3 Rivers Outdoor Company wins first-ever Steel City Marketing Grant

A Regent Square outdoor gear shop known for its community programs and commitment to accessibility has been awarded the first-ever Steel City Marketing Grant, a collaboration among three Pittsburgh partners designed to spotlight small businesses that embody the spirit of the region’s entrepreneurial community.

3 Rivers Outdoor Company, located at 1130 S. Braddock Ave. in Regent Square, was selected from nearly 200 applicants across southwestern Pennsylvania to receive more than $3,000 in marketing support. The program unites TribLive.com, Brand Motives and Relay to deliver media coverage, branding guidance and creative content to one local business.

“This grant is about more than just marketing — it’s about helping small businesses tell their stories in meaningful ways,” said Matt Miller, chief operating officer of Brand Motives and chief revenue officer for TribLive. “I grew up in a family of small business owners — my dad, my sister, even myself — so I know firsthand the challenges and rewards that come with it. Supporting entrepreneurs has been the focus of my career, and 3 Rivers Outdoor Company was a perfect fit because of its deep community roots and its ability to bring people together through the outdoors.”

Founded in 2017, 3 Rivers Outdoor Company — often called 3ROC — has become a hub for Pittsburgh’s outdoor community. In addition to selling gear and apparel, the shop hosts weekly run clubs, organizes film festivals, offers affordable rentals and creates inclusive spaces for people of all backgrounds to connect through outdoor recreation. The company has also partnered with local nonprofits on conservation projects and works to make outdoor access easier through education and community events.

Every six months, 3 Rivers Outdoor Company partners with another local business to support a community cause. Its current collaboration with Costar Brewing provides customers with free local beer at the shop, encouraging donations that go directly to Grow Pittsburgh, a nonprofit dedicated to urban agriculture and food access. Organizers said it’s just this sort of community commitment that made 3ROC the perfect fit for the Steel City Marketing Grant.

“We’re thrilled to award the first-ever Steel City Marketing Grant to 3 Rivers Outdoor Company,” said Nic Wilson, founder of Relay. “3ROC isn’t just an outdoor store — they’re a hub for community, connection and adventure in Pittsburgh. Their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility makes them the perfect partner to showcase the impact of local marketing done right.”

The Steel City Marketing Grant was developed to provide small businesses with tools that often feel out of reach, pairing media exposure with branding expertise and creative storytelling. Organizers said the initiative reflects a belief in multimedia approaches to marketing and the importance of investing in local entrepreneurs.

Jason Miller, co-owner of 3 Rivers Outdoor Company, said the recognition comes at a meaningful time for the business.

“We are honored and grateful to be chosen for this opportunity,” Miller said. “As a small business, it’s not always easy to find the resources to tell your story on a larger scale. This grant allows us to reach more people, welcome them into our community and inspire them to enjoy the outdoors.”

Organizers envision the grant becoming a lasting Pittsburgh tradition, celebrating standout small businesses across the region. Planning is already underway for future Steel City Marketing Grants, with the goal of presenting them multiple times a year. To broaden the program’s reach and impact, the partners are also exploring collaborations with additional local marketing companies, ensuring the grants feel more inclusive while continuing to highlight the entrepreneurial spirit and community-first values of southwestern Pennsylvania.

“3 Rivers Outdoor Company is exactly the kind of business this program was designed to support,” Wilson said. “We can’t wait to see how they use these tools to grow their reach and continue building connections in Pittsburgh.”

�� 3 Rivers Outdoor Company is located at 1130 S. Braddock Ave. in the Regent Square neighborhood. For more information, visit 3riversoutdoor.com, email gear@3riversoutdoor.com or call 412-871-5038.