/ By Lauren Thompson / Cambria County • Entrepreneurship • Financing & incentives • New business • Somerset County/ 0 Comments

2017 Small Business Advantage Grant

On behalf of Governor Wolf and DEP Secretary McDonnell, the Department of Environmental Protection is pleased to announce the opening of the 14th round of the Small Business Advantage Grant.

The program is designed to assist small businesses in deploying pollution prevention or energy efficiency measures into their operations.  Pennsylvania-based small businesses with less than 100 employees are eligible. Businesses are able to receive a 50% reimbursement match on new equipment or processes which save a minimum of $500 and reduce their energy or waste by 25% per year. The grant maximum is $9,500 for energy efficiency or pollution projects or $7,000 for lighting-only upgrades.

New this year is an on-line application process, making it easier to apply and allowing grants to get into the hands of small businesses faster. Paper applications will no longer be accepted. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The full 2017 Grant Guidance, including all requirements, step-by-step instructions and other necessary forms can be found on the DEP’s Small Business Advantage Grant webpage. Applicants are advised to carefully review the guidance document, which has been updated for 2017.

If you have questions regarding your application submission, please contact Ed Boito, Small Business Ombudsman, at (717) 783-0909.

/ By Lauren Thompson / Cambria County • Financing & incentives • Somerset County/ 0 Comments

Need Money For Your Business?

The JARI Microloan Program recently launched an online application to apply for business funding!

The program is open to any small business in Bedford, Blair, Cambria or Somerset Counties and can be used for equipment, inventory, working capital and a variety of other purposes.  Following successful application and review, companies can receive a loan of up to $50,000! Depending on project locations, JARI’s sister corporation, JIDC, can also assist businesses with identifying additional sources of revenue for larger projects.

To fill out the Microloan application, visit our website. If you are looking for more information, contact Michele Clapper at (814) 262-8368 or via email at .

/ By Lauren Thompson / Entrepreneurship • Financing & incentives • News/ 0 Comments

PIDA Offers 2% Interest Rate Through End of 2017

Effective now through December 31, 2017, the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) is offering qualifying businesses loans at a 2% interest rate, fixed for the full term of the loan.

Uses of this program includes land and building acquisitions, construction and renovation costs, machinery and equipment purchases, working capital and accounts receivable lines of credit, multi-tenant facility projects and industrial park projects.

For more information about the PIDA program, contact Michele Clapper at (814) 262-8368 or via email at .

/ By Lauren Thompson / Cambria County • Entrepreneurship • Event • Financing & incentives • New business • News • Somerset County/ 0 Comments

Preparing Your Personal Financial Statement

Tuesday, July 18th, Patti Hudson, CPA of Wessel & Company and Jeff Cramer of 1st Summit Bank, will present Preparing Your Personal Financial Statement. Attendees will be able to learn how to complete a personal financial statement, understand what the bank is looking for to get a loan and how to meet their bank’s individual reporting compliance requirements. This financial statement would include the proper reporting of assets, liabilities, income and expenses.

The event will be held from 12 PM to 1:15 PM at JARI Center for Business Development. The cost to register is $5 per person and lunch will be provided.

If you are interested in attended, please fill out the registration formand email it to Lauren Brewer at .

/ By Lauren Thompson / Annual Luncheon • Cambria County • Entrepreneurship • Financing & incentives • Media Releases • New business • News • Somerset County • Workforce Development/ 0 Comments

JARI Releases 2016 Annual Report

The 2016 JARI Annual Report “Building Economic Momentum: Creating a Strong Foundation for Growth” is now available for review on the JARI website.  The report documents improved economic activity over the past year, with more jobs created and retained, more financing secured, and less displaced workers served. Eleven new businesses were started with JARI’s assistance, while 725 people received training to enhance job opportunities. Highlights include the creation of the JARI Growth Fund, assistance to companies locating or growing in the region, and diversification strategies for small defense firms.

The support that is received from our partners, financial contributors, directors and committee members is paramount to the collaboration that ultimately assists our regional employers and our communities

Please contact me at  if you have questions or would like additional information about this report.

