Week of: January 31, 2019
OUR MISSION:
JARI is the collaborative force that enhances all aspects of our region to grow a diverse economy and build vibrant communities.
JARI's Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program Approved!
Debi Balog
Director, Workforce Development
 
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development has approved JARI’s Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit (NAP) application for $67,000.   Contribut ions from four busi nesses will be used to provide Class A, Commercial Driver training to 10 eligible individuals . F irst priorit y will be given to residents of the Woodvale, Old Conemaugh Borough, Prospect, and Kernville sections of the City of Johnstown. 
 
The NAP tax credit program provides businesses with state tax liability the option to make a donation to the JARI Workforce Program and receive 55% tax credits in exchange for their donation.  
 
This is the fourth year of the program. Serving residents of the City of Johnstown. Collectively, the program has placed 60 individuals in full-time employment
 
Special thanks to the following business contributors whose tax dollars will be "put to work" supporting residents of our local community: 1st Summit Bank, First National Bank, Northwest Bank and Somerset Trust Company.  
 
If you are interested in learning more about the training progr am or are a business that would like to participate in the JARI NAP Tax Credit Program, please contact Debi Balog, JARI Workforce Development Director at 814-262-8366 or via e-mail at dbalog@jari.com .  
Over $5 Million Awarded in Tax Credits!
Joette Watson
Chief Financial Officer
 
JARI is pleased to announce that $5,243,851 in tax credits have been awarded to local companies through the Greater Johnstown Keystone Innovation Zone (GJKIZ) since the inception of the program in 2005. In 2018, $118,190 in tax credits were awarded to four companies. The Commonwealth has a total annual pool of up to $15 million available to eligible companies.
 
KIZs are designed to foster innovation and create entrepreneurial opportunities. To qualify for the GJKIZ program, a company must be a for-profit located within the territory of the  GJKIZ , be fewer than eight years old, and have its primary business within one or more of the following industry sectors:
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Environmental/Renewable Energy Technology
  • Information Systems Technology
  • Life Sciences
 
A KIZ company must have an innovative process or have patents, licensing agreements, trademarks and/or copyrights on products or processes created in-house. A company may receive up to $100,000 in tax credits annually if they meet the criteria. If there is no tax liability for the company, the credits may be sold for cash.
 
For more information or to obtain a KIZ application, contact Joette Watson at   jwatson@jari.com  or (814) 262-8372.
2019 Standard Mileage Rates Announced
M ichele Clapper
VP, Economic Development

Thanks to Barnes Saly and Company, P.C.  for providing valuable information for our   Expertise Matters  blog on JARI's website this week. The newest blog gives updates on the 2019 optional standard mileage rates that the IRS has announced beginning Jan. 1, 2019. 

Expertise Matters is a section of our blog in which we will invite area experts to write guest posts on topics of interest to businesses and people thinking about starting a business.  Let us know what topics you would like to see addressed in Expertise Matters. Just get in touch with Jocelyn Hartman at  jhartman@jari.com .
Startup Alleghenies & Innovate PGH Appear on TECHVibe Radio
José Otero
Entrepreneurial & Procurement Specialist

Happy New Year! In 2018 the collaboration between various agencies within the entrepreneurial ecosystem grew stronger and deeper. On December 18, 2018 ETAL Transfer Authority, Bridge to Pittsburgh and Startup Alleghenies participated with Pitt Tech Council on TECHVibe Radio .

Right around minute 30 is where you can hear our section, but if you want more information and resources, the entire podcast will be a true delight.

Our local economy is growing due to the rising interest of entrepreneurship and the resources available to those that are seeking them. Let’s continue the momentum of collaboration to continue to build our economy into a prosperous new year. 

Follow this LINK to listen right now!
Last Call! Applications Due January 10, 2019!
José Otero
Entrepreneurial & Procurement Specialist
 
This is the last call for Ben Franklin’s TechCelerator @ Somerset for tech-entrepreneurs to participate in an intensive 8-Week Startup Accelerator. Ben Franklin provides up to $1,000 toward initial legal, accounting, or customer discovery costs plus the chance to pitch your business idea to a panel of potential investors at the completion of the course. The top team will receive up to $10,000 to help get their business from StartUP to UP and running!

Beginning January 22, 2019, the eight-week program will be held at Uptown Works of Somerset, PA.  Accelerators are free of charge, but space is limited and applications are due by January 10th. Contact Jerry Hudson at  jrh498@psu.edu  or José Otero at  JOtero@jari.com.

Click  here for more information.

When:  January 22 – March 14, 2019
Time:  Tuesday – Group class 10:00 AM – 12:15 PM. 
Where:  Uptown Works – 109 E Main St, Somerset, PA 15501

Space is limited
Upcoming Events:

December 14th

January 9th
JARI
Showcase for Commerce
JARI PTAC
Contact Us:
(814) 535-8675 | info@jari.com | www.jari.com