'Winning the Grant' is a one-day session designed to assist prospective applicants identify and learn the best strategies to win grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and other federal agencies. Participants will have the opportunity to meet potential partners and funders. To learn more about this event and register, click here. | |
ARC Accepting Applications for Summer Study Programs in Entrepreneurship and STEM for Region’s Middle and High School Students | |
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The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) opened applications for two summer study opportunities: the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA) and the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge. Both programs, planned for summer 2023, are free intensive learning experiences specifically for the Appalachian Region’s high school and/or middle school students and teachers.
The Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA), developed in partnership with Appalachian State University, EntreEd, and STEM West, prepares the next generation of regional entrepreneurial leaders and thinkers. High school students from across Appalachia will be selected to participate in a comprehensive learning curriculum designed to cultivate creativity, sharpen business acumen, and develop skills essential for entrepreneurial success. The students will have the opportunity to develop and implement business ideas, refine and prototype those ideas, and eventually deliver a shark-tank-style pitch presentation for an audience of entrepreneurs. AEA will be held from July 6-19, 2024, at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. More information and application materials are available at www.arc.gov/AEA.
The Appalachian STEM Academy is a hands-on learning experience for Appalachia’s middle and high school students, as well as high school teachers in STEM-related fields. Hosted by Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, this program is a gateway to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the Appalachian Region. Working with award-winning scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, high school and middle school students conduct guided group science, math, and computer
science technology research projects, while high school teachers work with science practitioners to develop STEM-related curriculum. Many students gain their first exposure to applied science and STEM education through this experience.
- Middle School STEM Academy Session 1: July 6-12, 2024
- Middle School STEM Academy Session 2: July 13-19, 2024
- High School STEM Academy: July 6-19, 2024
The programs will be held at Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. More information and application materials are available at www.arc.gov/STEM.
Applications for both opportunities are due February 2, 2024.
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Member Spotlight
Center City Print
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This month’s membership spotlight is Center City Print. NEPA spoke with Dave Graff, Chief Marketing Officer.
Founded in 2012, Center City Print is a full-service printing company based in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The company specializes in stationery and marketing collateral, direct mail services, large format and graphic design. Center City Print is committed to the community of Northeastern Pennsylvania through monetary donations, in-kind services, volunteer services, and advisory councils.
As a full-service printing company, Center City Print provides standard print products such as business cards, envelopes, brochures, presentation folders, and copy services. They also provide large format printing such as seating charts, donation checks, vinyl banners, yard signs, and vinyl decals.
Center City Print is Northeastern Pennsylvania’s community print partner. They often find themselves advising and designing event signage for community events, nonprofit fundraisers, and even formal events. They lend a helping hand whenever possible, provide advice when necessary, and support organizations of all sizes.
Center City Print is fortunate to have customers who are active within the community and strive to make the area a better place. Their customers value their quality, affordability, and excellent customer service. They truly value each and every one of their customers and look forward to many great things they will achieve in Northeastern PA.
Mr. Graff stated, “Our membership at NEPA Alliance has benefited us in many ways. Most directly, we have worked with the APEX team to establish ourselves in the federal and state contracting system. This experience has opened the door to many opportunities. Our membership has also made us more aware of the many great benefits NEPA Alliance has to offer including educational seminars, local development projects, and financial opportunities.”
For more information visit CenterCityPrint.com
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NEPA Alliance Membership Campaign | |
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
Meat Processor – Honesdale
- This NEPA BFC SBA 504 loan project was completed in partnership with The Dime Bank for the renovation of commercial real estate and purchase of equipment.
Retail Store – Forty Fort
- This NEPA Alliance EDA/ARC loan project was completed in partnership with First National 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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NASA's Kennedy Space Center Virtual Events
The APEX Team wanted to make sure you are plugged in to the following virtual events NASA’s Kennedy Space Center will be conducting in 2024:
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Tuesday, February 6
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET
How to do Business with Rothe / ARES Joint Venture
Click here to register.
Tuesday, March 5
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET
How to do Business with PCI Productions, LLC
Click here to register.
Tuesday, April 2
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET
How to do Business with Jones Edmunds & Associates, Inc.
Click here to register.
Tuesday, May 7
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET
How to do Business with Salas O’Brien
Click here to register.
Log-in information will be provided after registration, within the Eventbrite confirmation. Contact NASA OSBP-KSC at [email protected] for questions or more information.
