feature guest speakers, including a keynote address by Dr. Winslow Sargeant, Chief Counsel for Advocacy for the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy.
The workshop is a partnership between Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University Small Business Development Center, Chatham University's Center for Women's Entrepreneurship, and Building Bridges for Business.
It takes place Monday afternoon at 5:30 p.m., at the Fairmont Pittsburgh.
