Startup Alleghenies Launches PSA to Celebrate Entrepreneurship in the Region During National Entrepreneurship Month
Startup Alleghenies (SUA) has created a PSA, #Start Right Here, as part of its ongoing mission to generate awareness of the benefits of entrepreneurship right here and right now in the counties it serves in the Southern Alleghenies. The 30-second spot, which can be viewed at www.startupalleghenies.com not only highlights the variety of businesses in the SUA ecosystem, but also the six counties in which they were launched and thrive, including: Blair, Bedford, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset.
“The innovative ideas, grit and commitment of our entrepreneurs is really at the heart of the success of our Start Right Here. Right Now. movement (#StartRHRN) and the region, so we wanted to celebrate and congratulate them with this PSA during entrepreneurship month,” said Debbi Prosser, director business-development, Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission (SAP&DC).
As of October 30, 2019, Startup Alleghenies has expanded from three to six counties, and provides free coaching to 451 entrepreneurs in the region, helping them navigate SUA’s vast network of partners at economic development groups, private and community organizations, colleges and universities. According to Prosser, 81 percent of these entrepreneurs are mid-career professionals, who are contributing to the regional economy by creating 332 new jobs, opening 116 new businesses, and generating more than $4 million dollars in new sales activity.
“The partners in our ecosystem have served as invaluable resources to Startup Alleghenies and the entrepreneurs we all serve, accelerating our movement’s success,” Prosser added.
The innovative ideas, grit and commitment of our entrepreneurs is really at the heart of the success of our Start Right Here. Right Now. movement and the region, so we wanted to celebrate and congratulate them with this PSA during entrepreneurship month.” – Debbi Prosser, director business-development, Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission
Following the launch of the #Start Right Here PSA, each Friday in November Startup Alleghenies will post #StartRightNow interviews with entrepreneurs in their ecosystem on Facebook (@startupalleghenies), Twitter (@StartupAllegh) and the movement’s website.
Direct links to each entrepreneur interview will be available beginning November 15. Featured entrepreneurs include Bedford Fine Art Gallery (11/15), Garden Harvest (11/22), HHG Drums (11/29), Coco-Caffeinate (12/6) and Custer’s Market (12/13).
About Startup Alleghenies
Startup Alleghenies (SUA) connects existing and potential entrepreneurs with experienced Coaches to help them navigate a vast network of partners at economic development groups, private organizations, colleges and universities. It was launched by the Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission (SAP&DC) with a POWER grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), a federal-state partnership investing in the socioeconomic future of 420 counties in 13 states in the Appalachian region. The support of the PA Department of Community &Economic Development also was instrumental in establishing SUA.
