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

Center City Print

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.

For more information visit CenterCityPrint.com

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

Retail – Pocono Lake

• This NEPA Alliance USDA RMAP loan was completed in partnership with Wayne Bank for the purchase of commercial 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.

The Tri-State APEX Accelerator Mega Matchmaker offers small businesses a unique opportunity to connect virtually with buyers from the military, as well as federal, state, and local government agencies. This online event enables businesses to schedule one-on-one appointments in advance. APEX Accelerators from New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio have once again partnered to host one of the nation's largest virtual procurement events, bringing together government buyers and suppliers in a single, streamlined platform. Registration is linked below; there are no fees to attend!

Calling All Manufacturers

The DoD is modernizing with Physna's technology to boost efficiency and innovation. Physna is expanding its supplier network, helping manufacturers connect their capabilities to DoD part needs with AI tools. We are proud to co-sponsor this in partnership with event with NEPRIC.

Navigating the Federal Government Contracting Landscape

This article provides insights into the fundamental aspects of navigating the Federal Government contracting system. It contains helpful tips for business owners and those interested in pursuing contracting opportunities in an easy-to-understand breakdown of the best practices required to enter or maintain a presence in the market. 

Please also know that the staff at the NEPA APEX Accelerator is here to guide you and assist your business through the steps outlined in the article.

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

Foreign Trade Zone Webinar

January 21, 2026

10:00 – 11:00 am

This free webinar is offered by our sister-agency, SAP&DC.

The Impact of BusinessPA International

How BusinessPA International and NEPA supported Pennsylvania companies last fiscal year.

Expand Your Reach: Year-Round Export Support from Pennsylvania

The Trade Representatives are available year-round for virtual meetings and are eager to assist with your export inquiries. Pennsylvania maintains 13 Authorized Trade Representatives serving 44 international markets. Export assistance is also offered in the Caribbean, Central and South America, Africa, the Arab Gulf Region, and Japan. Contact Debbie Langan for more information or to connect with any of these offices.

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

PennDOT Green Light – Go Program

Pre-Application Scoping forms due by January 2, 2026

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is currently accepting applications for funding through its Green Light – Go Program for 2026. Pre-application scoping forms are required and will be accepted until January 2, 2026. PennDOT will review and provide comments on the Pre-Application Scoping Forms by February 28, 2026. Final applications will be accepted from March 1 to March 31, 2026. 

The Green Light – Go Program is a competitive state program designed to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals. The total amount of funding available is $40 million. Funding can be used for a range of projects, including signal retiming, LED replacement, signal monitoring, modernization upgrades, a study to remove unwarranted signals, and installation of innovative technologies. Municipalities, counties, and Metropolitan or Rural Planning Organizations are eligible to apply. A local match of 20% is required. More information can be found on the PennDOT website here.

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 spring 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. 

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.

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.

Economic Impact Modeling Services

The NEPA Alliance Research & Information Center utilizes IMPLAN Modeling Software to determine the economic impact of projects. Using IMPLAN, NEPA Alliance can demonstrate the economic impact of a new business, income generated by tourism, economic contribution of higher education institutions, and more. NEPA Alliance offers Economic Impact Modeling Services to the community at a fee. To learn more, click here or contact Tyler Day, Community & Economic Development Manager, at (570) 891-4656.

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 Colleen Burns Ecklund, Community & Economic Development Manager.

Did You Know...?

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Metropolitan Area was recently listed as a top 10 most desirable metros in the United States where home costs are still affordable. A link to the article can be found here.

This map produced by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania shows the median home sale price by county in 2024. In our region, Pike County had the highest median home sale price in 2024 at $299,999 while Schuylkill County had the lowest median home sale price in 2024 at $110,000.