/ By Lauren Thompson / Cambria County • Entrepreneurship • Event • Financing & incentives • Somerset County/ 0 Comments

Upcoming Lunch & Learns

 

Protecting Your Intellectual Property 

On Tuesday, June 27th, Attorney John Haschak of Leventry, Haschak and Rodkey, LLC, will be discussing what it takes to protect your intellectual property. Attendees will receive an introduction to patents, trademarks and copyrights and an overview of licensing. They will also learn about protecting trade secrets and employee considerations. Attorney George Gvozdich will serve as the moderator.

Basic Accounting for Small Business

On Thursday, June 29th, Patti Hudson, CPA and Shareholder of Wessel & Company, will present Basic Accounting for Small Business. Attendees will learn about the importance of the chart of accounts, bookkeeping principles and understanding financial reports. The presentation will also cover information on reconciling bank accounts and record retention practices.

These Lunch & Learn events will be held at the JARI Center (160 JARI Drive) from 12 to 1:15 PM. The cost to register is $5 per person and lunch will be provided.

If you are interested in attending, please fill out the registration forms above and e-mail them to Lauren Brewer at .

/ By Lauren Thompson / Cambria County • Entrepreneurship • Financing & incentives • New business • News/ 0 Comments

JARI Welcomes Bill & Mark’s Auto Repair, Inc.

JARI would like to congratulate Bill & Mark’s Auto Repair on their new business venture. The company located in Lilly, PA, is owned by Bill Slone and Mark Gummo. With a combined 25 years experience, they are a full service auto repair shop offering all major and minor repairs at a reasonable price.

The owners stated, “We are excited to have our own auto business and provide service to the community. This would not have been possible without the assistance and support of JARI and the St. Francis Small Business Development Center.”

“We are proud to support small business growth in our region,” said Linda Thomson, JARI President, “We wish Bill and Mark all the best.”

If you would like assistance in starting your own business please contact Michele Clapper, VP of Economic Development, at (814) 262-8368 or via e-mail at .

/ By Lauren Thompson / Cambria County • Financing & incentives • Somerset County/ 0 Comments

The Importance of Strategic Planning

On Thursday, May 4th, Jonna Contacos-Sawyer, SPHR, CCP, CMC, SHRM-SCPSM, HR Consultants, Inc, will share the definition and necessity of preparing a strategic plan. Attendees will learn why mission & vision statements and values are important in the process, the elements of a SWOT analysis and how they link into a strategic plan. Attendees will also have the opportunity to understand the importance of writing goals and objectives while monitoring, measuring and updating their strategic plans.

This Lunch & Learn will be held at the JARI Center (160 JARI Drive) on Thursday, May 4, from 12 to 1:15 PM. The cost to register is $5 per person and lunch will be provided.

Registration is required. If you are interested in attending, please complete the registration form and e-mail it to Lauren Brewer at .

/ By Lauren Thompson / Cambria County • Financing & incentives • New business • News • Somerset County/ 0 Comments

PA Small Business Week Takes Place Next Week

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) in conjunction with the National Small Business Week has announced the second annual Pennsylvania Small Business Week that takes place next week (April 30 – May 6).

Pennsylvania will showcase the role small businesses play in our state and how they support both strong entrepreneurship and vibrant communities.

The DCED will be hosting five free webinars that will be presented by experienced experts:

If you’re interested in attending one of the listed webinars, click the corresponding links for more information.

/ By Lauren Thompson / Cambria County • Financing & incentives • Media Releases • News • Somerset County/ 0 Comments

Commonwealth Tax Credits

On Thursday, April 27th, Lindsey Bennett, KIZ Resources, LLC, will share her expertise on the variety of tax credit programs that may be available to area small businesses. Attendees will learn about the Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ), Research and Development (R&D), Neighborhood Assistance-Enterprise Zone (NAP-EZ), PA Historic Preservation Credits (HPTC), Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC) and Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC).

This Lunch & Learn will be held at the JARI Center (160 JARI Drive) on Thursday, April 27. The cost to register is $5 per person and lunch will be provided.

Registration is required. If you are interested in attending, please complete the registration form and e-mail it to Lauren Brewer at .