Next Leap

The Next Leap program is designed to give creative businesses the tools, knowledge, and support to grow with confidence.

Through a dynamic mix of cohort-based classes and personalized technical assistance, participants gain practical skills and tailored guidance to strengthen their operations and scale effectively.

Our five interactive classes cover essential topics like financial analysis, marketing strategies, and scaling techniques—starting with an orientation and volunteer day to build community and purpose. Each session blends expert instruction with actionable insights, ensuring you leave with strategies you can apply immediately.

Beyond the classroom, you’ll receive individualized technical assistance throughout the program. This one-on-one support helps you tackle challenges unique to your business, refine processes, and implement growth strategies with confidence. Together, these elements create a comprehensive experience that empowers you to take your next leap forward.

Ready to apply?

Applications are open August 14 – September 15, 2026.

Apply Now

Class Descriptions & Schedule

Orientation & Volunteer Day

October 13, 2026, 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Reimagined Recycling — Join us for an introduction to the program, along with a volunteer session that is focused on sustainability, community engagement, and building peer connections.

 

Financial: Applying Financial Statement Analysis

Class 1: October 27, 2026, 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Learn to interpret and analyze key financial reports and financial health indicators, along with identifying solutions for inefficiencies and capital gaps.

Marketing: Prompting & Publishing Quickly

Class 2: November 10, 2026, 4:00 – 6:00 pm

In this is a hands-on session, we’ll feature techniques for leveraging AI for content and visibility optimization, plus an optional analysis of participant’s websites.

Growth Strategies: Leveraging Capital

Class 3: December 8, 2026, 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Learn how businesses have used capital to support growth and scale their operations. Through real-world examples and conversations with business owners, participants will explore different funding strategies, use loan scenarios to evaluate financing options, and discuss their own progress with marketing and financial planning.

 

Financial 2: Analyzing Your Own Business

Class 4: January 6, 2027, 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Apply the financial analysis skills developed throughout the program to your own business. Using your company’s data and insights from one-on-one coaching sessions, participants will identify strengths, uncover inefficiencies, evaluate cash flow and funding needs, and assess opportunities for growth. Students will share and discuss their individual findings with the group.

Marketing 2: Metrics & Data-Driven Decisions

Class 5: February 2, 2027, 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Learn how to interpret key marketing metrics and turn data into actionable strategies. Participants will explore tools and reports that measure marketing performance, use data analysis techniques to uncover insights, and develop strategies to improve visibility, engagement, and business growth.

Program Basics

Eligibility

  • $20,000 in projected revenue or above for 2026
  • Has marketing assets such as a website, and social media presence in place
  • Basic understanding of bookkeeping and system in place
  • Business type: creative
  • Agree to complete program related surveys in a timely manner

Who might be a good fit?

  • Located within reasonable proximity to Pittsburgh, PA to attend monthly in-person sessions.
  • Small businesses who have been in business for 2+ years
  • Small businesses looking to actively scale
  • Open to using AI and Google Analytics as productivity tools for marketing and finance
  • Willingness to embrace a culture of peer-to-peer sharing and community building

What is the timeline?

  • Applications open from August 14 to September 15, 2026
  • Notify Selectees: September 30, 2026
  • Orientation/Volunteer Day: October 13, 2026
  • Group Classes: See dates listed above.
  • Technical Assistance: October 2026 – March 2027
  • Surveys Due: TBD

Program Leader

Katie Schaible is a Program Director at Bridgeway Capital, where she has spent the past eight years creating and leading programs that help small businesses grow and strengthen communities. She oversees several initiatives each year, supporting a range of small business from creatives to nonprofits, all with a focus on driving sustainable, inclusive development. Drawing on her experience as a former entrepreneur and product developer, Katie brings a thoughtful, innovative approach to program design and coaching—one that balances strategic growth with a deep commitment to collaboration and impact.

Ready to apply?

Applications are open August 14 – September 15, 2026.

Apply Now