The PA Wilds Center has six core programs:
Part of the PA Wilds Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Each program is an integral part of the PA Wilds Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, which is built around the place-based brand of the Pennsylvania Wilds. The PA Wilds Entrepreneurial Ecosystem is designed to help the region's small businesses grow alongside the outdoor recreation economy and its place-based brand.
Small businesses, nonprofits and agencies in the ecosystem’s core network, the Wilds Cooperative of PA, gain access to marketing and branding tools, commerce and licensing opportunities, professional development resources, peer networking and referrals.
These five programs can be found under “Programs” in the main menu.
What is an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem?
A holistic environment wherein systems of interdependent actors and relations (such as business owners, shoppers, resource providers, etc.) are directly or indirectly supporting the creation and growth of new ventures. A strong and connected entrepreneurial ecosystem incubates creativity and innovation and marshals resources and connections to help entrepreneurs succeed.
THE WHY.
The PA Wilds Planning Team identified the need for the Wilds work to have a major focus on supporting rural entrepreneurs as early as 2007. Our Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, which grew out of these early conversations, is designed to help rural small businesses leverage the region’s growing outdoor recreation economy and work together to meet the demands for products, services and experiences found only in the PA Wilds. Collectively, this locally-informed approach helps address some of the challenges facing our rural communities, helping to build rooted local wealth, diversify local economies, inspire stewardship, attract investment, improve quality of life and retain population.