Startup Alleghenies: Powering Entrepreneurial Growth in the Heart of Pennsylvania
Startup Alleghenies is stepping up its game in 2025, with bold plans to drive entrepreneurial success while leveraging the region’s rich outdoor economy. With an expanded vision, Startup Alleghenies aims to enhance its already thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem through three key initiatives: a renewed emphasis on outdoor economic development, the creation of a Startup Alleghenies Microloan Fund, and the launch of innovative “pop-up” shops in outdoor-focused communities.
This year, Startup Alleghenies Coaches worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. In 2024 alone, they counseled 151 clients, provided 746 hours of coaching, and supported the creation or retention of 229 jobs—a testament to their unwavering commitment to empowering the region’s entrepreneurs. These efforts reflect the mission of Startup Alleghenies to build an entrepreneurial culture where businesses thrive, and communities grow stronger.
Project Spotlight: Ecosystem Capital and Technical Assistance Expansion
In October 2024, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced a grant of $1,879,253 to the JARI Growth Fund, Inc. for the Startup Alleghenies Ecosystem Capital and Technical Assistance Expansion project. This transformative initiative seeks to foster entrepreneurship with a targeted emphasis on the outdoor recreation sector in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, Indiana, and Somerset counties.
Key elements of the project include:
- Outdoor Recreation Pop-Up Pilot Program: Aiming to raise awareness of entrepreneurial opportunities in the region’s outdoor recreation sector, this program will spotlight the wealth of outdoor recreation assets in the Alleghenies.
- Expanded Support for Entrepreneurs: Customized technical assistance and increased capital investments will empower businesses and strengthen the local economy.
Transformative Impact on the Region
Over the three-year grant period, the project is expected to deliver measurable, transformative results:
- Improve 230 businesses through increased sales, employment, capital, and skill development.
- Create 400 jobs through technical assistance, training, or financing.
- Launch 35 new businesses supported by technical assistance, training, or financing.
- Leverage $3 million in private investment from financial and economic development partners.
These outcomes align with Startup Alleghenies’ broader mission of driving economic growth, creating opportunities, and positioning the Alleghenies as a hub for innovation and outdoor recreation.
JARI Growth Fund Secures $1.8 Million to Boost Regional Entrepreneurship
The JARI Growth Fund (JGF) has received the ARC grant to expand the Startup Alleghenies Microloan Fund and provide tailored technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses in seven coal-impacted counties. The funds will ultimately foster entrepreneurial activities through the further capitalization of the Microloan Fund, which complement funding provided by JGF’s sister organization JARI, Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission, Altoona Blair County Development Corporation, and local lenders.
Microloan Fund: Bridging Gaps for Bold Entrepreneurs
The Startup Alleghenies Microloan Fund will support microenterprises in historically impacted counties with loans of up to $100,000 for property purchases, renovations, equipment, inventory, or working capital. Designed to address barriers such as credit score challenges or limited operational history, the fund ensures that promising ideas aren’t stifled by financing gaps.
Driving Regional Impact: New Jobs, Companies, and Opportunities
The funding will not only create new jobs and businesses but will also foster significant private investment, building upon Startup Alleghenies’ history of success. In addition to the projected creation of 400 jobs and 35 businesses, the Microloan Fund will leverage $3 million in private financing and serve over 230 businesses, reinforcing the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Outdoor Economy: A Trailblazing Opportunity
The Alleghenies region, with its 240+ outdoor recreation businesses, is a natural fit for this initiative. Outdoor recreation is increasingly recognized as a strategic tool for attracting talent, supporting businesses, and strengthening communities. The new outdoor recreation pop-up pilot program will highlight these opportunities while serving as an incubator for new ventures, paving the way for permanent storefronts in trail towns.
A Year of Momentum: 2024 in Review
As Startup Alleghenies reflects on 2024, the numbers tell a story of growth and impact:
- 151 clients counseled by Startup Alleghenies Coaches.
- 746 hours of coaching delivered to empower entrepreneurs.
- 229 jobs created or retained, strengthening the regional economy.
These milestones highlight the dedication and effectiveness of Startup Alleghenies in driving entrepreneurial success.
What’s Next?
The JARI Growth Fund and its partners are poised to execute this visionary plan, focusing on three core priorities:
- Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Culture with a focus on outdoor recreation.
- Delivering Customized Technical Assistance to meet diverse entrepreneurial needs.
- Deploying Additional Capital to startups, ensuring access to critical resources.
By combining strategic funding, tailored support, and innovative programs, Startup Alleghenies is charting a course for transformative growth—fueling dreams, building businesses, and creating a brighter future for the region. The Alleghenies is becoming a destination not only for outdoor recreation but for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity.
