Articles, Tools & Links

Professional & Technical Service Providers






The agencies and organizations listed here represent various industries committed to the success of nonprofits and social entrepreneurs. This is a directory of providers, not a specific endorsement of the products and services offered by these organizations. Please contact these organizations directly to learn more about how they can help you.

If you would like to add your organization to this directory of service providers that work with nonprofits, please let us know.

Name: GBL, Inc.

GBL, Inc. Logo
URL: http://www.gblinc.com

Category of Service: Marketing

Brief Description: Advertising is one of two things: an expense or an investment. It's only an investment if it generates results. And it only generates results if it's strategically sound and creatively inspired. Work that works. At GBL, it's what we do.

Name: Herbein & Co.

Herbein & Co. Logo
URL: http://www.herbein.com

Category of Service: Financial Services

Brief Description: At Herbein+Company, we understand that our clients needs reach far beyond their taxes. We specialize in helping new and smaller businesses overcome the obstacles that can sideline even the strongest companies. Short-term or long-range, from support staff to strategic planning; we can solve problems, create a business plan, buy a computer, manage a merger, or control cash flow with payroll services, accounts payable/check writing options, general ledger and financial statement preparation, and more. Of course, your first priority is capital preservation and growth. That's why we'll encourage you to engage us for only the services you really need.

Free Community Resource Tools: Visit the Financial Tools section of our Web site for free tools and tips.

Name: Reed Smith

Reed Smith Logo
URL: http://www.reedsmith.com

Category of Service: Legal

Brief Description: Reed Smith understands the unique needs of non-profit organizations and assists our clients in realizing their objectives in the most cost-effective manner possible while ensuring compliance with special laws, regulations and practices. We represent a large number of charitable organizations with regard to the issues affecting the operations of exempt charities.

Name: Social Franchise Ventures

Social Franchise Ventures Logo
URL: http://www.socialfranchise.com/

Category of Service: Social Franchise Consulting

Brief Description: Social Franchise Ventures (SFV), is a specialized consulting practice dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations develop "social franchises." The franchise community offers tremendous opportunities to nonprofit organizations for generating unrestricted income and achieving mission goals. We work exclusively with qualified nonprofit organizations to develop strategic relationships with appropriate franchise partners, negotiate favorable agreements (franchise, leases, etc), and launch and grow strong social franchise businesses.

Free Community Resource Tools: Visit the Resources Section of our web site for numerous articles and reports. Also, click here to view a list of franchise industries and company examples — to illustrate the reach of franchising. Some frequently asked questions about nonprofits and franchising and an asset mapping workbook from Community Wealth Ventures.

Name: Olszak Management Consulting

Olszak Management Consulting Logo
URL: http://www.olszak.com/

Category of Service: Enterprise Management & Planning

Brief Description: Olszak is a leader in the field of social enterprise - conducting academic research, assisting nonprofits in analyzing their ventures, and promoting the concept of social enterprise nationwide. Do you have an enterprising idea that you want to put to work for your nonprofit? Olszak can help you create a plan for a viable social enterprise. We offer:
• Asset identification & feasibility studies
• Expert market research and industry analysis
• Organizational capacity assessment
• Financial projections & analysis
• Marketing planning
• Business planning

Name: The Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University

The Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University Logo
URL: http://www.rmu.edu/bcnm

Category of Service: Consulting & Education

Brief Description: The Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management is a one-stop shop for nonprofits. Whether you are two minutes or two decades old, the Bayer Center can customize a solution that fits you. We've worked closely with nonprofits and their funders and partners, providing them with solutions, connections and information. With our holistic understanding of nonprofit strategy, management, and fund development, our special strength is our ability to integrate and evaluate Social Enterprise strategy in the context of the broader organization. Please feel free to contact us and see how we can help you!

Name: Bally Design

Bally Design Logo
URL: http://www.ballydesign.com

Category of Service:

Brief Description: Bally Design is an award-winning firm specializing in product design and development, engineering, branding, corporate identity, exhibitry, collateral materials, interpretative graphics and environmental design.

Name: K&L Gates

K&L Gates Logo
URL: http://www.klgates.com

Category of Service:

Brief Description: K&L Gates practices law on an integrated and global basis.   Our delivery of legal services is supported at both the individual office level and through five firmwide practice areas: corporate, and transactional; litigation and dispute resolution; financial services; regulatory and policy; and intellectual property.  Within each of these practice areas is a number of subject matter and industry-based practice groups.


“The critical ingredient to ensuring western Pennsylvania’s future is a willingness to experiment and innovate; a willingness to jettison the “It’s good enough” attitude that has been so self-limiting.”

Maxwell King, Opportunity Builders, h, the Magazine of the Heinz Endowments Summer 2005


Welcome to The Gauge--Pittsburgh's best source for business networking, professional development, and idea sharing for social entrepreneurs, ventures and investors. We invite you to be a part of these vibrant bi-monthly forums dedicated to advancing social enterprise in this region. Click here for a complete schedule of Gauge events and sessions.


The Accelerator and Olszak Team Up!

We're working with Olszak Management Consulting, Inc., to help nonprofits interested in social enterprise...Read More




November Gauge:

Mix, Mingle, Meet!

Come and Celebrate a Successful '08 Gauge with the Accelerator Team.

Check out the new digs and our spectacular view of the city.. Read More