This Week in Danville...

Purple Hippo brings

"fun and whimsical" to Danville

Owners, Dan and Carrie Bitner, started their business, Purple Hippo, on a whim. Their first location, based in Milton, opened in 2015. Initially, the business was a traveling

t-shirt/accessories stand at fairs and carnivals.

Prior to starting a business Dan and Carrie worked in Human Services and were looking for a way to travel while still making money. "We had the desire to work for ourselves after working in human services in Harrisburg for many, many years. We are both very good at working with people and the public and so it just became natural that we would eventually decide to open a retail shop."

They traveled primarily in Pennsylvania and the east coast. They did this for approximately two years before deciding to settle in a physical location in Bloomsburg, PA inside the Columbia Mall. "We were there for one year and then Dan found a small place that was available in Milton."

Upon relocating to Bloomsburg, the business evolved into a pipe shop and CBD product store which they felt had much better prospects for the future then a t-shirt business.

Purple Hippo, located at 348 Mill Street, joined the Danville community in February 2019 after the owner of the former guitar store informed Dan and Carrie that the shop would be available. Dan and Carrie saw "lots of potential in downtown Danville!"

Why Purple Hippo, you ask? "We wanted a name that was fun and whimsical and noticed that a lot of business names had a color and an animal, especially where I am from originally (near Ocean City, MD; there is The Green Turtle, Purple Moose, etc.) and we thought Purple Hippo felt good. Dan’s niece, who is a graphic novel artist, designed our logo and we say it looks like Dan."

Purple Hippo offers a variety of products. "We have many smoking products, various CBD items - tincture, pain cream and gummies, incense, and many 'hippie' items such as tie dye shirts, dresses, handbags, home décor, and more. We are able to offer really nice items at very reasonable prices. We are always being told how good our prices are."

Dan and Carrie serve customers of all ages and backgrounds and love getting to know each and every one (*Customers must be 21+ to purchase smoking/CBD products).

Purple Hippo are members of the Danville Business Alliance and enjoy participating in the Spring Fling and Fall Festival here in Danville and still participate in a few other festivals and fairs around the state.

Thank you, Purple Hippo - Dan & Carrie - for joining our community. We are so happy to have you!

Small Business COVID Resiliency: 12 Ways to Reimagine Your Business Model

Creative Approaches from

Main Street America

Matthew Wagner, Ph.D., NMSC Vice President of Revitalization Programs, discusses 12 ways businesses can reimagine their business models to ensure both short-term and long-term success.

As we approach the five-month mark of the global pandemic within the U.S., Main Street businesses are still adapting to the ever-changing realities of operating a business during a public health crisis. Adjusting to reopening guidelines that change on a regular basis as conditions unfold, coupled with lingering safety concerns among many consumers and an economy hampered by millions of unemployed, has resulted in a highly volatile and cloudy situation for small businesses to navigate as they try to pivot to new consumer norms.

While not always easy, making a pivot is a normal practice and one that can be highly successful for businesses. In fact, the ability to pivot is a valuable business skillset that can provide additional long-term resiliency.

Read It Here

Danville Borough Updates

Danville Borough is accepting applications to hunt on Borough Farm

Danville is accepting applications through August 7, 2020 to hunt on the borough farm for the 2020-2021 season. Permits will be issued to 50 eligible hunters in the 17821 zip code. To enter the lottery, you must personally appear at the borough office, 463 Mill St., with your CID# to complete an application. Successful lottery winners will be required to remit a $25 fee prior to a permit being issued.

Dumpster Day

September 19, 2020

7AM - 1PM

Danville Soccer Complex

East Market St.

For information regarding changes, updates and contact information, please visit:

www.danvilleboro.org

Montour County Updates

Montour County

Covid-19 Relief Block Grant Program For Small Business & Tourism

Small businesses are encouraged to apply for the Montour County Small Business & Tourism Grant administered by the Montour County Commissioners, which will provide up to $15,000 in funds to qualifying businesses.

About the Grant

It is the intent of the Montour County Commissioner’s Small Business/Tourism Grant to provide qualifying businesses a grant equal to five months of the business’ fixed cost budget. A statutory clause states that “priority” is to be given to businesses that did not receive a loan or grant through the Federal Paycheck Protection Program or the Economic Disaster Loan Program. Therefore, those business’ fixed cost calculation will be adjusted upward by 5%.

