PennTAP News & Announcements

Cedar Grove Farm wanted to replace their existing outdoor batch grain dryer with a more energy efficient continuous flow grain dryer. PennTAP Advisor Alanna Colvin assisted the farm with grant applications, which led to two grants being awarded to help fund the equipment upgrade. Read more.

The U.S. Department of Labor is seeking applicants for the fourth round of Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative funding — $34.2 million is available in this round, with awards ranging from $150,000 to $1.5 million. The WORC Initiative aims to help rural communities create and promote new, sustainable job opportunities in competitive industries, particularly in regions that have suffered significant job losses in the energy extraction industry. Learn more and apply.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners, an award-winning tech-based economic development program, is looking for innovators with BIG IDEAS who are developing new products or processes in the agriculture (AG) and food/beverage industries. Winners will receive up to $25,000 in cash and an opportunity to pitch the business concept for a $10,000 seed grant. Learn more and apply.
The WEDnetPA program provides qualified employers training funds for new and existing employees. WEDnetPA is a unique, collaborative partnership of community colleges, state system universities and other educational institutions working together to be responsive to the needs of Pennsylvania’s business community. Learn more and apply.
The Strategic Early Warning Network (SEWN) is a Pennsylvania based program with the express purpose of saving jobs by restoring small and medium sized manufacturing companies to good health. SEWN services are provided at no cost to the company through a partnership with the PA Department of Labor and Industry. The three key components to SEWN’s services are stabilizing the financial situation, helping to rebuild the operating platform, and repositioning the business for future success with a growth-based business plan. These strategies are customized for every company based on the situation. For more information, contact SEWN at sewn@steelvalley.org or 412-342-0534.
Featured Regional Highlights
Northeastern PA

The Spark Wilkes-Barre Grant Program was launched to generate economic development activity in Wilkes-Barre by facilitating the growth of new companies and relocation of existing businesses to the City of Wilkes-Barre. Spark Wilkes-Barre is a grant program available to entrepreneurs, startup businesses, or relocating businesses that can be used towards rent in year one of a lease at an approved location within the City of Wilkes-Barre, as well as reimbursable parking fees. Learn more and apply.

The new Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) office, which is the first field office in the history of the organization, includes access to a state-of-the-art in-person and virtual training room and is located within the CAN BE Innovation Center at 103 Rotary Drive, West Hazleton. NEPIRC announced a series of no-cost seminars and workshops that will be hosted at its Hazleton location during the months of July, August and September. Visit NEPIRC's Training & Events page to see the complete list of offerings.
To learn more about what's going on in Northeastern PA, contact PennTAP Advisor Krista Schneider.
Upcoming Webinars & Events
Hosted by PennTAP
Date: July 21, 2022
Time: 11:00 am – Noon

Improving energy efficiency and reducing energy-related costs can often require investment in new equipment, technology, or controls. Often, many companies are eligible to apply for funding to assist with improvement efforts. This webinar will cover funding opportunities for small to mid-sized companies throughout Pennsylvania. Learn more and register.
Hosted by PennTAP
Date: July 28, 2022
Time: 8:30 – 11:30 am
Location: Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) North Campus

The SWPA EE Roundtable has teamed up with PA Solar Center and the CCAC North Campus to provide an in-person presentation on the G.E.T. Solar program and showcase CCAC North’s new 543kW solar installment, which was facilitated by the G.E.T. Solar program. Learn more and register.
Hosted by Altoona LaunchBox supported by the Hite family
Date: July 12, 2022
Time: Noon - 12:30 pm

Finding and attracting the best talent is key to building a successful business. The "great resignation" and today's talent shortage have put a new spin on this topic. Sherri Steward, Director of Human Resources at NPC, will share key insights to put you on the path to effectively building your team. Learn more and register.
Lean Manufacturing Level One Certification
Hosted by the Innovative Manufacturer Center (IMC)
Date: Starts Sept. 15 & 16
Time: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Locations: Williamsport & State College

Lean Manufacturing Level One Certification is a comprehensive series of workshops that introduces Lean principles. Each participant will learn how to discover improvement opportunities within their company and how to capitalize on them in a team-based format to create real value through reduced costs, increased cash flow and improved customer satisfaction. Learn more and register for either Williamsport or State College.