Success Stories

The Northside Community Development Fund was established in 2000 and began lending in May 2001. The Northside Fund has provided 20 loans to 18 Northside businesses.

The Northside Fund is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution and Community Development Entity by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Bally Design
Located on the North Shore, Bally Design is an award-winning design consultancy that is constantly evolving to deliver innovation to their clients. Their philosophy "Knowledge + Speed = Innovation" denotes the dedication and resourcefulness they provide their clients. In other words, says President and CEO Frank Garrity, "The right knowledge at the right time with the right team of talent combined with speed will lead to innovation - every time." Bally Design assists clients from across the country and around the world with project services such as graphic design, product development, educational exhibit design, mechanical engineering and market research.

Frank Garrity, President		Interior Workspace of Bally Design

The 28 year old company’s staff includes graphic designers, exhibit designers, industrial designers, engineers and support personnel. The atmosphere is a buzz of cooperation and creativity as groups of talented young professionals busily work on their projects.

When entering, the first thing that will catch attention is the full-scale forklift – made out of Styrofoam and plastic molding. The display area offers an inspection of past successes. Everything from an educational aquarium exhibit to an ergonomic apple peeler to a stand-alone shop-vac is there, all projects designed or perfected by the company.

This diverse firm first contacted the Fund shortly after they relocated to the Northside. Seeking working capital to foster further growth, the Fund recently provided a loan of $50,000. This organization is proud to add Bally Design to its growing roster of loan clients.

Legends of the North Shore
Chef Dan Bartow has been satisfying the public hunger for more than 15 years now. Legends of the North Shore, Dan's newest restaurant endeavor, has quickly become one of the Northside's places to be and dine. The enthusiastic word-of-mouth acclaim has spread so rapidly that sometimes it's difficult to get a seat, whether for a dinner with friends or business associates.

The décor is light and airy, with many nods to the sports legends of Pittsburgh that lend the restaurant its name. Verified every day by satisfied customers, the restaurant's fare represents the finest in contemporary Italian/American cuisine for lunch and dinner. Prices are reasonable; daily specials are always appealing.

Chef Dan Bartow		Legends of the North Shore Exterior

Chef Dan attributes a good portion of his success to Allegheny General Hospital being right next door, as well as to the loyal neighborhood customers that fill his tables daily. His friendly and helpful staff, as well as scrumptious mother-in-law prepared desserts, complement the generous main courses beautifully.

The Northside Community Development Fund provided a start-up capital loan to help make this restaurant possible.

Legends is located at 500 East North Avenue.
Hours of operation: 11am to 9pm Sunday - Thursday; 11am to 10pm Friday & Saturday. Take out orders and catering: call 412-321-8000.

Brenda Marshall and Adrienne Smalley

Marshall Smalley Hair Design
Brenda Marshall and daughter Adrienne Smalley have been creating fun, fashionable and functional hair designs for many years. After working for others for the majority of her styling career, Brenda made the decision to go into business for herself in 2000.

Brenda needed working capital in order to finance some improvements and the Fund was able to help.

Marshall Smalley Hair Designs has a small, simply decorated shop located at 860 Western Avenue in Allegheny West. The salon offers styling, coloring, and many other services to regular clients and walk-in customers alike.

When visiting Marshall-Smalley, do not forget to check out their wonderful hand decorated handkerchiefs and custom painted "wearable art" on denim.

Hours of Operation are: 10am to 5pm Monday - Friday and 7am to 4pm Saturday. Other times are available by appointment.

Call 412-321-7718 to make an appointment, walk in customers are also welcome.