ASCENDER’s Network + Grow: Building & Scaling a Small Business

Bringing together Pittsburgh entrepreneurs, startup founders, and small business owners for networking, lightning talks, and free coworking.

About this event
In celebration of Ascender’s 10th Anniversary, we’re hosting ten Network + Grow events— from August 2022 through May 2023—celebrating an entrepreneurial community where everyone can build, belong, collaborate, and thrive.

EAT // TALK // WORK

So much has changed over the past few years, and staying on top of what matters to you and your business is challenging. Setting up Google Alerts, scouring the newspaper’s business section, or saving that Twitter thread only gets you so far.

What actually helps is connecting with folks who understand your industry’s jargon, are on (or have already been down) a similar path as you, and are eager to share notes, tips, and introductions.

During our Network + Grow event, you’ll get to network with other entrepreneurs interested in what you care about, hear a lightning talk from a special guest, grab breakfast, and enjoy a free pass to work at our collaborative coworking space in East Liberty for the rest of the day.

In September, we’re bringing entrepreneurs together around the theme of Building & Scaling a Small Business and will hear a lightning talk from Lauren Townsend, Co-Founder of Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream.

Don’t pass on this chance to meet other startup founders, small business owners, innovators, and experts interested in Building & Scaling a Small Business!

Networking // Lightning Talk // Free Coworking

// Breakfast will be available at 8:30 AM.
// Program will start at 8:45 AM followed by a free Community Coworking Day.

To view our full 10 Year Anniversary campaign and upcoming Network + Grow dates and topics, visit ascenderpgh.com/ten.

***Proof of vaccination is required to attend the event and masks are strongly encouraged.***

Network + Grow: Building & Scaling a Small Business
Featuring: Lauren Townsend, Co-Founder of Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream

Lauren Townsend is the co-founder of Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream, an artisanal ice cream manufacturer and emerging franchisor in Pittsburgh, PA. She and her husband started the company in their home kitchen and have grown the business from a home-delivery service to 9 scoop shops around Western PA, with ice cream sold in 150+ foodservice and grocery outlets in the Tri-state region. Millie’s is on a mission to bring joy and a smile to every guest, every time, with every scoop. Prior to starting Millie’s, Lauren spent her entire career working in M&A, first in investment banking and then for Incline Equity Partners, a middle-market private equity fund in Pittsburgh. When she’s not dreaming about Millie’s, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and their beloved Old English Sheepdog. She holds a B.S. in International Affairs from Georgetown University.

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Ascender is located at 6401 Penn Ave, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Click here for directions. We are in the same plaza as the East Liberty Trader Joe’s; opposite side of the parking and directly next to Hair Master.

***Proof of vaccination is required to attend the event and masks are strongly encouraged.***

Accessibility:
Ascender is ADA accessible; attendees can take the stairs or the elevator up to the third floor to Ascender’s space.

Free on-site parking is available.
Bus lines: 75, 74, 82, 77, 71C, 88, 86, 89 (within 3-minute walking distance after drop-off); P1, P2, P3 within 10-minute walking distance from the bus station.