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.

 

Pennsylvania looking for new members of Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement

Host: PA Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement
Date: Applications being accepted
Location: Members can be anywhere in Pennsylvania. Please send your resume to Executive Director Ruby Mundok, [email protected].

The purpose of the PA Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement is to gather information regarding Next Generation Pennsylvanians’ experiences and needs; review, evaluate, and assess programs affecting them; provide the Governor with information and recommendations regarding how best to meet their needs; and provide information about programs and services that may be relevant to Next Generation Pennsylvanians’ needs. The Commission and its Executive Director also serve as an extension of the Governor’s office in their respective communities and are responsible for communicating the priorities and accomplishments of the Governor and his Administration. This effort seeks to spread awareness and increase access to programs and services provided by the Commonwealth that benefit every-day Pennsylvanians. Members should be between the ages of 16-26. Members serve a 2-year term and must attend 4 mandatory quarterly meetings a year. Please send your resume to Executive Director Ruby Mundok, [email protected].

 

“Lunch and learn” about rare earth elements, critical minerals and hydrogren on March 26; RSVP by March 10

Host: Co-hosted by Clearly Ahead and North Central PA Regional Planning & Development Commission
Date: Applications being accepted
Location: River’s Landing Event Center, 139 West Market Street, Clearfield, PA

You’re invited to a Rare Earth Elements, Critical Minerals & Hydrogen “Lunch and Learn” with Grow Rural PA & Tetra Tech on March 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at River’s Landing Event Center
139 West Market Street, Clearfield, PA. Lunch is included & provided by The Dented Keg. Learn about: identifying critical supply chain vulnerabilities; deriving critical minerals and REE from underclays, AMD, & mine refuse; repurposing reclaimed mine lands and producing hydrogen; capitalizing on President Trump’s priorities regarding energy and critical minerals; working with Governor Shapiro to site energy projects in Central Pennsylvania. Seating is limited, so please RSVP by March 10 to Deborah Pontzer, [email protected]. Learn more at www.growruralpa.org/events.

 

Help plan PA outdoor rec industry with ELEVATE meeting in Williamsport on March 20

Host: Elevate Outdoors PA
Date: Thursday, March 20 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Location: New Trail Brewing Company, 240 Arch St Building 18, Williamsport, PA 17701

Help plan the next chapter for Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry with upcoming ELEVATE meetings! Join leaders from Pennsylvania’s outdoor rec industry to help shape its future. Throughout March, there are statewide sessions that will give you an opportunity to share ideas on the creation of a new, statewide industry alliance for Pennsylvania outdoor recreation businesses.
Two of these meetings are within the Pennsylvania Wilds region, and two others are nearby the region:
March 19 – Boalsburg, Centre County
March 20 – Williamsport, Lycoming County
March 25 – Erie, Erie County
March 26 – Coudersport, Potter County
Learn more and RSVP at elevateoutdoorspa.com/workshop.

 

DEP accepting applications for 2024 Small Business Advantage Grant until March 21, 2025

Host: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Date: Accepting applications starting September 20, 2024, and will accept applications until March 21, 2025, or until the funds are exhausted for this fiscal year, whichever occurs first.
Location: Learn more here.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is accepting applications for the 2024 Small Business Advantage Grant. The program helps Pennsylvania small businesses cut energy costs by replacing equipment and appliances with more energy-efficient ones or reducing pollution and waste, reimbursing 50% to 80% of eligible project costs. This year’s maximum grant award amounts will vary from up to $7,500 to up to $12,000, based on the environmental impact of the project and whether the project location is in an Environmental Justice Area in Pennsylvania. Learn more here.

 

WalkWorks Active Transportation Planning grants open until March 21

Host: Pennsylvania Department of Health
Date: Grant applications are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, March 21.
Location: Learn more here.

