Opportunities are knocking for new businesses to launch and for current ones to expand in Potter County.
Five agencies will be gathering under one roof in Coudersport from 1p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, to offer free help for those who want to take advantage.
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 the first-ever Small Business/Entrepreneur Workshop.
A broad selection of subject experts and support agencies will be gathering at the Gunzburger Building. 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.
“This is just the first of many steps we will be taking to support Project 2025,” said Ellen Russell, 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.”
“Multiple studies have identified small businesses and tourism as two areas with significant growth potential in our region,” added 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.”
Their comments were echoed by Abbi Peters, from the Pa. Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship: “Our region 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.
Here’s who’s coming
Clarion University Small Business Development Center: Provides free, confidential one-on-one consulting to current or prospective small business owners. Focus is on financial analysis, accounting, market research, business plan development, and compliance with regulations.
Northcentral Pa. Regional Planning and Development Commission: Offers loan programs to support businesses planning capital improvements to retain or create jobs in manufacturing, industrial services, warehousing, distribution, tourism and agriculture.
Visit Potter-Tioga: Offers marketing support to draw tourists and support the local economy. Businesses can get exposure through professional advertising on cable TV, online ads with high search engine ratings, and print ads in prestigious travel publications.
Pa. Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship: Operates the Pa. Wilds Cooperative and Pa. Wilds Licensing Program. The organization also connects creative entrepreneurs to lenders, technical assistance providers, potential business alliances, public land managers, marketers, and other resources.
Northern Pa. Regional College: Offers an array of associate degrees, as well as many non-credit training opportunities and customized training for businesses, as well as CDL, Industrial Electricity, Powdered Metal, and other locally connected programs.
