Shaping Pittsburgh’s next generation of innovators, thinkers and makers.

Startable Pittsburgh is a free program for teenagers ages 13-19 that teaches entrepreneurship and design skills through open-ended project-based learning. Students choose to pursue web design or project design and are supported by dedicated mentors to expand or start their own businesses.

Over the course of the Startable program, students create businesses the same way successful startups do – by using the Lean Startup Method. They build confidence and test ideas through networking, customer research, marketing, and pitching. They are guided by mentors to create an investor-style pitch, and their presentations encompass all of the components of their work throughout the program. Students compete to win cash prizes at the final event.

The Startable program began eight years ago and was born out of the need to create a pipeline of young entrepreneurs and to prepare local youth for follow-on opportunities. Many of these opportunities are programs of Innovation works, including Scalable Manufacturing Internships; IW business accelerators AlphaLab, Alphalab Gear, and AlphaLab Health; and pitch competitions like the AlphaLab Gear Hardware Cup and UpPrize Social Entrepreneurship Challenge.

Through IW, Startable’s mission has always been to create an equitable learning experience for populations who are historically underrepresented in the tech community and to promote entrepreneurship as a viable career path. Startable has helped facilitate over 300 youth-run businesses and continues supporting program alumni through additional funding, networking, and education opportunities.

How to apply?

The Startable Pittsburgh application goes live on www.startablepgh.org each May. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for updates throughout the year.