Latest winners honored in Ideas 2 Enterprise program

Hannah Widdifield of Simple String Studio won first-place honors and a $5,000 grant.

Big ideas and small businesses were in the spotlight Thursday as local entrepreneurs gathered to celebrate the latest graduates of the Mon Valley Ideas 2 Enterprise program.

The Mon Valley Alliance Foundation, in partnership with Washington & Jefferson College’s Ignite Business Incubator, marked the completion of the program’s third cohort during an awards ceremony at the cfsbank Business Resource Center in Monongahela.

Ideas 2 Enterprise, or I2E, is a free, five-week business planning competition designed to help entrepreneurs launch new ventures or grow existing ones.

The program provides subject- matter expertise, hands-on consulting and access to startup capital, while also building connections within the region’s small business community.

Participants meet for approximately four hours per session, progressing through a structured curriculum that covers business planning and market research, marketing versus sales, operations frameworks, financial modeling and pitch development.

By the end of the program, each participant completes a full busi- ness plan and a five-year financial projection.

The awards ceremony brought together cohort members, their families, alumni and judges for an evening of networking and recognition.

Several entrepreneurs received startup grants funded through continued support from the EQT Foundation, a long-time partner in local economic development.

First place and a $5,000 grant were awarded to Hannah Widdifield of Simple String Studio. Nicole Grayson of Busy Bees Arty Party earned second place and a $3,000 grant, while Tricia Caputo of Massage Revolution LLC received third place and a $1,000 grant.

“The I2E program continues to demonstrate the power of accessible, community- based business development,” said Max Miller, director of the Ignite Business Incubator at W&J College. “Each cohort brings forward new talent, new ideas and new opportunities. We’re proud to partner with the Mon Valley Alliance Foundation to ensure these entrepreneurs have the support they need to succeed.”

Beyond grant funding, program graduates receive continued support, including a three-month co-working membership at Ignite, a digital strategy consultation and a CliftonStrengths assessment.

Graduates also remain connected to Ignite’s team for follow-up counseling as they refine and implement their business plans.

“With each cohort, we see more momentum building in the Mon Valley’s small business ecosystem,” said Jamie Colecchi, CEO of the Mon Valley Alliance. “This program reflects our commitment to fostering innovation, strengthening local businesses, and expanding economic opportunity across the region — and it plays a direct role in filling storefronts and bringing new life to our main streets throughout the Mon Valley.”

The I2E program is offered three times a year, with the next cohort scheduled for February. Sessions are held in both the Mon Valley and Washington. More information and a wait list are available at mvabrc.org.