ARC Seeks Applicants for Projects Supporting Appalachians in Recovery from Substance Use Disorder

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) issued a notice of solicitation of applications (NOSA) for its Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative. INSPIRE supports projects that create or expand support services that help individuals impacted by substance use disorder (SUD) enter or reenter the workforce.

Required letters of intent (LOIs) are due May 12, 2026, and full applications are due June 15, 2026.

Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program

The Kania School of Management's Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program provides high potential leaders from regional nonprofit organizations, with the knowledge and insight required for success within the nonprofit sector. The program is presented in partnership with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Nonprofit Community Assistance Center (NCAC), and each cohort is led by experienced faculty, who are award winning researchers and teachers with significant expertise in practice and nonprofit organizations. Participants will gain specific insights and guidance to enable them to create an effective career roadmap and access meaningful networking opportunities.

This 13-month program consists of ten 4-hour in-person sessions and a separate closing ceremony. Throughout the year, participants will work on a selected personal leadership goal and a capstone project focused on identifying, researching, and formulating an action plan to address a current issue or opportunity facing your nonprofit organization. Upon completion, participants will receive a Nonprofit Leadership Certificate. 

For more information and how to apply click here.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Metropolitan Planning Organization (NEPA MPO) will host a second public open house on the PA 611 Corridor Study. Results from the project’s online survey, as well as feedback gathered during the first public open house will be shared. In addition, proposed recommendations developed as part of the study will be presented. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.

The open house is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Pocono Township Municipal Building, located at 205 Old Mill Rd, Tannersville, PA. A presentation on the corridor study will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by an opportunity for attendees to review interactive displays and maps of the study corridor, and engage directly with project staff. More information on the PA 611 Corridor Study can be found here.

NEPA Welcomes New Staff

We are pleased to announce that Jordan Schultz has joined the NEPA staff as an Accountant.

Jordan will be responsible for performing accounting functions for all of NEPA’s financial activities and subsidiaries.

Jordan earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Misericordia University. She resides in Pittston with her husband and daughter.

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 St. Lukes

This month, we are proud to feature St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN), a cornerstone of regional health and education since 1872. As a fully integrated, non-profit network with a net revenue exceeding $4.5 billion, St. Luke’s is not just a healthcare provider—it is a vital economic engine and a national leader in medical excellence.

With over 23,000 employees across 16 hospital campuses and 350+ outpatient sites, St. Luke’s is one of the region’s largest employers. Their footprint spans 11 counties across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, providing a seamless continuum of care from their specialized Children’s Hospital in Bethlehem to their highly regarded Occupational Medicine services.

St. Luke’s has redefined what "high-quality, low-cost care" looks like. In 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognized St. Luke’s as #1 in Quality, Safety, and Patient Experience—placing them ahead of globally recognized names like the Mayo Clinic and Houston Methodist.

St. Luke's isn't just about clinical outcomes; it’s about community impact. The Lown Institute recently ranked SLUHN as one of the most socially responsible hospitals in America, awarding them straight ‘A’ grades in equity, value, and outcomes.

While non-profit hospitals are expected to contribute 5% of their expenses to community benefit, St. Luke’s goes above and beyond. In 2023, the network devoted $408 million (16% of total operating expenses) to community activities—more than triple the federal requirement.

Beyond the bedside, St. Luke’s is the preeminent teaching hospital in central-eastern Pennsylvania:

• Medical Education: In partnership with Temple University, they host the Lehigh Valley’s only four-year medical school.
• Historic Nursing: They operate the nation’s oldest continuously running School of Nursing (established in 1884).
• Athletic Excellence: Their sports medicine programs serve over 100,000 youth and collegiate athletes, placing licensed athletic trainers in school districts to revolutionize local sports safety.

From infrastructure funding and workforce development in Schuylkill, Carbon, and Monroe counties to their rigorous sponsorship of local non-profits, St. Luke’s remains deeply integrated into the fabric of our region.  We are honored to have St. Luke’s University Health Network as a member of our community, setting the standard for compassionate, world-class healthcare right here at home.

