Editor’s Note: The PA Wilds Partner Opportunities blog is a monthly roundup of opportunities and resources that are offered by partners of the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship. Featured blog content supports Pennsylvania Wilds communities, small businesses and organizations. Regionally focused and time sensitive grant opportunities, technical assistance programs and professional development workshops are examples of the types of resources and opportunities that will be included in this monthly blog. Typically published the second week of each month, this series serves as a real time supplement to the annually produced PA Wilds Resource Guides, available at WildsCoPA.org/business-resources.

 

North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission hiring for Community Development Coordinator position

Host: North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission
Date: Applications must be submitted no later than March 8, 2024.
Location: Job based in Ridgway, PA, with limited remote work opportunities available after completion of three months.

Join our dynamic team as a Community Development Coordinator, where we are dedicated to fostering inclusive economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in our communities through our Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). We are looking for a passionate and innovative individual who shares our commitment to community engagement, sustainable development, and collaborative success. Starting Salary Range: $41,200 – $49,400 annually, DOE, with full benefits. Location: Ridgway, PA. Closing Date: Friday, March 8th, 2024. Limited remote work opportunities available after completion of 3 months. Visit www.ncentral.com/employment-opportunity for more information.

 

Together Outdoors Inclusive Micro-Grant program launches, applications due March 11

Host: Together Outdoors
Date: Deadline to submit grant application: March 11, 2024 by 11:59 pm EST.
Location: Learn more and apply at www.togetheroutdoors.com/grantprograms.

Together Outdoors has opened the application period of its Inclusive Micro-Grant Program. This is a funding opportunity for small and rural grassroots organizations that are key to creating a more inclusive and welcoming outdoor recreation environment. The mission of Together Outdoors is to nurture an environment where all people have access to welcoming outdoor recreation experiences. We pursue this work through engagement, partnership, and education across all segments of the outdoor community. In this initial pilot round of grants, Together Outdoors will make one-time awards of $5,000 to $10,000. Deadline to submit grant application: March 11, 2024 by 11:59 pm EST. Learn more and apply at www.togetheroutdoors.com/grantprograms.

 

PA Downtown Center New Manager Training available in Brookville on March 13

Host: PA Downtown Center
Date: March 13, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: 155 Main Street, Brookville, PA 5825

Calling all Designated and Recognized members of Pennsylvania Downtown Center! If you haven’t yet participated in the Manager’s Trainings, now is the perfect opportunity to join us at the upcoming New Manager’s Training. Scheduled for March 13 in the Northwest region of PA (Brookville) and March 19 in Leigh Valley, these sessions are designed to support your transition into the role of Main Street or Elm Street manager. Led by experts from PDC and DCED, the training will cover expectations and services provided, offering invaluable insights for both new and seasoned managers. Don’t miss out on this informative and transformative opportunity! Cost is free for any DCED Designated Program, $50 for PDC members, and $75 for non-members. Register here: https://padowntown.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/padowntown/event.jsp?event=418

 

Apply to be an Artist in Residence in the Allegheny National Forest by March 17

Host: USDA Forest Service, Allegheny National Forest
Date: Applications must be submitted no later than March 17, 2024.
Location: Send applications to Jamie Klebanski at [email protected].

Are you an artist who loves nature and wants to spend three weeks as an Artist in Residence in the Allegheny National Forest in the PA Wilds? Painters, sculptors, writers, composers, craftspeople, and other artisans are encouraged to apply for the 2024 Artist in Residence program. Applications are due by March 17. Learn more here

 

Keystone Trails Association hosting a Climate & Hiking Trails Virtual Forum on March 20

Host: Keystone Trails Association
Date: Virtual webinar March 20 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Register for free here: https://ktahike.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events#/events/2242

Keystone Trails Association is hosting a Climate & Hiking Trails Virtual Forum (Webinar) on March 20, 2024, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Join Greg Czarnecki, Director of Applied Climate Science for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Brook Lenker, KTA Executive Director, for a conversation around climate impacts on Pennsylvania’s hiking trails. Learn about our state’s changing climate and share stories from observations in the field. We want your ideas, big and small, for mitigation, adaptation, and communications. All are welcome, but trail volunteers and trail club leaders are especially encouraged to join the session. Register for free here: https://ktahike.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events#/events/2242

 

Department of Labor and Industry PAsmart Supporting Pennsylvania’s Organic Agriculture through Registered Apprenticeships and Pre-Apprenticeships, applications due March 21

Host: PA Department of Labor and Industry
Date: Applications due by March 21
Location: Learn more and apply at https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx.

