Member Spotlight
Primeco Education
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This month’s Membership Spotlight is First Choice Business Solutions. NEPA spoke with co-owners Chris and Jeff Martin.
First Choice Business Solutions product offerings include the complete Pitney Bowes product line – postage meters, mailing machines, scales, folders, folder-inserters and multi-carrier shipping software, as well as, incoming parcel tracking and intelligent locker solutions. They are also a provider of print/copy/scan solutions from Riso, Epson and Kyocera.
First Choice Business Solutions' corporate offices and product showroom are based in Pittston. Their coverage area is Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania and the Poconos.
In a very transactional business of machines and technology, First Choice Business Solutions prioritizes the personal connections they make with customers. Customers are their focus and they believe that the customer notices the difference between their exceptional customer service and what their competitors offer.
Their combined experience in B2B mailing equipment sales and service is over 50 years. First Choice Business Solutions' mission is simply to provide the best mailing equipment in the industry, along with the best service and support.
Christ Martin said, "We have been associated with NEPA Alliance for many years. We have experienced the aid that NEPA Alliance offers to our community, providing a network of support for our business neighbors and friends."
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Get Connected Program Has Openings for Businesses in Northeastern Pennsylvania
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA), in partnership with BlackOut Design, Coal Creative and Design Done Right, has established the Get Connected program to assist businesses within Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill or Wayne counties with their development of e-commerce platforms. Eligible firms will receive e-commerce technical assistance. In its role as the administrator of the program, the NEPA team will vet businesses for eligibility and connect the business with one of the above local consultants to develop e-commerce platforms that support online sales. The program is designed to assist businesses in adapting to current market trends and generating sales and clients.
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New Markets Tax Credits Program
NEPA is soliciting capital projects that are in need of New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC). Specifically, we are seeking projects from eligible distressed census tracks within the Commonwealth of PA that have capital estimates ranging from $6-$60M. NEPA will be applying to the U.S. Treasury seeking a NMTC allocation for 2023. Contact Kurt Bauman or Steve Ursich. For more information on New Market Tax Credits, click here. |
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NEPA Alliance Membership Campaign |
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NEPA Alliance is conducting its annual membership campaign.
The NEPA Alliance values the opportunity to work with all stakeholders in our seven-county region. Our goal is to provide the best possible community and economic development services to create and retain jobs in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Membership Benefits
- FREE Networking Reception Invite for one Person ($125 Value)
- FREE Use of Meeting Space
- FREE Member Spotlight
- Discount on NEPA event costs
- Discount on Business Loan (.5%)
- Discounted Economic Impact Analysis/Research
- Sponsorship & Marketing Opportunities
NEPA Alliance serves businesses, communities and governments throughout seven counties and we need your assistance!
Our general annual membership starts at $295.
You can complete your membership online, including payment by clicking the button below.
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Need more information visit our membership hub or contact Donna Hritz at [email protected] or call 570-891-4666.
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NEPA Alliance has several loan programs available for small businesses located in Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne counties. |
These low cost, low interest loans offer reduced down payments and standard loan term maturities for machinery and equipment, land and building acquisition, construction and renovation. Loan rates are fixed and generally below the prime lending rate.
Eligible businesses include Manufacturers, Industrial, Agriculture/Agribusiness, Hospitality & Tourism Related Enterprises, Recyclers, Day Cares, Computer Related Services, Advanced Technology, and Retail and Service Related Businesses. Other business sectors may also qualify.
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Recently Funded Loans
Auto Sales and Service – Wilkes Barre
- This NEPA SBA 504 loan project was completed in partnership with First Keystone Community Bank for the purchase and improvement of commercial real estate.
Restaurant - Riegelsville
- This NEPA SBA 504 loan project was completed in partnership with Indigo Lending for the purchase of commercial real estate.
Event Center – Lansford
- This NEPA USDA RLF loan project was completed in partnership with The Dime Bank for the purchase and improvement of commercial real estate.
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NEPA Alliance Business Finance Corporation is a state-wide CDC allowing for NEPA BFC to lend SBA 504 Loans to eligible small businesses located in Pennsylvania.
Financing Structure
A bank or other lender finances 50% of the project cost and takes a first lien position on the assets financed. The SBA 504 loan finances 40% of the project cost, up to $5.5 million, and takes a second lien position. The borrower then contributes a down payment of as little as 10%.