For more information on St. Luke’s University Health Network visit: www.slhn.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

Plastics Manufacturing – Allentown

• This SBA 504 loan was completed in partnership with First Keystone Community Bank for the purchase of equipment.

Personal Services – Kingston

• This NEPA Alliance EDA and SSCBI loan was closed in partnership with Peoples Security Bank and Trust for the purchase and improvement 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.

Cut Costs, Not Corners:

10 Practical Steps to CMMC Compliance Webinar

Join us for a FREE webinar hosted by Core Business Solutions and discover how to achieve CMMC compliance without overspending. Learn smart, practical strategies to prioritize requirements, avoid unnecessary upgrades, and reduce risk while controlling costs.

Save your spot today and take the next step toward efficient, effective compliance at No Cost!

Take Control of Your Compliance Journey by Registering Now!

Building Success Through Partnership

The Mentor-Protégé Program offers a powerful pathway for small businesses to grow by partnering with experienced, established companies. Through this relationship, protégés gain valuable guidance in areas like compliance, operations, and business development while mentors can expand their network and strengthen their supply chain.

For organizations navigating requirements like CMMC, this program provides a strategic advantage by accelerating readiness, reducing risk, and opening doors to new contracting opportunities. It’s a smart, collaborative approach to building capability, credibility, and long-term success.

Ready to take the next step? Discover how the Mentor-Protégé Program can elevate your business. Click here to learn more and unlock new opportunities.

Tip of the Month: Spring Refresh for SAM.gov

As you refresh your business for the season, don’t forget your SAM.gov registration!

Keeping it active and up to date is essential. An expired registration can immediately disqualify you from contract opportunities. Take a few minutes this month to ensure everything is current so you can stay eligible and ready to win new work.



Not up to date? Give us a call and we can help! 570-655-5581 option 2.

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

Food Export, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council, will host its first Hardwood Product Buyers Mission in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, July 14 in Clearfield, PA. View the event flyer for full details.

This in-person event will connect U.S. hardwood companies with pre-qualified international buyers from key markets including South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Chile, Egypt, France, and India. View the Buyer Profiles to learn more.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with vetted buyers, gain insight into their products’ export potential, and build valuable face-to-face relationships that can lead to qualified export sales.

Early registration: $175, Deadline: May 14, 2026

Final registration deadline: June 12, 2026

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

USDOT Safe Streets
and Roads for All Program

Application Period Closes May 26, 2026

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) is currently accepting applications for funding through its Safe Streets and Roads for All Program for 2026-2027. The application period closes on May 26, 2026 at 5:00pm EDT.

Funding from an SS4A Planning and Demonstration Grant can be used to develop a comprehensive safety action plan to prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries. Municipalities with an existing eligible action plan may also apply for an SS4A Implementation Grant. Metropolitan Planning Organizations, counties, municipalities, and multijurisdictional entities are eligible to apply. A local match of 20% is required. More information can be found on the USDOT 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.

Traffic Calming

Thursday, May 7, 2026

08:00 a.m. - 03:00 p.m.

Schuylkill Transportation System

300 Wade Road

Saint Clair, PA 17970

(570) 429-2701

Erosion and Sedimentation Control

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Back Mountain Emergency Services Building

3593 State Route 118

Dallas, PA 18612

(570) 675-0636

Local Road Safety Plans

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Dingman Township Firehall

118 Fisher Lane

Milford, PA 18337

(570) 296-8455

Road Surface Management

Thursday, May 14, 2026

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Pike County Training Center

135 Pike County Blvd.

Lords Valley, PA 18428

(570) 296-1960

Trucks on Local Roads

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

White Haven Library

121 Towanda Street

White Haven, PA 18661

(570) 443-8776

Full Depth Reclamation

Thursday, May 28, 2026

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Sugarloaf Township Building

858 Main Street

Sugarloaf, PA 18249

(570) 788-3575



Public Works Safety

Thursday, June 11, 2026

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall

101 E 10th St, 

Jim Thorpe, PA 

(570) 325-4546

NEPA is scheduling additional Summer 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.

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.