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.

Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program accepting applications until October 16; webinar September 5

Host: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Forest Service
Date: Applications due by October 16, webinar held on September 5
Location: Learn more at https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/recreation-economy-rural-communities

The Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program is accepting applications now through Wednesday, October 16. The program provides planning assistance to small towns and rural communities to help them boost their outdoor recreation economies and revitalize their main streets. The program is a partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Forest Service, the Northern Border Regional Commission, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Denali Commission. The EPA will host a webinar about the program on Thursday, September 5. Register here for the webinar.

Veterans Affairs seminar about VA Healthcare Eligibility on September 18 and 15

Host: Dept. of Veterans Affairs PACT Act
Date: September 18 and 25
Location: Virtual sessions – September 18, 2024 (https://bit.ly/3WOyEiX) and September 25, 2024 (https://bit.ly/4dn54rN)

Join us for this free Veterans Affairs seminar to learn about VA Healthcare Eligibility Overview, The PACT ACT Eligibility, The Enrollment Process, and a Q&A opportunity. Two sessions (the 25th is an encore performance with the same info):  September 18, 2024 (https://bit.ly/3WOyEiX) and September 25, 2024 (https://bit.ly/4dn54rN) from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM EDT. Presented by: Damon Rickens, Lead Health Benefits Advisor of the Altoona VAMC, and Kathleen Miller, Chief Health Administration Service.

PA Small Business Development Center free webinar on agricultural grants on September 19

Host: Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center Agriculture Center of Excellence
Date: September 19
Location: Register at https://tinyurl.com/5n9bzvzd.

Join the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center Agriculture Center of Excellence to hear from five industry experts on a variety of agricultural grants available and what you need to do to create an award-winning application. They will also discuss how the Pennsylvania SBDC can help you both now and as you grow your business. This FREE webinar will be September 19, 2024 from 12:00pm – 1:30pm. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5n9bzvzd.

Susquehanna Sojourn Series: West Branch on September 21

Host: Susquehanna Greenway Partnership
Date: Paddle on September 21, 2024. Registration open now.
Location: Start at McElhatten and end at Jersey Shore. For more information, visit the SGP Susquehanna Sojourn Series: West Branch page.

Join the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) on Saturday, September 21, 2024, as you discover the West Branch of the Susquehanna River Water Trail. This day-trip paddle is one of four that will showcase the recreational opportunities of the water trail through the Susquehanna River Sojourn Series. Paddlers along this section of the river will experience an 6.3-mile route along the West Branch Susquehanna River from McElhattan to Jersey Shore. Lunch will be provided at the end of the paddle. Price: $40 / ticket. Rentals: $30 / single kayak, $50 / tandem. Registration will open in summer.

Northern Pennsylvania Regional College virtual information session on September 24

Host: Northern Pennsylvania Regional College
Date: 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 24
Location: Virtual information session; sign up at NPRCEvents.org

NPRC is hosting a virtual Information Session on Tuesday, September 24 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. for anyone interested in learning more about becoming a student or finding training for their team. Those interested in attending are encouraged to sign up at NPRCEvents.org. Available associate degrees include business administration, criminal justice, early childhood education, liberal studies, and social sciences. In addition to these degree programs, the College also offers work-ready skill sets, which are designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce or advancement in their current careers by completing just three courses. During this virtual event, attendees will learn about the College’s history and mission, receive information and resources regarding tuition rates and how to pay for college, and will learn specific details about NPRC’s academic and workforce development training offerings.

Writers invited to Writers in Woods event in Cook Forest on September 28

Host: Writers Conference of Northern Appalachia
Date: September 28
Location: Cook Forest Sawmill Center for the Arts in Cooksburg, PA

The Writers Conference of Northern Appalachia invites you to attend the 3rd annual Writers in the Woods event on September 28 2024 at the Cook Forest Sawmill Center for the Arts in Cooksburg, PA. This is a smaller single track event, offering a relaxed day of workshops and networking with like minded writers from the region. Seating is limited so please don’t wait to register! Cost is $59. For more information, and to sign up for this event, visit wcona.com/events/y5FYFrK8Cpp3jEECS.

DCNR Fall ATV/Snowmobile grant round open; applications due September 30

Host: PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Date: Application deadline is Monday, September 30.
Location: Apply online using the DCNR Grants Customer Service Portal.

PA Housing Finance Agency issues RFP for new construction/rehab of mixed-used projects

Host: Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
Date: Deadline for proposal submission is 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1
Location: The RFP is located on PHFA’s website at https://www.phfa.org/mhp/developers/loans.aspx.

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency has issued a Request for Proposals for new construction, or the rehabilitation, of mixed-use projects seeking financial support. Funding will be provided through the Community Revitalization Fund Program. Mixed-use projects combine residential and retail/commercial space in the same building and often serve as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization. The deadline for proposal submission is 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1. The RFP is located on PHFA’s website at https://www.phfa.org/mhp/developers/loans.aspx. The online application is accessible on the CRFP website at https://crfp.phfa.org. Questions may be directed to Shelby Rexrode at PHFA via email at [email protected].

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.

Tourism and recreation survey for residents of Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean, or Warren counties (Allegheny National Forest region)

Host: West Virginia University, with local partners
Date: Survey open
Location: Only for residents of Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean, or Warren counties.

Your opinion matters! If you are a resident of Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean, or Warren counties this is your chance to share your thoughts and opinion on recreation and tourism development in and around your community! This survey will be used to improve policy makers’ understanding of residents’ attitudes and opinions toward tourism in the Allegheny National Forest region, help them determine future tourism development opportunities, and provide recreation/tourism leaders the opportunity to learn about and respond to public opinions. This survey was developed by West Virginia University in partnership with the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Penn State University, University of Vermont, University of New Hampshire and the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development and is funded by a grant from USDA. Click here for the 5- to 10-minute survey: https://wvu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_87IAnZ0IFwnM5Bs

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].

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 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