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The Small Business Administration is seeking public comment on a proposed revision of its methodology for defining small enterprises. The 2023 version includes the disparity ratio approach for calibrating the representation of small businesses in awarded federal contracts, as well as the use of the next-generation Federal Procurement Data System, a.k.a. FPDS, to calculate size standards based on industry factors.
Read more . . .
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2024 NSWC Philadelphia Division Hybrid Industry Day
The Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) will be hosting a hybrid Industry Day Event on January 30, 2024, from 10:00 AM - 1:50 PM (EST) in Philadelphia, PA and via Microsoft Teams. This event is to provide an opportunity for industry to better understand the requirements of the NSWCPD and to assist industry in their efforts to do business with the Navy. All federal contractors (large and small) that are interested in NSWCPD contracting and subcontracting opportunities representing all industries that provide services or supplies related to NSWCPD requirements are encouraged to attend this event. There is no cost to attend this event.
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Choosing the Correct Payment Option
for Your Exports - Webinar
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
10:00 – 11:00 AM
In a global marketplace, exporters need to offer their customers attractive sales terms supported by the appropriate payment methods. Understand the payment process so you can choose correctly.
For most companies, it's important to get paid for their exports. Of course, most companies would prefer payment up-front, before goods are shipped. However, the realities of making a sale—particularly when you are competing against other potential suppliers—mean you need to choose a payment option that minimizes your risk while accommodating the needs of the buyer and maximizing the competitiveness of your products.
Join us for this one-hour webinar as our speaker discusses the various payment options that a seller and a buyer may agree upon, when it's appropriate to use each of the options, and the advantages and risks of each.
You'll Learn About:
- Cash-in Advance
- Letters of Credit
- Documentary Collections
- Open Account
- Consignment
Who Should Attend:
- Anyone in your company who manages payment risk
- Anyone interested in attracting new customers with competitive payment terms
- Anyone responsible for import or export operations
- Management
- Trade compliance specialists
- International/global logistics personnel
- Directors of global distribution
- Finance professionals
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.
The webinar will be presented by Bob Imbriani, Executive Vice President / International, Team Worldwide.
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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 FFY 2024. Applications are due by February 28, 2024.
The RAISE 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.
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National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Funding | |
PennDOT recently announced program details for Round 1A of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding opportunity. The proposal period opened on December 11, 2023 and close on January 26, 2024.
The PA NEVI program includes multiple rounds of funding. Round 1A will focus on closing gaps along the Alternative Fuel Corridors for electric vehicle (EV) charging following Round 1 project selections. Thirty-five corridor-groups are eligible for funding in Round 1A. A map of priority locations eligible for Round 1A funding can be found here. In addition, an interactive map of EV registrations in the state can be found here.
For the Round 1A funding, PennDOT estimates approximately $22 million in funds will be available for projects around the state. The PA NEVI program is a reimbursement program and proposers are required to provide a minimum 20% match. Funds for the PA NEVI program are to be awarded on a competitive basis to plan, design, construct, operate and maintain EV Station Infrastructure sites across Pennsylvania.
To learn more, visit the PennDOT NEVI website.
| Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) | |
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) 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 scheduling Winter and Spring 2024 classes. Please contact Daniel Yelito, Transportation Services Manager, at 570-655-5581 ext. 264 or email [email protected] if you are interesting in holding an LTAP class in your area.
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.
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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 Kurt Bauman, VP Community & Economic Development Services.
- NCAC Member $65
- NCAC Non Member $95
| 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 Kurt Bauman, VP Community & Economic Development Services. | |
New data was recently released on travel times to work. Some counties in the Northeastern Pennsylvania region have commute times well below the national average while others have some of the longest commutes in the country. The average commute time for the seven-county region is 27.3 minutes, which is similar to the national average of 27 minutes. There are significant differences by county however. Lackawanna County residents have some of the shortest commutes in Pennsylvania at only 21 minutes. Meanwhile, residents of Monroe and Pike Counties have the longest commute times in the state at over 40 minutes.
Lackawanna County – 21 minutes
Luzerne County – 24 minutes
Schuylkill County – 27 minutes
Wayne County - 28 minutes
Carbon County – 32 minutes
Monroe County – 40 minutes
Pike County – 44 minutes
Additional information about commute times can be found on the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. For additional information, contact Tyler Day, Community & Economic Development Manager, at 570-891-4656 or 866-758-1929.
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