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It's a brand new year and time to shake up your approach. New year and cold weather is a great time to re-evaluate and try a new approach.
Speaking of new . . .We are very excited to welcome our new mayor, Cory O'Connor, as the year gets underway.
With fresh leadership, NFL Draft beginning to take shape, and new energy across the city, there’s a lot to look forward to.
As always, we’re sharing key industry news and trends, plus three great webinars and five grants for businesses, artists and musicians to start the year strong.
Cheers,
Allison Harnden & Bret Kunash
Office of Nighttime Economy (ONE)
| | Business outreach is, by far, our favorite duty. | |
City Council inauguration ceremony inside council charmbers
| | Inauguration day with fellow City Staff | ONE chatting with South Side Community Council President | | N.I.T.E School's First Session of 2026 | | ONE-Hosted Webinar: New Vending Rules Explained | | |
On February 23 at 2:00 pm O.N.E. will team with Dept. of City Planning to host a webinar about the new rules for food trucks, carts, trailers, artisan markets, and other mobile businesses in Pittsburgh!
During this webinar, you will learn:
- How to obtain licenses and permits
- Where vending is allowed
- Rules for operations
- How existing licenses will be transitioned
- Where to find more information
Whether interested in starting a mobile business, already operating one, collaborating with mobile businesses, or curious about implications for an existing brick-and-mortar business, you will get your questions answered.
Interested in attending? Email Bret.Kunash@pittsburghpa.gov
| | Want a Temporary Downtown Presence? | | Capitalize on Connections with Visitors | | |
With less than 100 days until the 2026 NFL Draft, here's some tips for businesses we've learned from other cities hosting 'mega events.'
• Create memorable moments to inspire repeat visits and positive reviews.
• Offer amenities like free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and comfortable spaces.
• Prepare your staff to have their favorite local attractions in mind for recommendations.
Don't hesitate to contact Office of Nighttime Economy and stay tuned for more tips!
| | CITY, STATE & FEDERAL UPDATES | | ONE Welcomes the City's 62nd Mayor! | | |
The first week in office, the Mayor got down to business making pathways to support and grow business.
We're excited to work with Mayor O'Connor and his administration in the coming months.
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Pittsburgh's "Main and Main" Initiative Spearheaded by Mayor O'Connor
Plans for a more business-friendly Pittsburgh are taking shape under the leadership of Mayor Corey O'Connor with the launch of the "Main and Main" initiative.
Read the article here
| |  | | | City of Pittsburgh Small Business | |
Small Business Resources
This page links to information from the City and our partners that can help connect small business to resources, funding, technical assistance and more. These pages address common questions small businesses face in launching or expanding in Pittsburgh.
Check out the updated page here
| | State Discussing Caretaking Leave | |
Pa. Senate Democrats back bill requiring employers to provide leave for family care
A committee of state Senate Democrats on Tuesday discussed a proposal to require Pennsylvania employers to provide 24 hours of paid leave for “small necessities” each year.
Read the article here
| | IRS Releases Guidance on No 'Tax on Tips and Overtime Pay' | |
Treasury, IRS provide guidance for individuals who received tips or overtime during tax year 2025
The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service issued guidance for workers eligible to claim the deduction for tips and for overtime compensation for tax year 2025.
For more information click here
| | Why Tickets Sales Aren't Enough and What to do About it. | | |
"5 Proven Revenue Streams That Help Keep Independent Music Venues Profitable.
Here’s how some of today’s most resilient indie venues are diversifying revenue and building financial sustainability."
Read the article by Bruce Houghton, Founder & Editor of Hypebot, Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, a Berklee College Of Music professor and founder of Skyline Artists.
| | A New Way to Reduce Costs and Increase Cash Reserve | | |
How can a barter system help your business succeed?
"...bartering or a barter system as a way to manage the costs associated with running his restaurant because, like many businesses in hospitality, cash flow can be tight—especially during slower seasons?"
Find out how a barter system may benefit you.
| | Still Having Trouble Staffing your Restaurant? | | NIVF + NIVA - Development Sessions | | |
28% of US adults have a disability. If your venue or festival isn’t actively engaging this community then you are ignoring a large segment of potential customers. Businesses that embrace disability inclusivity see 30% higher net revenue.
In this interactive session, participants will gain a greater understanding of accessibility and the business case around it.
- Legal requirements
- Practical ways to improve accessibility
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How to leverage accessibility to foster brand loyalty and attract new customers. Register Here
| | FBI Webinar: Preventing Mass Attacks In Our Communities | | |
Violence Prevention
The U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) is pleased to offer virtual training presentations on targeted violence prevention.
Wednesday January 21, 2026 | 12:00 – 2:00
Wednesday March 18, 2026 | 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Wednesday May 20, 2026 | 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Register for one of the sessions here
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Disaster prep guide from the SBA
Disasters can take many forms and the financial cost of rebuilding after a disaster can be overwhelming. If you’re prepared for emergencies, you’ll be in a better position to recover and continue operations should disaster strike.
Read the SBA's disaster guides here.
| | Calling All Artists: A New DNA Project | | |
DNA is helping local artists to sell their art in restaurants Downtown.