The PA Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announces the availability of $700,000 in PAsmart funding to support the development of new Registered Apprenticeship and/or Pre-Apprenticeship Programs specific to occupations in organic agriculture. For the purposes of this opportunity, the following occupations are prioritized: organic inspectors, certified organic farmers, certified organic processors, and experienced labor on organic farms and in certified organic processing facilities. Applicants may request awards of up to $350,000 each. The application deadline for this grant opportunity is Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. E.T. You may view/download the NGA and all related appendices by visiting the Grants page on the PA Labor & Industry web site or clicking on this link: https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx .

 

PA DEP Small Business Advantage Grant Program applications due by March 22

Host: PA Department of Environmental Protection
Date: The application period will close when funding is exhausted or March 22, 2024, whichever occurs first.
Location: Learn more and apply here.

The 2023-2024 PA Department of Environmental Protection Small Business Advantage Grant Program will open for applications on August 18, 2023. Project work completed on or after July 1, 2023 will be considered for funding. The application period will close when funding is exhausted or March 22, 2024, whichever occurs first. The Small Business Advantage Grant provides reimbursement grants ranging from 50% to 80% of eligible project costs to Pennsylvania small businesses to improve energy efficiency or reduce pollution or waste by: upgrading or replacing equipment or supplies; improving processes; or reducing runoff into affected waterways. Maximum grant award amounts will vary from up to $5,000 to up to $8,000, based on the environmental impact of the project and whether the project location is in an Environmental Justice Area in Pennsylvania. Learn more and apply here.

 

PA DCED Multifamily Weatherization Assistance Program applications due by March 22

Host: PA Department of Community and Economic Development
Date: All applications and required supplemental information must be electronically submitted by 5:00pm on March 21, 2024.
Location: Learn more and apply at dced.pa.gov/programs/multifamily-weatherization-assistance-program-wapm/.

Pennsylvania’s Multifamily Weatherization Assistance Program provides a cost-effective approach to lowering operating expenses, maintaining affordability, and creating healthier, more comfortable living environments for low-income families living in buildings with 5 or more units. All applications and required supplemental information must be electronically submitted by 5:00pm on March 21, 2024. Learn more and apply at dced.pa.gov/programs/multifamily-weatherization-assistance-program-wapm/. Grant amounts will vary based on the specific project requirements.

 

WalkWorks Active Transportation Planning Grant opens, applications due March 22

Host: PA Walkworks
Date: Applications due no later than March 22, 2024.
Location: Informational packet available here

WalkWorks is pleased to announce its eighth round of assistance to advance policy development related to active transportation. Grants and technical assistance will be offered to a limited number of municipalities and other governmental bodies to assist with the development of Active Transportation Plans during 2024 and 2025. These plans are essential to our efforts to establish activity-friendly routes that connect people to everyday destinations, thereby expanding opportunities for physical activity and improving public health. Active transportation includes walking, biking, using a wheelchair, and accessing public transit.

 

Department of Labor and Industry Digital Literacy and Workforce Development Grant-Round 5 applications due April 4

Host: PA Department of Labor and Industry
Date: Applications due by April 4
Location: Learn more and apply at https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx.

