Opportunities are knocking for new businesses to start and for current ones to expand in Potter County. And there’s plenty of help available, whether it be technical assistance or financial support. As part of Project 2025 — an initiative to reverse the county’s population decline and strengthen communities — two county departments are teaming up to provide a free Small Business/Entrepreneur Workshop. A broad selection of subject experts and support agencies will be gathering at the Gunzburger Building in Coudersport from 1 to 3:30 p.m.on Thursday, March 12.
Potter County Planning and Community Development departments have assembled the panel to bring information to current or prospective small business owners on marketing, financial management, basic business planning and start-up details. Participating organizations include Northern Pa. Regional College, Clarion University Small Business Development Center, Visit Potter-Tioga, Pa. Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, and Northcentral Pa. Regional Planning and Development Commission. Representatives from each organization will be available to meet with attendees to provide individualized services.
“Multiple studies have identified small businesses and tourism as two areas with significant growth potential in our region,” said Potter County Planning Director Will Hunt. “The partners who will be joining us represent a broad cross-section of services that are available at little or no cost.”
“This is just the first of many steps we will be taking to support the Project 2025 initiative,” added Ellen Russell, Potter County Director of Community Development. “A key part of revitalizing a small community is supporting and growing those businesses that contribute to an improved quality of life.”
Their comments were echoed by Abbi Peters, from the Pa. Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship: “The Pennsylvania Wilds has a $1.8 billion annual tourist industry and an impressive and diverse community of skilled artisans, craftspeople, producers, and business enterprises. We’re proudly building a large network of creative entrepreneurs to help visitors connect with unique experiences and products, while also creating new market opportunities for our businesses.”
To learn more or to register for the workshop, contact Ellen Russell at 814-274-8290, ext. 209, or erussell@pottercountypa.net.
