Welcoming the Return of a Business Consultant to the Duquesne University School of Business Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Pittsburgh, PA (May 2024) - Rich Longo, Director of the Duquesne University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), is pleased to announce the return of Cynthia (Cindi) Oliver as a Part Time Business Consultant. Having previously been with the Duquesne University SBDC in the same capacity, a life situation occurred where full time employment was needed. “It was never a question of wanting to leave the Duquesne University SBDC” said Oliver, rather “the need to obtain full time work at the time”. Longo commented he could not be happier with her return in that Cindi brings a wealth of knowledge in economic development.

Cynthia Oliver brings over 30 years of experience as a business owner and CEO to her role as a consultant at the Duquesne University SBDC. Ms. Oliver recently retired as the executive director of Three Rivers Business Alliance and previously was employed as the executive director of the East Liberty Chamber of Commerce. In these capacities she supported small business owners to start, grow and thrive. She has served as a CEO for several nonprofits including Mothers Against Drunk Driving and The Girls Scouts.  Ms. Oliver also managed and supported the family Real Estate business and owned a successful digital marketing agency.

Ms. Oliver holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a master’s degree in public administration from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she sits on the Eberly College of Business Advisory Board. In 2022 Ms. Oliver was one of five finalists for the Athena Award recognizing women of influence in the Pittsburgh Region and was the recipient of the Nicolette Rafalski Spirit of Pride award for her leadership in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. She was recently appointed by county executive Sara Innamorato to serve on the county’s Women and Minority Business Enterprise Council and also serves on the Pittsburgh NFL Draft host committee, the Pirates Go to Bat for Small Business selection committee, Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor’s County Industry Working Group and Mayor Ed Gainey’s Diverse Chamber initiative. She is an active member of her community, serving on the East Liberty Chamber of Commerce board of directors and currently resides in the Pittsburgh South Side. She is a mom of seven children and Nona to 3 grandchildren. 

Our mission here at the Duquesne University SBDC is to offer no-cost, confidential consulting services and training workshops in southwestern Pennsylvania to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners with the knowledge they need to start, grow, and prosper.  Our vision is to turn dreams into sustainable businesses. We believe in delivering proven services that contribute to long-term success. We foster an entrepreneurial culture, which will enhance our clients’ reputation through community outreach; student and faculty engagement; experiential learning; and student recruitment. Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Duquesne University SBDC Media Contact:
John Higgins - Marketing, Training, & Informatics Manager
600 Forbes Ave
Rockwell Hall 108
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
higginsj5@duq.edu
412-396-1631
www.sbdc.duq.edu