WalkWorks Active Transportation

Planning Grant Program

Application Period Closes March 20th

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), 

in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) is currently accepting applications for funding through its WalkWorks Active Transportation Planning Grant Program for 2026-2027. Applications are due by March 20th, 2026, at 5:00PM.

The aim of this program is to facilitate the development of land use plans and policies at the local and regional levels that allow for the development of activity-friendly routes connecting to everyday destinations. Priority will be given to communities located in PA Department of Health State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) and Diabetes priority counties.

Boroughs, townships, cities, and counties are eligible. No match is required for priority communities. Match for non-priority communities must equal the requested grant amount. More information can be found here.

Office Space Available

NEPA Alliance has 292 square feet in office space available for rent at 1151 Oak Street, Pittston PA, 18640. Our office is conveniently located near the intersection of I-81, PA Turnpike – 476 and SR 315 and includes off street parking, security system, meeting space (25-person board room and 8-person conference room), virtual conferencing equipment and smart boards.

Facility benefits include co-locating with the NEPA Nonprofit & Community Assistance Center’s Foundation Directory Online access, visitor parking, and shared kitchen. Additional fee-based services may include accounting/bookkeeping, Information Technology, phone system, shared copiers/printers, and US Postal Service equipment/service. Support may also be provided for nonprofit organizations that align with our mission, if needed.

For additional information, please contact Kurt Bauman, V.P. Community & Economic Development Services at kbauman@nepa-alliance.org or at 570-510-4419.

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

The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau

The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) is dedicated to driving regional prosperity by promoting tourism and providing comprehensive marketing for its communities and members. Beyond being a destination marketer, the PMVB acts as a vital connector—uniting tourists, residents, and businesses to enhance the economic and environmental well-being of Wayne, Pike, Monroe, and Carbon counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

PMVB prides themselves on being a full-service, in-house resource for their members. By bypassing outside agencies, they offer expert services including digital strategy, video production, graphic design, and broadcast television through the Pocono Television Network at little to no cost. Their partnership with NEPA Alliance further strengthens their impact, providing them with essential data, and a powerful network of business leaders to help the Poconos thrive.

We invite you to explore everything PMVB’s region has to offer. For more information on the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau or to see their work in action through the Pocono Television Network, visit PoconoMountains.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

Self-Storage – Stroudsburg

• This SBA 504 loan was completed in partnership with MCT Bank for the purchase of and improvement of real estate.

Professional Services – Wilkes Barre

• This NEPA Alliance EDA and SSCBI loan was closed in partnership with Journey 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.

Navigating CMMC Fundamentals & Certification Preparation Webinar

Thursday, March 19^th at 2:00 PM

CMMC compliance begins with knowing the framework, certification levels, and the types of data that shape your requirements. This free webinar covers the basics—FCI vs. CUI, certification options, timelines, and the key steps contractors should complete before an assessment. It’s intended for organizations that want clear guidance before investing time and resources.

Get to Know the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification

The Department of War (DoW) is ramping up their cybersecurity measures. Are you ready? Do you want to learn more about what this new cybersecurity implementation means to you?

This article explains the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), a required cybersecurity standard for contractors working with the U.S. government, especially the DoW. It describes the three levels of certification from basic cybersecurity practices to more advanced protections and stresses that companies need to understand what level applies to them and prepare early by assessing their cybersecurity and closing any gaps before formal assessments.

Read more here.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore State and Local Government Contracting

The article highlights the opportunities business owners may find in contracting with State and Local governments. This market can allow businesses to expand product sales by providing goods and services “closer to home” by accessing local or regional government agencies. NEPA Alliance's APEX Accelerator can assist you in exploring these options for growing your business market opportunities, please contact us for a further consultation.

Read more here.

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

Export Controls Under ITAR & EAR Webinar

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 │ 9:00 – 11:00 am

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 │ 9:00 – 11:00 am

Join us to learn how to navigate the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). You will learn how to properly classify goods and services and obtain the necessary licensing and permission to export. This program will provide a solid understanding of the ITAR and EAR and changes under Export Control Reform. This 2-part webinar series will cover:



• Responsibility for Compliance
• Registration Requirements
• Customer Screening
• U.S. Munitions List
• Commerce Control List
• Violations and Penalties

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

DCED Multimodal

Transportation Fund

Application Period Closes July 31

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)is currently accepting applications for funding through its Multimodal Transportation Fund for 2026-2027. The application period closes on July 31, 2026. 

Funding can be used to coordinate local land use with transportation assets to enhance existing communities. Eligible projects include streetscapes, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, projects improving pedestrian safety, connectivity or utilization of existing transportation assets, and projects related to transit-oriented development. 

Municipalities, counties, school districts, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, rail freight and passenger rail entities are eligible to apply. A local match of 30% is required. More information can be found on the DCED 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.

Stormwater Control Measures

Operations & Maintenance

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Honesdale Chamber Building

32 Commercial St,

Honesdale, PA 18431

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.

PennDOT Connects

Municipal Outreach Sessions

Municipal administrators, planners, engineers and community leaders are invited to attend an upcoming workshop in your PennDOT district to discuss how PennDOT Connects can help your community. The workshops will be held in-person and virtually.

Thursday, March 26, 2026

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

PennDOT District 5

1002 Hamilton Street

Allentown, PA 18101

Register Here

Thursday, April 2, 2026

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

PennDOT District 4

55 Keystone Industrial Park

Dunmore, PA 18512

Register Here

The municipal outreach/peer exchange sessions will consist of an interactive workshop that engages participants in peer exchange and idea-sharing. Municipalities will have the opportunity to interact with PennDOT, their local metropolitan planning organization or rural planning organization (MPO or RPO) staff, and one another. These sessions will include a demonstration of PennDOT One Map GIS Platform, as well as information on other resources available through PennDOT’s Municipal Outreach Program. To learn more about PennDOT Connects, click here.

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 Kurt Bauman, VP Community & Economic Development Services at (570) 891-4665.

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.