Downtown Neighbor Alliance is facilitating the introduction of artists to restaurant owners in downtown. If you are an artist who is interested, please reach out to jvalentine@pittsburghdna.org for more information!
| | Get Your Music on National Radio - tiny Desk CONTEST | | |
"Since early 2024, Creative Hive has created the opportunity for tens of thousands of connections"
Spring 2026 Creative Hive Dates & Locations:
February 24 – Studio for Creative Inquiry, Oakland
March 31 – International Sculpture Center, Lawrenceville
April 28 – Pittsburgh Glass Center, Garfield
May 26 – Father Ryan Arts Center at Focus On Renewal, McKees Rocks
June 30 – City Theatre, South Side
Learn more & register
| | *JUST 2 DAYS LEFT* Breva Thrive | |
Breva Thrive Grant
Funding: $5,000 grant
Deadline: January 31, 2026
The Breva Thrive Grant awards $5,000 each quarter to small businesses demonstrating positive community impact, particularly in underrepresented or high-need communities.
Eligibility highlights:
- Operating for at least one year
- Generating revenue prior to applying
- Demonstrated community impact (jobs, access, innovation)
- Preference for businesses in LMI or high-need ZIP codes
Best for: Small businesses seeking modest growth capital and able to apply to a competitive, national program.
Learn more and apply
| | Small Business Hero Program | |
Small Business Hero Program (Nationwide)
Intuit’s Small Business Hero Program awards grants to small business owners who demonstrate resilience, leadership, and community impact
Funding: $20,000 grants
Deadline: Nominations accepted through May 15, 2026.
Nominate Your Business
| | GPAC - Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator | | |
The wait is almost over: Applications for the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator (CEA) grant program opened January 19, 2026.
Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, so early submissions are highly encouraged.
This grant program provides creative entrepreneurs in Allegheny, Beaver, Greene, and Washington counties with free small business consulting and $2,000 in funding to grow their businesses and revenue.
Only applicants who have created an approved business plan with a Referral Coordinator are now eligible to apply.
Apply Here
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Diversity Scholarship Program
The Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) is a theater and school designed to train students in the foundations of comedy. The UCB continues to evolve its offerings and programming to better address the varied needs of artists today.
To that end, UCB is enacting a new Diversity Scholarship Program for both new and existing students that will offer financial aid, networking events and targeted educational programs to historically underrepresented individuals in our community so all students may have an equal opportunity to learn and grow through the comedic arts.
Apply Now
| | PGH Chefs Get National Recognition | | |
Pittsburgh Chef and Restaurant Named 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalists
Pittsburgh’s Chef Jamilka Borges of Lilith and Restaurant Apteka Named 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalists
KUDOS!!
Read more right here
| | Benny Fierro's turns 10 years old | | |
The awesome crew has been slinging massive slices on East Carson Street for ten years!
KUDOS, Benny Fierro's!
Check out these slices!
| | The Trends Shaping the Culture of Socializing | | Have you taken ONE's Socializing Survey? | | |
Social disconnection is a corrosive condition with grave consequences for the physical and mental health of our citizens and for the societal health of our communities...
The City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Nighttime is answering the call to mend the social fabric of our City.
Click here to take the survey
| | Join our Pittsburgh Team in Nashville | | |
At the Sociable City Summit, the host city is a learning laboratory, tapping the knowledge of presenters and attendees alike on how to create safe and sociable day life and nightlife in business districts.
The Summit convenes innovators from multiple fields, including economic development, law enforcement, business district management, city planning, nighttime venue operations and more.
Contact Bret@pittsburghpa.gov for our Pittsburgh City Team
Discount Code!
REGISTER NOW - PAY LATER
| | GET NOTICED AND GET MORE BUSINESS | | Tell us About your Service Industry Night! | | |
Help us celebrate the front line workers that make our night's shine.
Build a real social network of peers to learn from and lean on!
Allegheny Wine Mixer - Sunday's, 20% off service industry
Urban Tap - Mondays, 9 - 12, $5 select cocktails, $5 wine, 1/2 off drafts & shareables
Arsenal Bowl - 9pm - 12am
Con Alma – Monday's, 9 – 11pm
Helltown Taproom in the Strip – Tuesday's, 6pm – 9pm
Howl At The Moon - Wednesday's, 25% off bar tab with proof of employment
Tell us about your Service Industry night and we'll be sure to include it in the next post. Bret@pittsburghpa.gov
| | Do you Have a Space to Rent? | | |
Have Space to Host for Parties?
Several people have contacted us asking where they can hold their holiday parties and special events. Do you have a private dining room or event space? Let us know and we'll add you to our list.
Send details to Bret.Kunash@pittsburghpa.gov
| | Follow us for daily updates on Pittsburgh's Nighttime Economy, upcoming news and events. | | |
Newsletter Archive
New to the Office of Nighttime Economy?
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HELP US HELP YOU: Send your questions, challenges, or useful tidbits to Allison Or give us a call at 412-400-900.
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| | References to a specific product, process, or service does not constitute or imply an endorsement. Always, consult your professional service providers to decide if a resource is a right fit for your business. | | | | |
