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.

Need more information? Visit our membership hub, or contact Donna Hritz at dhritz@nepa-alliance.org or call 570-891-4666.

Member Spotlight Maternal and Family Health Services

Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS) is a nonprofit, safety-net provider of women’s health care, nutrition services, comprehensive and confidential family planning, and perinatal care. MFHS serves over 90,000 individuals annually across 17 counties in Eastern Pennsylvania and is the largest WIC provider in the Commonwealth.

They are invested in improving health outcomes and are uniquely positioned to address the barriers faced by so many resource-limited women and families in our community.

MFHS provides several core programs including the WIC Nutrition program, reproductive care, cancer screenings, the Nurse-Family Partnership, and prenatal care. In their newly expanded Scranton office, they also offer wrap-around services that include postpartum depression counseling, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, ultrasounds, transportation assistance, infant and child safety programming, and a personal hygiene pantry.

In their last customer service survey, two of the words MFHS participants mention most often in response to the survey question: “What is MFHS good at?” are “Helping” and “Caring”. The responses to this question are varied, but with a common theme around helping and caring that is evidence of MFHS staff dedication and commitment to service.

To learn more about Maternal and Family Health Services, visit their website at www.mfhs.org

NEPA Alliance has several loan programs available for small businesses located in Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, and Wayne counties and all of Pennsylvania.

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.

To learn more about these loan programs, email financing@nepa-alliance.org or call 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.

Recently Funded Loans

Paper Products Manufacturing – Bensalem

• This SBA 504 loan was completed in partnership with Cathay Bank for the purchase of commercial real estate.

Full-Service Restaurant – Dunmore

• This SBA Community Advantage loan was completed for the purchase of equipment.

Limited-Service Restaurant – Wyoming

• This NEPA Alliance EDA/ARC loan was completed in partnership with M&T Bank for the purchase of real estate.

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
• Guaranteed Fixed Interest Rate

*Eligibility Criteria Apply*

To learn more about these loan programs, email financing@nepa-alliance.org or call 570-655-5581 or 866-758-1929.

Certifications: Demystifying WOSB, SDVOSB, and 8(a) Eligibility

Federal small business certifications can open the door to valuable contracting opportunities and provide businesses with a competitive advantage in the government marketplace. Certified businesses may benefit from:

• Access to sole-source contracting opportunities and competitive set-aside contracts.
• Guidance and support from federal procurement experts.
• One-on-one business development assistance from dedicated Business Opportunity Specialists.
• Opportunities to form joint ventures with established federal contractors.
• Priority access to federal surplus property and other resources that support business growth and success.

Understanding the eligibility requirements for certifications such as the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and SBA 8(a) Business Development Program is the first step toward taking advantage of these federal contracting opportunities.

Strengthen Your Capability Statement

Make Your Capability Statement Work for You

Your capability statement is one of your most valuable business development tools—and a strong one can help you stand out with contracting officers and potential teaming partners. If you haven't updated yours recently, now is the perfect time.

A strong capability statement should:

• Clearly define your core competencies and what sets your business apart.
• Highlight relevant past performance, certifications, and key company information.
• Be tailored to your target agencies rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Remain concise, visually appealing, and easy to scan.

Quick Tip: Review your capability statement every 6–12 months to ensure it reflects your latest contracts, certifications, services, and accomplishments. Keeping it current can help position your business for new federal contracting opportunities.

Make the Most of Networking Season

Summer offers a wealth of opportunities to connect with industry leaders, government agencies, and potential teaming partners. Whether attending conferences, industry days, or networking events, building meaningful relationships today can lead to valuable contracting opportunities tomorrow.

Make the most of the season by:

• Attending industry days, conferences, and outreach events to stay informed and expand your network.
• Reconnecting with agency contacts, prime contractors, and teaming partners to strengthen existing relationships.
• Building your business development pipeline through strategic conversations and meaningful connections.

Remember, successful networking is about more than exchanging business cards—it's about establishing relationships that can lead to future partnerships and long-term business growth.

For more information or assistance with government contracting visit apex.nepa-alliance.org or call (570) 655-5581 option 2.

The APEX Accelerator is funded in part though a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense. Please give the Office of Small Business Programs your feedback on the NEPA Alliance Apex Accelerator’s performance.

International Trade Assistance News

Go Global: New Markets. New Customers Exporting Basics for Small Businesses

Thursday, September 24, 2026

9:00 – 10:00 AM

Join the University of Scranton and Wilkes University Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) for an introductory webinar on exporting.

Thinking about selling your products internationally? Whether you're exploring the idea or ready to get started, this webinar will help you understand export readiness, the export process, and opportunities in global markets.

You'll also learn about regional, state, national, and international resources available to support your exporting journey. Discover how exporting can increase sales, expand your customer base, and support long-term business growth.

This webinar is ideal for small business owners interested in exploring international markets.

For more information on international business development assistance, contact Debbie Langan at dlangan@nepa-alliance.org or 570-891-4645. 

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.

Temporary Traffic Control

Thursday, September 3, 2026

8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Dingman Township Firehall

680 Log Tavern Road,

Milford, PA 18337

(570) 296-8455

Winter Maintenance Planning

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Delaware Township Municipal Building

116 Wilson Hill Road,

Dingman's Ferry, PA 18328

(570) 828-2347

Winter Maintenance

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Delaware Township Municipal Building

116 Wilson Hill Road,

Dingman's Ferry, PA 18328

(570) 828-2347

NEPA is scheduling additional Fall and Winter 2026 classes. Please contact Daniel Yelito, Transportation Services Manager, at 570-655-5581 ext. 264 or email dyelito@nepa-alliance.org if you are interested in holding an LTAP class in your area. 

Also, please reach out to us to connect your municipality to LTAP's technical experts with a Tech Assist that is available to help you troubleshoot almost any local transportation maintenance or safety concern, which provides customized guidance to a host of transportation-related issues.



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.

Don’t forget that NCAC Members receive access and assistance in accessing Candid's online Foundation Directory, the most comprehensive foundation database. With access to informative profiles of over 299,000 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 guided access to the Foundation Directory 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.