Small Businesses can receive:
- Subordinate Financing
- Up to 90% Loan to Value
- Up to $5.5 Million in SBA Financing
- Unlimited Total Project Cost
SBA 504 Loans offer:
- As Little as 10% Equity Injection
- Terms up to 25 Years
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Guaranteed Fixed Interest Rate
*Eligibility Criteria Apply*
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The NASA Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) is pleased to announce its upcoming virtual event: Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs)…Step Up and Do Business with NASA. The virtual outreach and networking event takes place on Thursday, July 20, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET.
While all small businesses are welcome to attend, the event is specially designed for SDBs… there is a place for YOU at NASA! Attendees will hear from agency programs and learn about procurement opportunities and resources at NASA and throughout the federal government. This event will unpack how to engage with the agency strategically and successfully.
The educational session will share knowledge on how SDBs can “step up” and do business with NASA, offer guidance to successfully engage with agency partners, and provide in-depth instructions on how to certify as an SDB, to leverage non-traditional and emerging opportunities to gain experience growing their federal business. Attendees can also look forward to receiving an exclusive demo of the brand-new NASA Vendor Database. Did we mention that the event will feature SDB success stories? This is a terrific opportunity for attendees to learn from fellow SDB peers and find out how they achieved success by migrating into the federal government arena.
But wait…yes, there is more! Afterward, attendees will have the open opportunity to network with NASA’s Small Business experts and federal OSDBUs who can counsel attendees about the prime and sub-contracting process and other available opportunities. Attendees will also be able to engage with 12 virtual exhibitor booths and download valuable information to support their business!
High-Level Event Agenda:
- 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Educational Session
- 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Break
- 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Networking Sessions
Note: All virtual exhibitor booths will be open for the entire duration of the event!
Registration is limited, secure your spot today. The deadline to register for the event is July 13, 2023.
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Is Your Company Registered as a Vendor with NASA?
Overview of NVDB: The purpose of the NASA Vendor Database (NVDB) is to compile a database of vendors, both large and small, who wish to do business with NASA. The NVDB is utilized by NASA's Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) for outreach communications and Office of Procurement (OP) for market research and acquisition planning. The database may also be used by industry when searching for capabilities to support subcontracting opportunities or for networking purposes. Vendors can also include a capability statement and sign up to receive email alerts for NASA procurement notices posted on Sam.gov for contract opportunities.
By registering your business into the NVDB, you are expressing your interest in doing business with NASA and agreeing to share key information and capabilities of your business with NASA OSBP, NASA OP personnel and other registered vendors.
Registration in Sam.gov is required prior to registration in the NVDB.
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Steps to Register: Registering your business in the NASA Vendor Database is easy.
Step 1:
Register your business in Sam.gov. This step is required to register your business in the NASA Vendor Database.
Step 2:
Create a NASA Guest Account to collaborate and share information. Go to https://guest.nasa.gov and setup your NASA Guest Account. A guest account must be created first before accessing NVDB. Please follow the instructions provided with Guest Account Services.
Step 3:
After you have created a guest account, go to https://apps.nasa.gov/nvdb/ and click the Login button. When prompted for credentials, select the Agency ID option and provide your guest account credentials. This is usually the email address you registered with.
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After successfully logging in to NVDB, click the Register button to register your company in the NASA Vendor Database. Do a lookup of your company's Unique Entity ID (UEI) to pull information from sam.gov and review the information about your company. If you are ready to sign up, click the Register button and enter your point of contact information.
Source: NASA OSBP
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Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program Now Open
Pre-Application Deadline is July 17
The PennDOT 2023 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (TASA) is now open. TASA provides funding for projects that enhance pedestrian and bicycle facilities, improve access to public transportation, create safe routes to schools, preserve historic transportation structures, provide environmental mitigation, create trails that serve a transportation purpose, and promote safety and mobility.
The eligible applicants for TASA program funding include local governments; regional transportation authorities; transit agencies; natural resource or public land agencies; school districts, local education agencies or schools; tribal governments; any nonprofit entity; and any other local or regional governmental entity with responsibility for oversight of transportation or recreational trails.
Project sponsors are required to submit a draft application by July 17, 2023. A meeting with PennDOT District and Planning Partner staff will be held to review the draft application. Final applications are due by September 15, 2023. More information can be found on PennDOT's TASA website.
In addition to TASA funding, the NEPA MPO also has funding available for the Carbon Reduction Program and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program (Carbon County only). The funding eligibility and requirements are similar to the TASA Program. Applicants in the NEPA MPO region submitting projects under TASA will be screened for eligibility for these programs as well. For more information or questions, contact Kate McMahon, Senior Transportation Services Manager at 570-891-4670 or [email protected]. |
USDOT Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant Program
Application Deadline is August 21
USDOT has announced the availability of the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant Program. This funding supports the three major discretionary grant programs: MEGA, INFRA, and RURAL. Last year, the Department piloted the combined Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for these three programs to make it easier for communities to apply to one, two or three major discretionary grant programs with a single application and a common set of criteria. Following the overwhelmingly positive feedback from that process, USDOT decided to continue with a combined NOFO for the 2023 application cycle. The deadline for applications is August 21, 2023.
