Startup Alleghenies Named Top 100 Organization in Central PA by Publication

Published by PA Business Central | February 26, 2018

[Read the original article here]

The next great startup zone change is brewing. Through the Startup Alleghenies initiative, aspiring entrepreneurs are finding the resources they need to start businesses, get funded and get going.

Startup Alleghenies is a free program connecting participants with coaches who help them navigate a vast network of partners at economic development groups, private organizations and universities. Partners include the Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission, Altoona Blair County Development Corporation, Johnstown Area Regional Industries, Somerset Economic Development Council, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, St. Francis Small Business Development Center, The Progress Fund, Catalyst Space, The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, the Southern Alleghenies Workforce Development Board and many other organizations who actively supporting new businesses from idea to market.

Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission worked with partners in Blair, Cambria and Somerset County to identify new opportunities after the economy was impacted by the downturn in the coal industry. Funding was requested and secured from the Appalachian Regional Commission to support the development of an ecosystem to support and encourage home grown businesses. Startup Alleghenies has invested in spaces, in financing options and in resources, including training events and support systems, all with one goal in mind: to encourage and support entrepreneurial growth in the region. Since its launch in June of 2017, 97 emerging entrepreneurs have engaged with the coaches and the ecosystem partners.

Startup Alleghenies is on a mission to bring greater economic vitality to the region by supporting and recruiting entrepreneurs.