By Carrie Nolan-Robson | Northside North Shore Chamber Exec. Director
The Pittsburgh Pirates and PNC Bank are swinging for more than home runs this season; they’re continuing their commitment to strengthening the local economy through the acclaimed Going to Bat for Small Businesses program — now celebrating its sixth year.
This season, the spotlight turns to the Casey Droege-The Art Supply Company, a vibrant creative hub located on Pittsburgh’s Northside and a proud member of the Northside | North Shore Chamber of Commerce. Founded and led by artist and entrepreneur Casey Droege, the business was selected as one of six recipients of the 2025 grant and marketing package designed to bolster small businesses making a positive impact in the region.
“We were surprised and thrilled to get the grant,” said Droege. “They asked us to come in under the guise of answering a few questions, then surprised us with the Pirate Parrot and told us we’d received the grant.”
That surprise came with more than confetti — it came with real opportunity.
“The grant itself is amazing because we receive money alongside a huge marketing boost,” Droege continued. “For the month of August, they’ll be advertising for us at the stadium and on TV and radio. As a small business, we’d never be able to afford that kind of advertising, and I am so excited to see the impact it has.”
Originally launched in 2020, the Pirates and PNC Bank teamed up to establish the “Going to Bat for Small Business” program to help local entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In its inaugural season, the Pirates and PNC partnered with the Northside Chamber of Commerce and the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania to spotlight neighborhood small businesses during the pandemic.
Since then, the program has evolved in both scope and impact. In partnership with PNC Bank, the Pirates now award six Pittsburgh-area businesses each year with a $5,000 grant and a marketing package valued up to $100,000. This includes:
- 30 spots on the Pirates Radio Network
- 30 spots commercials on AT&T SportsNet
- 10 drop ins on radio and tv
- In-broadcast live reads by team announcers
- Social media promotions with logo placement
- LED Takeover for one-half inning during every home game
- A premium suite night at PNC Park
“It’s inspiring to hear from the dozens of local entrepreneurs about the impact this program has had on their bottom lines,” said Lou Cestello, PNC regional president for Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and PNC is proud to team up with the Pirates for our sixth season helping move these organizations — and the Pittsburgh community — forward.”
For Droege, the timing couldn’t be better. Her Northside-based art supply store and gallery space not only serves local artists but also plays a vital role in fostering creative entrepreneurship. The Casey Droege Art Supply Company is located inside Fulton Commons, a coworking and creative business space — and itself a past Going to Bat grant recipient in 2022.
“This visibility gives us the chance to reach a broader audience,” Droege said.
“We’re proud to represent the creative community of Pittsburgh — and grateful to the Pirates and PNC for investing in local businesses like ours.”
Chamber members making a mark
The Northside | North Shore Chamber has a strong history of its members being recognized through the Going to Bat program. Past recipients include:
- 2020: North Shore Tavern
- 2021: Bistro To Go, Happy Day Dessert Factory
- 2022: Fulton Commons
- 2023: Live Fresh Juicery
- 2024: Davis Consulting, Spectrum Fudge
Casey Droege Art Supply Company now proudly joins this growing list of Chamber-affiliated businesses that have received game-changing support.
For more information on the Going to Bat for Small Businesses initiative, including how to apply or support this year’s winners, visit pirates.com/smallbusiness.