Applications are now being accepted for the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s WalkWorks Active Transportation Planning grants. Walking, biking, using a wheelchair, and accessing public transit are independent, reliable, and resilient transportation modes that are healthy for our bodies, minds, finances, communities, and the environment. WalkWorks provides grants to help municipalities develop Active Transportation Plans. The plans help efforts to establish activity-friendly routes that connect people to everyday destinations. Grant applications are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, March 21. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources also supports WalkWorks with funding from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

 

Help plan PA outdoor rec industry with ELEVATE meeting in Coudersport on March 26

Host: Elevate Outdoors PA
Date: Wednesday, March 26 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Denton Hill State Park with Denton Go, 80 Elm Hollow Rd, Ulysses, PA 16948

Help plan the next chapter for Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry with upcoming ELEVATE meetings! Join leaders from Pennsylvania’s outdoor rec industry to help shape its future. Throughout March, there are statewide sessions that will give you an opportunity to share ideas on the creation of a new, statewide industry alliance for Pennsylvania outdoor recreation businesses.
Two of these meetings are within the Pennsylvania Wilds region, and two others are nearby the region:
March 19 – Boalsburg, Centre County
March 20 – Williamsport, Lycoming County
March 25 – Erie, Erie County
March 26 – Coudersport, Potter County
Learn more and RSVP at elevateoutdoorspa.com/workshop.

 

DCNR spring 2025 ATV and snowmobile project grant applications open until March 31

Host: PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
Date: Accepting applications until 4:00 PM on Wednesday, March 31
Location: To apply, use the DCNR Grants Customer Service Portal.

The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) offers two grant rounds annually for ATV and snowmobile projects. The 2025 spring round is now open. Applications are due by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, March 31. To apply, use the DCNR Grants Customer Service Portal.

 

DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants accepting applications until April 2

Host: PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
Date: Applications are due by 4:00 PM, Wednesday, April 2.
Location: Grant applications are only accepted through the DCNR Grants Customer Service Portal.

The annual Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant application window is now open. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) oversees the grant program, which funds local recreation and conservation projects in communities across Pennsylvania. Last year, the program awarded more than $79 million to more than 300 projects statewide. Grant applications are only accepted through the DCNR Grants Customer Service Portal. A portal tutorial video is available to help applicants learn about grant requirements and how to navigate the application. Applications are due by 4:00 PM, Wednesday, April 2.

 

PA Wilds 2025 Champion Awards nominations due by April 7

Host: PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship
Date: For 2025 Champion Award consideration, submit nominations by April 7, 2025.
Location: You can nominate a leader in your community today at PAWildsCenter.org/nominate. Nominees should be in the 13-county PA Wilds region.

Each year the PA Wilds Center recognizes individuals, groups, organizations, communities, and businesses that in the last year have made significant contributions to help grow and sustainably develop the outdoor recreation economy and nature tourism in the PA Wilds by marrying economic development and conservation goals. These prestigious awards are presented at the Center’s dinner. Nominations for PA Wilds Champion Awards are now open year round! You can nominate a leader in your community today at PAWildsCenter.org/nominate. For 2025 Champion Award consideration, submit nominations by April 7, 2025. Nominees should be in the 13-county PA Wilds region.

 

Department of Corrections listening session for Quehanna Boot Camp on April 10

Host: PA Department of Corrections
Date: Thursday, April 10, at 5 p.m.
Location: Community Alliance Church, 34136 Frenchville Karthaus Hwy, Karthaus, PA 16845

The Commonwealth has proposed a potential closure of SCI Rockview Prison, in Centre County, and the Quehanna Boot Camp, in Clearfield County. The Department of Corrections will hold a listening session for Quehanna Boot Camp on Thursday, April 10, at 5 p.m. at Community Alliance Church, 34136 Frenchville Karthaus Hwy, Karthaus, PA 16845. We will inform you once the SCI Rockview listening session is scheduled. Residents can also voice their opinion by emailing [email protected] or by leaving a voicemail at 888-316-8950.