The PA Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announces the availability of approximately $5,000,000 in funding for the Digital Literacy and Workforce Development Grant (DLWDG) Round 5, to include awards of up to $100,000 per project. The purpose of this grant is to enhance the digital literacy skills necessary for securing and maintaining jobs and careers offering family-sustaining wages, including job search capabilities and access to employment postings. To ensure equitable access to employment, it is necessary to increase digital literacy skills, particularly in communities in need. This funding will allow the department to meet a critical workforce barrier for individuals seeking employment. The application deadline for this grant opportunity is Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. E.T. You may view/download the NGA and all related appendices by visiting the Grants page on the PA Labor & Industry web site or clicking on this link: https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx .

 

Downtown Bellefonte Inc. offering two grants to support small business, applications due by April 12

Host: Downtown Bellefonte Inc. (Bellefonte Springboard)
Date: Entries are due by Friday, April 12, 2024 by end of day.
Location: Get more information and submit application at www.bellefontespringboard.com/springboard-grants.

Downtown Bellefonte Inc., the non-profit organization behind Bellefonte SpringBoard, is offering two grants to support the small business community in 2024. Grant awardees will receive both funding and coaching opportunities to start or scale their business. Two grants will be offered to new or established businesses within Centre County: One for those with a business idea or that have been in business for less than one year; and one for a business that has been established for more than one year. Two grant recipients will receive cash funding in the amount of $2,500 to help start or scale their business. In addition to funding, recipients will receive: A one-year, full time membership to Bellefonte SpringBoard. In addition to coworking opportunities, SpringBoard offers meeting room use, workshops and programming that are free for members, and more, as well as access to a network of professionals for business-related advice, from marketing to business operations. Full grant eligibility requirements are available at bellefontespringboard.com/springboard-grants.

 

ARC POWER funding available for projects supporting coal-impacted communities; applications due April 17

Host: Appalachian Regional Commission
Date: Applications for funding are due by 5 p.m. April 17.
Location: Register for free and learn more at https://web.cvent.com/event/4a6eb8c6-f3f5-4d11-8d82-c2d493070b5d/summary.

ARC POWER funding is available for projects supporting coal-impacted communities. Projects to boost economic development and diversification in affected communities can apply for 2024 funding via POWER now; applications are due by 5 p.m. April 17. Read the press release or the Notice for Submission of Applications (NOSA).

 

COVID-19 ARPA PA Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program applications due by April 20

Host: PA Department of Community and Economic Development
Date: Applications will be accepted beginning January 22, 2024 to April 20, 2024.
Location: Learn more and apply at dced.pa.gov/programs/covid-19-arpa-pa-multi-purpose-community-facilities-program/

The Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program (Facilities) is funded pursuant to the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (Capital Projects Fund) established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Facilities Program will offer $45 million in competitive grants to community anchor institutions and units of local government for community projects to construct, acquire, or improve facilities that are, or will be open to the public and will directly enable work, education, and health monitoring at the respective facility. Applications due April 20, 2024. Learn more and apply at dced.pa.gov/programs/covid-19-arpa-pa-multi-purpose-community-facilities-program/. The minimum grant amount for any Facilities project is $250,000. The maximum grant amount shall not exceed $2 million.

 

Art of the State 2024 gallery accepting entries from artisans

Host: The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Date: Final date to submit entries is Friday, May 3.
Location: Learn more at statemuseumpa.org/artofthestate (application details here).

Art of the State, open to Pennsylvania artists and craftspeople, is an annual juried exhibition held at The State Museum of Pennsylvania. With an established tradition of exhibiting highly creative art chosen by a distinguished panel of jurors, Art of the State provides an opportunity for both established and emerging Pennsylvania artists to exhibit their art and receive statewide recognition. The fee is $30 for up to 4 works of art. Final date to submit entries is Friday, May 3 at midnight. Entry assistance will be available by e-mail and phone from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. The exhibition will be open from Sunday, September 8, 2024 until Sunday, January 5, 2025. Learn more at statemuseumpa.org/artofthestate.

 

DCED Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program applications due by May 31

Host: The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Date: Applications are due by May 31, 2024.
Location: Learn more and apply at dced.pa.gov/programs/public-school-facility-improvement-grant-program/.

The Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program (PSFIG) provides grants to public school districts and area career and technical schools for eligible facility improvement projects, such as repairs, internet connectivity, health and safety upgrades, accessibility projects, and more. Grants are available for eligible improvement projects with a total project cost of $500,000 or more. Grants shall not exceed $5,000,000 for any project. Applications are due by May 31, 2024. Learn more and apply at dced.pa.gov/programs/public-school-facility-improvement-grant-program/.

 

PA Council on the Arts ​Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program

Host: PA Council on the Arts
Date: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and awarded on a rolling basis.
Location: Learn more at the PCA Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator page

The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the PCA’s Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA) partner organizations are pleased to make available the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program. This program is designed to pair access to existing small business consulting services with $2,000 grants for creative entrepreneurs who aspire to start their own for-profit business or who operate an existing for-profit micro business. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and awarded on a rolling basis. Learn more at the PCA Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator page.

 

POWR Statewide Waterway Access Grant Mini Grant Program

Host: The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers
Date: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and awarded on a rolling basis.
Location: Learn more at the POWR SWAG announcement press release.

The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) is opening the new Statewide Waterway Access Grant Mini Grant Program (SWAG). The grant program, supported by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is designed to help meet growing demand for non-motorized boating opportunities. The program provides grants of up to $30,000 to create new or improve existing access points along the region’s rivers, streams, and waterways.

 

Office rental space available in Greater Clearfield County Chamber of Commerce building

Host: Greater Clearfield County Chamber of Commerce
Date: Get in touch as soon as possible for tour if interested.
Location: 218 South Second Street, Clearfield, PA 16830; call Christy at 814-765-7567 for details.

Are you working from home but need a quieter office space without distractions? Could your new startup business use an affordable office space to meet with clients? Are you looking for an all-inclusive office within walking distance of downtown Clearfield? The Clearfield Chamber of Commerce building at 218 South Second Street in Clearfield has affordable office space available in the new year. Give Christy a call at 814-765-7567 for availability.

 

DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant round opens January 16, 2024

Host: PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Date: Grant round opens January 16, 2024, various deadlines for different grants.
Location: Learn more and apply for the grants at the DCNR grant page.

Videos of DCNR’s annual grant workshop are now live on the agency’s YouTube channel. If you missed the grant workshop on November 16, or if you’d like a refresher on anything you learned at it, the videos are the place to start. The videos provide information about the upcoming 2024 grant round, which opens on Tuesday, January 16. They discuss who can apply, the types of projects we fund, and how to make your application more competitive. We recommend watching the “General Overview” video first, and then watching the video specific to the type of grant you intend to apply for. Learn more and apply for the grants at the DCNR grant page.

 

Submit your resources!

Organizations offering resources or opportunities for small businesses, nonprofits and communities in the PA Wilds are invited to submit information for potential inclusion in next month’s Partner Opportunities blog, which is posted to PAWildsCenter.org and shared in the PA Wilds Center’s monthly e-newsletter. The blog and e-blast are typically shared the second week of the month. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. the last Friday of month for consideration. SUBMIT RESOURCES

 

ABOUT THE PA WILDS

The Pennsylvania Wilds is a 13-county region that includes the counties of Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Warren, and northern Centre. The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to integrate conservation and economic development in a way that inspires the communities of the Pennsylvania Wilds. The PA Wilds Center promotes the region and its 2+ million acres of public lands as a premier outdoor recreation destination as a way to diversify local economies, inspire stewardship, attract investment, retain population and improve quality of life. The PA Wilds Center’s core programs seek to help businesses leverage the PA Wilds brand and connect with new market opportunities, including: the Wilds Cooperative of PA, a network of more than 575 place-based businesses and organizations, and the PA Wilds Conservation Shop, a retail outlet primarily featuring products sourced from the WCO. For more information on the PA Wilds Center, visit www.PAWildsCenter.org. To learn more about the WCO, visit www.WildsCoPA.org. Explore the PA Wilds at www.PAWilds.com. Find regionally made products at www.ShopThePAWilds.com. 

 

Media Contact

Britt Madera | Communications Manager

PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc.

[email protected] | 570-948-1051