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 .

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.

Arotin’s Hummingbird Estate Holds Grand Opening Ceremony

Michele Clapper
VP, Economic Development

Left to right: Linda Thomson, JARI; Cambria County Commissioner Tom Chernisky, Jim Vasilko, Johnstown Construction; Carolyn Arotin, Arotin’s Hummingbird Estate; Donna Dunegan, Patton Borough Secretary; Representative Frank Burns; Dave Pompa, Patton Borough Councilman; Annette Chunko, St. Francis SBDC

Arotin’s Hummingbird Estate held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, March 10. The event drew approximately 65 people, including elected officials who spoke of the new facility and offered their best wishes to Carolyn in her business venture.

Carolyn Arotin, Owner/Administrator of Arotin’s Hummingbird Estate, has always dreamed of owning her own Personal Care Home. She has worked for almost 20 years in this industry. “It took a long time, we didn’t give up and here we are…It’s a very safe, beautiful, loving place and I don’t want anyone to be afraid to bring their loved ones here”, says Carolyn.

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 .

“Financing Your Business in 1, 2, 3” a Success!

The Somerset County Commissioners and JARI hosted the Financing Your Business in 1, 2, 3 seminar on November 16, 2016 at the Somerset Country Club.

Attendees learned about the financial opportunities available from the SBA, St. Francis SBDC, SCEDC, Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ), SBA Microloan Program, JARI Growth Fund, the Progress Fund, Southern Alleghenies Loan Programs and SBA 504 Program.

Thank you to our event sponsors: Wessel & Company, Ameriserv, Somerset Trust, SCEDC and The Somerset County Chamber of Commerce.
For more information on the various financing options available, please contact Michele Clapper, VP of Economic Development at (814) 262-8368 or via e-mail at .

Financing Your Business in 1, 2, 3!

financial_seminar
The Somerset County Commissioners and JARI will be hosting a financing seminar on Wednesday, November 16, from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM at the Somerset Country Club. Attendees will learn about different financing options.
For more information and registration details, please click here. Please RSVP by Friday, November 11th to reserve your seat