National Entrepreneurship week acknowledges the hard work and grit of entrepreneurs
Photo: Provided.
We are living in one of the best times to start a new business. “In 2021, there were 5.4 million new business applications. That’s 23% higher than 2020’s record. Looks like pandemic economics didn’t have the damaging effect you’d expect,” business expert Scott Galloway said.
“We’re living in one of the best times to start a business in over a decade,” he added.
“Within the Alleghenies, entrepreneurs are starting — and growing — businesses that are growing the regional economy, creating jobs, and keeping talent in the area.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s business formation statistics report, Pennsylvania has seen business applications rise 54% from 2019 to 2021. Not only is the state seeing the new applications climb, but the survival rate for businesses that start in Pennsylvania is higher than the national average, according to Forbes.
Within the Alleghenies, entrepreneurs are starting — and growing — businesses that are growing the regional economy, creating jobs, and keeping talent in the area.
“Entrepreneurs within the Alleghenies innovate and work hard to make their companies succeed. It has been an honor to partner with them to strengthen the economy together,” Debbi Prosser, Director of Business Development for the Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission, said.
She said that Startup Alleghenies, which connects entrepreneurs with free business coaching and resources throughout the region, has been integral in helping entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses.
Since Startup Alleghenies’ inception in 2017:
- 322 new businesses have opened
- 1,995 entrepreneurs have registered for coaching
- 146 businesses have grown in sales, employees or investments
- $8.9 million in private investment has been leveraged
- 492 new full time jobs have been created
Emillee Swank from Cambria County is one of those entrepreneurs. She realized that college wasn’t for her and turned her energy to creating an aesthetics company. Coach Blake Fleegle helped her launch — and grow — her new business. “Emillee’s company is a great example of how Startup Alleghenies can walk alongside an entrepreneur allowing them to focus on customers while we assist with the business,” he said.
National Entrepreneurship Week is February 11-18, and you can find free virtual events to help support your entrepreneurial journey. For personal, free business advice, you can find your coach here.
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
