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Big Ideas Grow in WILD Places! In partnership with the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Ben Franklin Technology Partners is looking for innovators with BIG IDEAS located in Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean, or Warren County, PA.  YOU COULD WIN UP TO $50,000! We’re looking for entrepreneurs who are developing or crafting a product, process or innovation related to the maker economy, outdoors and recreation, forest products, manufacturing and technology. If this sounds like you, don’t hesitate to apply. Apply by Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 5 p.m.

SBDC Training Events

Current business owners and employees looking to sharpen their corporate knowledge are encouraged to attend our business skills workshops. Click here to sign up for this newsletter.

First Step: Starting a Business in PA Saturday, February 4, 2023 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This monthly webinar provides an overview on the steps to start a business along with an in-depth look at a business plan. ServSafe: Food Safety Certification - Clarion (In-Person) Tuesday, February 7 and 14, 2023 9:00 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. The ServSafe course, conducted by Penn State Extension, is for individuals preparing for the exam.

2023 Tax Series: PA Taxes for New Businesses Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. This webinar will help you to understand Pennsylvania Taxes for New Businesses. First Step: Starting a Business in PA Thursday, February 16, 2023 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This monthly webinar provides an overview on the steps to start a business along with an in-depth look at a business plan.

Insights from Entrepreneurs - webinar Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. This 30-minute free session features successful business owners. Every third Wednesday of the month, the SBDC clients share their expertise and insights with other small business owners.  Make Your Website Work For You [SBDC-CoE] - webinar Wednesday, February 15, 2023, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. In this workshop, you will learn how to create a search-friendly website that drives user action and supports your goals.

Agriculture Center of Excellence

Understanding Product Liability: Protecting Your Farm-Based Food Business [SBDC-CoE] Wednesday, February 15, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. By attending this meeting, you will learn the importance of having product liability insurance, the types of situations it will address, and how to go about getting the coverage that you need. Ag Grant Best Practices Webinar: Your Opportunity to Learn & Ask About Grant Opportunities Thursday, February 16, 2023, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Ag Center of Excellence at the PA Small Business Development Center is hosting a free, informal grant panel discussion for new and existing agricultural entities. This is your opportunity to learn about grant opportunities in the state and learn the process for grant application that you can use to build, diversify and grow your business. Ag Finance Seminar: Your Opportunity to Learn & Ask Ag Finance Questions Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This is a free practical, informal financial forum for new and existing agricultural & food entities. This is your opportunity to learn how to evaluate your creditworthiness and learn the process for loans and grants that you need to build, diversify and grow your business.  Dairy Processing Research & Development Innovation Grant This grant will support the research and development necessary to position Northeast dairy processors to make long term, impactful shifts in their businesses as it relates to economic and environmental sustainability. USDA Webinar - This series is focused on taxes for AG producers. For more information go to : https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/taxes The USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant provides funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase or install renewable energy systems, or make energy efficiency improvements. The awards were recently announced - congratulations to our five clients who received REAP grant funding for their solar, coal dryer, furnace and reverse osmosis projects! Apply for the PA DEP Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebate Program The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)'s Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebate program can help defray the costs of LED lighting, ventilation equipment, or dairy equipment upgrades for your farm. Applicants must meet the definition of a normal farming operation under Pennsylvania’s Right to Farm Law to be eligible for a rebate.

Regional and National Events

Amazon Small Business Academy - Ongoing Courses - Topics range from selling on Amazon to finding an Amazon business advisor! PennTAP - ServSafe Multiple locations and times. Click the link above for details. NW IRC - Online Skills Trainings Ongoing

Important Updates

WIN UP TO $50,000! Big Ideas Grow in WILD Places! In partnership with the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Ben Franklin Technology Partners is looking for innovators with BIG IDEAS located in Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean, or Warren County, PA. We’re looking for entrepreneurs who are developing or crafting a product, process or innovation related to the maker economy, outdoors and recreation, forest products, manufacturing and technology. If this sounds like you, don’t hesitate to apply. Apply by Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 5 p.m. Grant Opportunities -  The PA DEP Small Business Advantage Grant (SBAG) Open for Applications. The SBAG provides reimbursement grants ranging from 50% to 80% of eligible project costs to Pennsylvania small businesses to improve energy efficiency or reduce pollution or waste by: upgrading or replacing equipment or supplies; improving processes; or reducing runoff into affected waterways. Maximum grant awards will be determined by project eligibility, project location (relating to Environmental Justice areas), and environmental impact.  APPLY TODAY FOR A $25,000 AMBER GRANT FOR WOMEN WomensNet founded the “Amber Grant” in 1998. The grant was set up with one goal in mind: to honor the memory of a very special young woman, Amber Wigdahl, who died at just 19 years old — before realizing her business dreams. Today, WomensNet carries on that tradition, proudly giving away at least $30,000 every month in Amber Grant money. In recognition of the diversity of businesses owned by women, we’ve also expanded our grant-giving to include “Marketing Grants,” “Business Category Grants,” as well as two “$25,000 Year End Grants.” ChallengeHer Celebrating its 10th anniversary, ChallengeHer is free for all registrants as part of a national initiative designed to promote the WOSB Federal Contract Program, bring more women-owned firms into the federal government’s supply chain, and provide an avenue for government agencies to meet qualified women-owned small business contractors.  Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program 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 financial resources up to $2,000 for creative entrepreneurs who aspire to start their own for-profit business or who operate an existing for-profit micro business. Download the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program info sheet (PDF) Special Offer - QuickBooks Online Offer for SBDC Entrepreneurs Forgivable Loan for Business Recovery - Non-profit Pennsylvania 30 Day Fund Provides forgivable loans for Pennsylvania-based small businesses with 3-30 employees. The forgivable loan is intended to provide immediate financial assistance (within maximum 3 days) to meet payroll, preserve healthcare coverage for employees and save jobs while they await recently approved federal funding.

We are here to help businesses start, grow and prosper. Connect with us today! Consulting Services -Available by phone, email, Zoom and in person. Training - Click here to check out our upcoming training events. 814-393-2060 or sbdc@pennwest.edu

Funding support and resources are provided through a cooperative agreement with the US Small Business Administration, by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community and Economic Development; and through support from PennWest Clarion University of Pennsylvania. All services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Special arrangements for persons with disabilities can be made by calling (814) 393-2060. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

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