Appalachian Regional Commission Announces Up to $13 Million Available for Projects Supporting the Region’s Recovery Ecosystem
Funding available through INSPIRE addresses the substance use disorder (SUD) crisis in the Appalachian region by strengthening cross-sector recovery-focused partnerships, expanding peer recovery support networks, planning and implementing workforce training programs, and more to help facilitate workforce entry and re-entry.
Letters of Intent (LOI) for INSPIRE implementation grants up to $500,000 and planning grants up to $50,000 are due February 21, 2023. The deadline for final applications is March 17, 2023. Award announcements are anticipated to be made in fall 2023.
Key Dates for FY 2023 INSPIRE Initiative:
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February 15, 2023: Pre-Application Workshop (Virtual)
- February 21, 2023: Letters of Intent (LOI) due for INSPIRE implementation grants up to $500,000 and planning grants up to $50,000
- Pre-Application Workshops (In-person; registration information coming soon)
- February 23, 2023: Southern Appalachia (Belden, MS))
- February 28, 2023: Central Appalachia (Knoxville, TN)
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March 2, 2023: Grant Writing Workshop (Virtual)
- March 17, 2023: Final applications due
- September 2023: Awards announced
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Member Spotlight
WBS Penguins
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Get Connected Program Has Openings for Businesses in Northeastern Pennsylvania
The Get Connected Program, an eCommerce program for small businesses to improve their website presence and increase online sales, is actively seeking applications for businesses in Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, and Wayne counties. Information about the program and an application intake form are available here.
As part of the eligibility requirements, candidate firms must complete two online trainings that were developed by the Small Business Development Centers at The University of Scranton and Wilkes University. Registration for the first training is here. To be considered for the first-come, first-serve program, please complete the application intake form and the first training. NEPA is grateful to the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development and the Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners for their continued financial support of this Program.
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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 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
Professional Office - Dunmore
- This NEPA SBA 504 loan project was completed in partnership with Fidelity Bank for the purchase of commercial real estate.
Professional Office – Moscow
- The NEPA SSBCI loan project was completed in partnership with Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company for the purchase of commercial real estate and improvements.
Retail – Carbondale
- This NEPA SSBCI loan project was completed in partnership with Fidelity Bank for the purchase of commercial real estate.
Farm - Auburn
- This NEPA PIDA loan project was completed in partnership with Tompkins Bank for the purchase 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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Increasing Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors
Starting on January 1, 2023, the federal minimum wage for federal contractors has increased to $16.20 per hour. The US Department of Labor published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the increase in late 2022. This is the first increase to the federal minimum wage for federal contractors since the Biden Administration’s 2021 Executive Order which set it at $15.00. This Executive Order minimum wage generally applies to workers performing work on or in connection with federal contracts that are entered into, renewed, or extended (pursuant to an option or otherwise) on or after January 30, 2022, in the following four categories:
- Procurement contracts for construction covered by the DBA;
- Service contracts covered by the SCA;
- Concessions contracts, including any concessions contract excluded from the SCA by the Department’s regulations at 29 CFR 4.133(b); and
- Contracts in connection with federal property or lands and related to offering services for federal employees, their dependents, or the general public.
A change in the federal minimum wage for tipped workers performing work on a contract covered by the Executive Order also took effect on January 1, 2023. Tipped workers covered by the Executive Order now must generally be paid a minimum cash wage of $13.75 per hour.
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Trade Mission to Brazil and Chile
June 5-9, 2023
Are you looking to grow your export sales to South America? Consider joining the Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers’ Trade Mission to Brazil and Chile.
All participants will receive a pre-screened B2B meeting schedule with potential distributors, buyers, and joint venture partners. Participants will also benefit from market sector briefings, networking events and logistical support.
Sectors with high opportunity include energy, infrastructure, health, chemicals, defense and aviation, telecom, ITC, education and fintech services.
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RAISE Grant Program Now Open!
Application Deadline is February 28th
The U.S. Department of Transportation is currently accepting applications for funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program for FY 2023. Applications are due by February 28, 2023.
The RAISE Grant Program provides investments in surface transportation that will have a significant local or regional impact and projects that improve equity and environmental justice by addressing transportation-related disparities and climate change related consequences. Selected projects will improve safety, environmental sustainability, quality of life, mobility and community connectivity, economic competitiveness and opportunity, state of good repair, partnership and collaboration, and innovation. States, local governments, transit agencies and transportation authorities are eligible to apply. Funding can be used for a variety of capital projects and planning projects. More information can be found here. Please contact Kate McMahon, Senior Transportation Services Manager, with any questions. |
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.
NEPA is currently scheduling in-person classes for Spring 2023. If you are interested in requesting a class for your municipality, please 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 https://gis.penndot.gov/ltap/.
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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 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has available an Inflation Calculator that is based on the Consumer Price Index? To access the calculator, click here.
For additional information, contact Steve Zaricki at 570-891-4671 or 866-758-1929.
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"This institution is an equal opportunity employer." |
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