- $1.8 billion for the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) program: The Mega program supports large, complex projects that are difficult to fund by other means and are likely to generate national or regional economic, mobility, or safety benefits. Eligible projects could include highway, bridge, freight, port, passenger rail, and public transportation projects of national or regional significance.
- $3.1 billion for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program: The INFRA program awards competitive grants to multimodal freight and highway projects of national or regional significance to improve the safety, accessibility, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of freight and people in and across rural and urban areas. Eligible projects will improve safety, generate economic benefits, reduce congestion, enhance resiliency, and hold the greatest promise to eliminate supply chain bottlenecks and improve critical freight movements.
- $675 million for the Rural Surface Transportation Grant (Rural) program: The Rural program supports projects that improve and expand our nation’s surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas in order to increase connectivity, improve the safety and reliability of the movement of people and freight, and generate regional economic growth and improve quality of life. Eligible projects for Rural grants include highway, bridge, and tunnel projects that help improve freight, safety, and provide or increase access to agricultural, commercial, energy, or transportation facilities that support the economy of a rural area.
Applicants may find the NOFO, Frequently Asked Questions, and other helpful resources here. |
Safe Streets and Roads for All Program Program
Applications Due by July 10
The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program is now open through July 10, 2023. The program supports the development of a comprehensive safety action plan (Action Plan) that identifies the most significant roadway safety concerns in a community and the implementation of projects and strategies to address roadway safety issues. Two types of grants are awarded- Planning and Demonstration Grants to complete an Action Plan and Implementation Grants to implement the Action Plan. More information can be found here.
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Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP)
Summer 2023 Classes
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The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance has partnered with PennDOT to offer the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) training series in all seven NEPA counties: Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne.
Asphalt Roads Common Maintenance Problems
Friday, July 14, 2023
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
NEPA Alliance
1151 Oak Street
Pittston, PA 18640
(570) 655-5581
To register, visit the PennDOT LTAP website and log on using your username and password. First time users must set up an account by clicking on “Create Account.” For technical assistance when registering, call: 1-800-FOR-LTAP (1-800-367-5827) or contact Daniel Yelito, Transportation Services Manager, NEPA Alliance at 570-891-4652 or email [email protected].
LTAP will also continue offering online classes, webinars and virtual drop-in sessions. To learn more about upcoming virtual offerings, visit the PennDOT LTAP website. |
Nonprofit Compensation Report
NCAC is partnering with Candid to offer the Nonprofit Compensation Report to those in our network!
Our network of nonprofit organizations can obtain the nonprofit data they need through this offering! Candid's 2022 Nonprofit Compensation Report, which includes data from more than 101,000 nonprofit organizations, is a reliable source to benchmark and research nonprofit staff and executive compensation. The Scranton-Wilkes-Barre metropolitan statistical area is included in the report. If you are interested in purchasing the report, please contact Betsy Ardizoni, Community & Economic Development Services Manager, [email protected]
- NCAC Member $65
- NCAC Non Member $95
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Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority to Hold Community Engagement Events
Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (Authority) Executive Director Brandon Carson announced a series of upcoming public engagement activities to support the development of the Commonwealth’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity (DE) program plans. Extending and expanding access to broadband across Pennsylvania and making connection more reliable and affordable is a top priority of Governor Josh Shapiro and his Administration.
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Looking for New Nonprofit Grant Opportunities? |
Don’t forget that NCAC Members receive access and assistance in accessing the Foundation Directory Online, the most comprehensive foundation database. With access to informative profiles of over 235,000 U.S. foundations, you’ll know exactly which foundation fits your programmatic needs, how much to ask for and where to go for more information. NCAC members can receive access to the Foundation Directory Online by visiting our in-office workstation any time during normal business hours. Don’t forget that we’re here to help with all your nonprofit needs! For more information on this service, as well as membership benefits, contact Betsy Ardizoni, Community Services Manager for NCAC, at [email protected] or 570-891-4662. |
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Did you know that Black-owned businesses in Pennsylvania increased more than 15% from 2017-2020? Black-owned businesses were also more likely to be owned by women. To access this information, click here.
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"This institution is an equal opportunity employer." |
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