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Bellevue Forward Announces Grant-Supported VueFWD Entrepreneurial Hackathon

Submitted by Bellevue Forward

Bellevue, PA – 1/31/2025 – Bellevue Forward, a 501(c)3 economic development non-profit organization, in partnership with Point Park University's Rowland School of Business, is excited to announce "VueFWD," a dynamic learning experience for local and regional marketing, communications, and design students designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and long-standing business owners in Bellevue and the North Boroughs. This grant-funded collaborative initiative aims to provide high-quality, student-led consultation, practical resources, and robust community support for the growth of local businesses. Featuring collaborators such as AGH Suburban, Alpha Lab Health, National Institute for Social Media, HBT Digital, and more, VueFWD seeks to become a model of best practices for higher education-focused community and economic development.

Event Overview

VueFWD is a one-day event that will take place on Friday, March 21, 2025, featuring a series of experiential activities aimed at supporting and nurturing local entrepreneurs:

  • "Field Practice”: Multidisciplinary student teams will conduct free consultations with existing and aspiring business owners from Bellevue and the north boroughs. Business owners will receive practical, expert guidance in marketing, design, and business strategy supported by faculty and professional mentors. Morning and afternoon “Field Practice” sessions featuring several businesses per session across three different sites.
  • Marketing Campaign Hackathon/Case Study Competition: Sponsored by the American Marketing Association - Pittsburgh chapter, this undergraduate student competition focuses on developing marketing strategies for Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) Suburban campus. Competition presentations will be open to the public at AGH Suburban. A graduate student case competition will be held online. The winning team receives $300.
  • Advertising & Design Hackathon/Case Study Competition: Sponsored by the American Institute of Graphic Artists - Pittsburgh chapter, this undergraduate competition centers on creating an economic development-focused advertising campaign promoting Alpha Lab Health. Like the marketing competition, student presentations will be open to the public. A graduate student case competition will be held online. The winning team receives $300.
  • Panel Discussions at Local Venues: Panel discussions led by a member of AMA Pittsburgh featuring local professionals, business owners (Tavern Pizza, Wunderbar, VintageMax, and more) and marketing faculty will be held in three distinct locations throughout the day. Panel discussions will focus on entrepreneurship, building thriving communities through economic development, navigating challenges when growing a small business, and telling your brand story. A two-hour professional networking mixer is planned to conclude the day's events.

Why VueFWD Matters

VueFWD not only equips local entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed but also provides students with invaluable real-world experiences that prepare them for their future careers. By connecting businesses, students, and educators, this initiative ensures a lasting impact on Bellevue's small business community and broader economic development goals.

VueFWD seeks to:

  • Foster collaborations among university and college faculty and students, high school faculty and students, vocational technology education faculty and students, the Bellevue small business community, aspiring entrepreneurs, and other critical stakeholders to accelerate Bellevue’s economic development and community engagement efforts.
  • Provide real-world professional development opportunities for students across various educational levels through practical experiences and case competitions.
  • Offer aspiring startup entrepreneurs access to talented business, marketing, and design strategies through student-led consultations guided by faculty and associated professionals.
  • Create opportunities for students from diverse disciplines and educational backgrounds to collaborate, learn from each other, network, and positively impact the community.

Through these cumulative interactions and collaborations, VueFWD aims to position Bellevue as a premier location to live, work, play, learn, and thrive.

Community Partnership

Bellevue Forward, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Bellevue, Pennsylvania, is dedicated to driving economic growth and fostering cultural and community engagement through people and business-focused programming, initiatives, and activities. Committed to revitalizing Bellevue, the organization supports local businesses, promotes sustainable development, and creates vibrant experiences where residents and visitors can connect, thrive, and experience the unique charm of the borough.

Innovation and Sustainability

Building upon proven models, VueFWD introduces a multidisciplinary focus on marketing, communications, and design. If successful, this event will serve as the launching pad for Bellevue Forward's fiscal sponsorship/business incubator program. The initiative follows the principle of
asset-based community development, leveraging available resources to create impactful community engagement. Bellevue Forward intends for VueFWD to become a recurring event with a growing budget, maintaining a sustainable model for years to come.

To learn more or to register as a student, business owner, or professional mentor, please visit our website at https://bellevuepa.us/vuefwd/.