Founder and Director of Pitt's Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence Receives Entrepreneur of the Year Award From Ernst & Young LLP

PITTSBURGH-Ann Dugan, founder and director of Pitt's Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE), recently received the Entrepreneur of the Year award for the upstate New York, Western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia region from Ernst & Young LLP.

Dugan is a pioneer in the area of developing essential infrastructure for entrepreneurs that enables the growth and sustainability of businesses-utilizing the resources of a large public research university. More than a decade ago, Dugan understood that Pittsburgh-area businesses needed assistance as the region transitioned from a steel-based to a technology-based economy. She developed IEE, one of the largest institutes in the country dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs and privately held businesses manage core issues.

"Ann's leadership has been instrumental to the growth and success of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, which embodies entrepreneurial support in the region," says John Delaney, dean of the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business. "I am pleased that the awards committee recognized her work and her commitment to entrepreneurship."

The IEE is recognized as the "go-to" organization in Western Pennsylvania for entrepreneurs and privately held businesses wanting to move their business to the next level.

The institute has provided more than 84,000 hours of consulting services and offered more than 700 training programs to the transitioning Pittsburgh region over the past decade. Last year, it provided more than 10,000 hours of individual consulting services to more than 100 privately held companies. Additionally, in 2008 the institute assisted family businesses responsible for 7,500 regional jobs and $1.3 billion in annual revenue, with education and consulting that assisted in strengthening their businesses and ensuring a solid transition plan for future generations.

Since its inception, the institute has helped secure more than $250 million in grants, loans, and venture capital for its clients.

###

7/9/09/tmw