 

PA Route 6 Alliance “Do 6” Awards nominations due by May 2

Host: PA Route 6 Alliance
Date: Nominations are due by May 2, 2025.
Location: Learn more and nominate at PARoute6.com/do-6-awards-nomination. Nominees should be in the Route 6 corridor of Pennsylvania.

The PA Route 6 Alliance recognizes individuals, groups, projects and communities that exemplify and advance the Alliance’s mission of protecting, preserving and promoting the scenic, cultural, historic and recreational resources across the 11-county corridor of PA Route 6. Awards in the following categories are presented at the PA Route 6 Annual Meeting and “Do 6” Awards Program. Nominations are due by May 2, 2025. Learn more and nominate at PARoute6.com/do-6-awards-nomination. Nominees should be in the Route 6 corridor of Pennsylvania.

 

Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Paddler’s Toolkit Workshop in Clearfield on June 7

Host: Susquehanna Greenway Partnership
Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025; 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: River’s Landing Event Center, 139 W Market St Suite 200, Clearfield, PA 16830

The Paddler’s Toolkit Workshop on June 7, hosted by the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) and Pennsylvania Master Naturalist (PMN), will provide novice and veteran paddlers with new information and resources to enhance their next paddling adventure. Participants will complete a two-part educational workshop that will cover the ins and outs of preparing for and undertaking a paddling trip on the Susquehanna River. In the afternoon, participants will join SGP and PMN for an on-water experience to put newly learned skills into practice. The price of registration includes lunch and access to the full-day workshop plus informational material. Price to be determined. Look for more information at susquehannagreenway.org/event/paddlers-toolkit-workshop-clearfield.

 

Susquehanna Sojourn: Baker Run to Lock Haven on June 19

Host: Susquehanna Greenway Partnership
Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025; 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Starts at Baker Run Canoe Access, Mill Hall

Join the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) on Thursday, June 19, 2025, as we discover the West Branch of the Susquehanna River Water Trail. Paddlers along this section of the river will experience a 14-mile route along the West Branch Susquehanna River from Baker Run to Lock Haven. Due to the length, this is an intermediate paddle, not recommended for first-timers. Look for more information at susquehannagreenway.org/event/susquehanna-sojourn-series-west.

Northern Pennsylvania Regional College offering online programs

Host: Northern Pennsylvania Regional College
Date: Enrolling now
Location: Online programs, more information available at regionalcollegepa.org/online-programs

Northern Pennsylvania Regional College is pleased to announce a partnership with ed2go, part of Cengage Group that has brought online programming to NPRC’s workforce development division. This partnership will serve as an opportunity for students to earn credentials and certificates in asynchronous and synchronous learning formats. Courses include AutoCAD, cybersecurity, human resources, Microsoft Excel, and professional bookkeeping and payroll management.  Whether someone is a high school student looking to develop skills for college; a busy parent hoping to provide a better life for their family; or a lifelong learner looking for a way to challenge themselves, these programs can help students achieve their goals at NPRC in a new way. For more information about ed2go and NPRC’s collaboration and offerings, please visit NPRC’s website under Non-Credit Online Programs.

 

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.

 

Office available for daily rental in Greater DuBois Area Chamber building

Host: Greater DuBois Area Chamber of Commerce
Date: Get in touch as soon as possible for tour if interested.
Location: 103 Beaver Drive, DuBois. Call 814-371-5010 or email Jodi August, Executive Director at [email protected].

Training Room (Smart Room) for rent at the Greater DuBois Chamber office located at 103 Beaver Drive, DuBois. Comfortably seats up to 16. Wi-Fi access, use of kitchenette, and restrooms. Chamber members rate is $25 ½ day, $50 full day. Non-Member rate is $50 ½ day, $100 full day. To reserve this room on a specific date, please call 814-371-5010 or email Jodi August, Executive Director at [email protected].

 

 

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 600 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