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.

 

2023 — A Tremendous Year for Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Industry!

Host: Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation
Date: December 11, noon to 12:45 p.m.
Location: Register for this online/virtual event here.

New data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry saw tremendous growth in 2023. In this webinar, the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation will review the new data and provide context about what it means for the Commonwealth. In addition, several outdoor recreation industry stakeholders will provide insight into what they are experiencing and how an effort to grow a unified and active outdoor recreation industry will provide more opportunity to make Pennsylvania a national leader in outdoor recreation, entrepreneurial opportunity, and job creation. Join DCNR’s Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation for a Free Webinar: 2023 — A Tremendous Year for Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Industry! December 11, 2024 • 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM. Register for this online/virtual event here.

 

USDA Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program – TRIBAL – grant applications due by December 16, 2024

Host: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Date: Apply by December 16, 2024.
Location: Learn more at the USDA grants portal.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program – TRIBAL is accepting grant applications. The Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) program is designed to “encourage collaborative, science-based restoration of priority forest landscapes” that not only focuses on priority landscapes but may include issues identified in the respective States’ Forest Action Plans. Apply by December 16, 2024. Learn more at the USDA grants portal.

 

Tioga County residents encouraged to receive Emergency Medical Technician training; registration deadline December 23

Host: Northern Pennsylvania Regional College’s Workforce Development Department
Date: The course will start January 6, 2025, and will continue every Monday and Wednesday through Wednesday, June 25 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Registration will close on Monday, December 23 unless the course is filled prior to this date.
Location: Refunds possible for Tioga County residents. To register for this opportunity and for more information, visit NPRCEvents.org.

Northern Pennsylvania Regional College’s Workforce Development department is providing an opportunity for Tioga County area residents to receive training to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). The cost of this course is $350.00, and refunds are possible for Tioga County residents upon successful completion of EMT course. Tioga County Emergency Services should be contacted for further information. Residents from outside of Tioga County are also welcome to sign up for the class. Before beginning the course, students are required to complete a placement test to determine class eligibility. The course will begin on Monday, January 6, 2025, and will continue every Monday and Wednesday through Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The class will meet at the Mansfield Hose Company located at 381 South Main Street in Mansfield. The course is open to up to 24 individuals and registration will close on Monday, December 23 unless the course is filled prior to this date. To register for this opportunity and for more information, visit NPRCEvents.org.

 

Spring term registration deadline for Northern Pennsylvania Regional College is January 6

Host: Northern Pennsylvania Regional College
Date: The application deadline for the Spring 2025 term is Monday, January 6, 2025.
Location: If interested in attending NPRC this spring, head online to bit.ly/NPRC_Apply

NPRC is thrilled to announce that beginning in January 2025, the institution is offering remote attendance options with live instruction for all academic courses. The College will also continue to allow students to attend their courses at one of over 25 locations across 10 counties. This will ensure that learners have a secure location with internet connectivity if this best serves them in their learning. The application deadline for the Spring 2025 term is Monday, January 6, 2025. NPRC was listed by Yahoo! Finance as the most affordable college in Pennsylvania and has guaranteed admission for anyone who has a high school diploma or equivalent. Becoming a student at NPRC is easy! All that’s needed is to create a free account, complete the NPRC application, and contact your high school and/or previous college and request transcripts to be sent to NPRC’s Registrar at [email protected] . NPRC inspires and serves a region of 10 counties in a way that is unique to regional needs. We are not just a college; we’re a second chance, a necessity, and an opportunity where learning and growth never stops. Once you become a student of ours, it will become clear why brighter futures begin here. The student services team is also available to assist you through the application process and can be contacted at [email protected]. If interested in attending NPRC this spring, head online to bit.ly/NPRC_Apply now to complete the application and start your journey towards the next chapter of your life!

 

Request for Proposals for Appalachian Leadership Institute due by January 10

Host: Appalachian Regional Commission
Date: Proposals are due by January 10, 2025. The contract period is August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026.
Location: Read the RFP here.

The Appalachian Regional Commissioner (ARC) is seeking proposals from organizations, including non-profits, institutions of higher education, and other stakeholders to work in partnership with the ARC Academies & Institutes team to execute the Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI), a leadership development program for people who live and/or work in Appalachian and are passionate about helping their communities thrive. Proposals are due by January 10, 2025. The contract period is August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to Academies & Institutes Program Manager Jessica Mosley at [email protected]. Read the RFP here.

 

USDA Forest Service’s Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program grant applications due by January 13

Host: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Date: Apply by January 13, 2025.
Location: Learn more at the USDA grants portal.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service’s Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program is accepting grant applications. To provide financial assistance to Indian Tribes, local governments, and qualified conservation non-profit organizations to acquire and establish community forests that provide community benefits. Apply by January 13, 2025. Learn more at the USDA grants portal.

 

Nature Conservancy Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program webinar on January 15, applications due February 7

Host: The Nature Conservancy
Date: A webinar on January 15 will provide more information about the grants. Applications are due February 7.
Location: Use the grant program’s mapping tool to determine if your project will take place in one of the eligible areas.

The Nature Conservancy is now accepting applications for its Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program. The program offers funding for non-profit organizations, municipalities, and other partners to engage in conservation efforts in the Appalachians. Grants of up to $100,000 are available for both fee and easement land acquisition projects. The grants will prioritize funding for projects in one of the Nature Conservancy’s focal areas. Use the grant program’s mapping tool to determine if your project will take place in one of these areas. A webinar on January 15 will provide more information about the grants. Applications are due February 7. To apply, use the grant program application.

 

USDA Partnerships for Aquatic and Watershed Restoration Program grant applications due by February 7

Host: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Date: Apply by February 7, 2025.
Location: Learn more at the USDA grants portal.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Partnerships for Aquatic and Watershed Restoration Program is accepting grant applications. USDA Forest Service is looking to address aquatic and watershed restoration needs and empower local communities and partners to assist with implementation of activities. Apply by February 7, 2025. Learn more at the USDA grants portal.

 

USDA At-Risk Plants and Pollinators and their Ecological Conditions Program grant applications due by February 7

Host: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Date: Apply by February 7, 2025.
Location: Learn more at the USDA grants portal.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) At-Risk Plants and Pollinators and their Ecological Conditions Program is accepting grant applications. The agency is looking to ensure suitable ecosystems are sustained by restoration or maintaining species diversity and ecological productivity of at-risk plant species populations. Apply by February 7, 2025. Learn more at the USDA grants portal.

 

USDA Revegetation with Native Plants Program grant applications due by February 7

Host: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Date: Apply by February 7, 2025.
Location: Learn more at the USDA grants portal.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Revegetation with Native Plants Program is accepting grant applications. USDA Forest Service is interested in potential partnerships to help collect, map, develop, monitor, and restore native plants, where needed. Apply by February 7, 2025. Learn more at the USDA grants portal.

 

USDA Grassland Ecological Potential and Restoration Effectiveness Evaluation Program grant applications due by February 7

Host: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Date: Apply by February 7, 2025.
Location: Learn more at the USDA grants portal.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Grassland Ecological Potential and Restoration Effectiveness Evaluation Program is accepting grant applications. This initiative aims to explore partnerships focused on grassland ecosystems while increasing awareness of their importance. Apply by February 7, 2025. Learn more at the USDA grants portal.

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

 

DEP accepting applications for 2024 Small Business Advantage Grant

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.

 

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