Do you have a genuine enthusiasm for your community, wanting others to be able to experience life in your town? Do you think that if people were to have a chance to test out living in your community they might choose to relocate there long-term? 

As the Wilds Are Working: A Remote Lifestyle Experience has wrapped up its pilot program, the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship is now looking for other communities that could host remote workers. 

PA Wilds Center hopes to collaborate with two communities in 2023 and two additional communities in 2024. Communities are invited to submit an interest form and will be contacted by PA Wilds Center staff for further discussion as part of the review process.

The deadline for submitting the interest form is November 18, 2022.

Click here to learn more.

WHAT IS A LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCE FOR REMOTE WORKERS?

By leveraging the power of the Pennsylvania Wilds brand and the amenities of the region’s gateway communities, the Wilds Are Working: A Remote Lifestyle Experience attracts remote workers for a four-week stay. This program encourages people to live in, work in and explore PA Wilds communities with the hopes that some may consider relocating to the region long term. Initial funding for this program was provided by Ben Franklin Technology Partners through the Appalachian Regional Commission.

The first WAW pilot program took place in Bellefonte in July 2022, and the next WAW program will be underway in Kane September/October 2022.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

In addition to leveraging the power of the Pennsylvania Wilds brand to reach and attract new visitors and potential residents, participating communities have an opportunity to showcase modern amenities and charm to encourage people to visit and stay. Participating communities also help support local small businesses as thousands of dollars are spent by the remote workers through a gift card stipend program. In addition, communities have a chance to gain new volunteers to support area activities and events – as the remote workers are encouraged to get involved with local nonprofits and organizations as part of their experience.

COMMUNITY CONSIDERATIONS

Each community in the Pennsylvania Wilds is unique in terms of natural assets, community character, amenities and capacity. Here are some questions to consider about local capacity for implementing this program before submitting an interest form:

• Does your community offer suitable accommodations for long-term remote workers? This includes spaces such as vacation rentals or bed and breakfast locations with wifi, ample living space and cell phone coverage.
• Do you have staff or volunteers able to dedicate time to project management, guided by the Wilds Are Working toolkit?
• Can you organize a group of friendly and knowledgeable volunteers to host workers and help them make the most of their experience?

Get details and sign up for more information at www.PAWildsCenter.org/wilds-are-working.