Community Navigator

Startup Alleghenies is excited to announce that we have been selected as a Community Navigator by the US Small Business Administration (SBA). 

Through the Community Navigator Pilot Program, SBA is engaging with states, local governments, SBA resource partners, and other organizations in targeted outreach for small businesses in underserved communities.  

The program offers funding to nonprofits, state and local governments, universities, and tribal entities to partner with SBA at the center of a hub and spoke network. These hubs then support spoke organizations – trusted, culturally knowledgeable local groups and individuals – who will connect to specific sectors of the entrepreneurial community to provide assistance during economic recovery, including: 

• • financial assistance and access to capital 
  • contracting and procurement 
  • marketing, operations, business development, and exporting 
  • industry-specific training 

Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission serves as the hub with six spokes including Small Business Development Center the agencies that house the Entrepreneurial Coaches including: 

• Altoona Blair County Development Corporation (ABCD Corp.) 
• Bedford County Development Association (BCDA)
• Johnstown Area Regional Industries (JARI) 
• Huntingdon County Business & Industry (HCBI) 
• Somerset County  

The Community Navigator Program is allowing Startup Alleghenies to broaden and intensify our outreach to every corner of the small business community.  To get started entrepreneurs can register to have a coach contact you to discuss your business development ideas. The coaches will work wit you to access tolls ad services to assist you in your journey to becoming a small business owner/operator or to help you expand your existing business.