The County Commissioners have set aside a fund of $600,000 for this grant program. If sufficient funds are not available to fully fund the intended target, all qualifying businesses will receive a pro-rata share of the $600,000 set aside amount. For purposes of this grant, “fixed cost” is defined as base costs involved in operating the business and will consist of:

Rental lease/mortgage payments
Property and liability insurance costs
Property taxes (if paid by the business)
Utilities to operate the business facility
Lost inventory due to the COVID-19 emergency

Qualifications

Who is eligible?

Any for-profit businesses or individuals doing business as businesses with base location in Montour County, PA
One Owner per business may apply

Approval Requirements:

Must be in business by March 1, 2019 and still in business on July 1, 2020
Must intend to stay in business through at least July 1, 2021
Total employees less than 100 OR an entity primarily engaged in the Tourism industry
Business must be based in Montour County, PA
Net Profit in March 1 - June 30, 2020 window must be less than Net Profit in March 1 - June 30, 2019 window
Must not owe federal, state or local taxes
Must not be subject to criminal justice process as per the question in the application

Required Documentation:

Most recently filed federal tax return
Entity documents including DBA or FBN certificate and proof of ownership
Business License (if sole proprietor)
Government Issued ID
Evidence of fixed costs including: mortgage/rent/lease payments, utility costs, license fees, property tax bills, property and liability insurance bills, attest to any inventory lost

The Central Susquehanna Community Foundation’s web-based grant management system will be utilized as a technical assistance resource. The review process, grant awards and funding will be the responsibility of Montour County Commissioners.

Grant applications must be completed and submitted through the Foundations’ grant website. To access the grant application, go to www.csgiving.org. Click on the homepage banner Covid-19 Relief Block Grants (Small Business/Tourism Grant Program) Montour Counties.

The online application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, August 18. For questions about the online grant application, contact Christine Orlando, CSCF Senior Program Officer, corlando@csgiving.org, 570-752-3930, extension 2.

*GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Applications for Nonprofits will be accepted at a later date.

Rental assistance offered in

Montour County

Rental assistance for individuals impacted by COVID-19 now available through Montour County. Applications can be accessed on the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency website, printed out and sent into Montour County Human Services Department at 21 Woodbine Lane, Danville. Those who are unable to print out the applications can call 570-271-3028 to request one be sent to them. There are three applications provided, which require both the renter and the landlord to provide information. Other documentation, including income, is required. The program, part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, is scheduled to run through November.

PA Small Business Assistance Program Second and Final Round - opens August 10th!

Please note that in order to get funds to businesses in need as quickly as possible, the second application window will be the final opportunity to apply for the program.

The COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Grants will provide grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to small businesses that have been economically impacted by COVID-19.

SECOND ROUND APPLICATION WINDOW OPENS AUGUST 10TH

The PA CDFI Network has announced that the second grant application window will open at 9:00AM on August 10th and will remain open for 15 business days closing at 11:59PM on August 28th

WHAT IF I ALREADY APPLIED?

If you applied during the first application window you should receive notification of your application status by August 10th. You do NOT need to reapply in the second round. Qualified applications will be automatically rolled over into the next funding round for consideration.

I HAVE NOT APPLIED YET. DO I EVEN QUALIFY?

If you haven’t yet applied, get your applications in Round 2! In order to get funds to businesses in need as quickly as possible, the second application window will be the final opportunity to apply for the program. Have you been wondering if this grant is right for you?

If your business is:

Physically located, certified to do business, and generate at least 51% of revenues in Pennsylvania; in rural PA communities targeted for business investment by state government programs like Main Street (the Danville Business Alliance is a designated Main Street organization)
Have annual revenue of $1 million or less prior to the impact of COVID-19
Have 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees prior to February 15, 2020; and
In an industry especially hard-hit by the pandemic and experienced the greatest revenue losses. This includes healthcare, childcare, personal care (barbershops, salons, etc.) and restaurants.

Then you are exactly who this grant program is looking to serve.

Businesses interested in applying should gather the following information, though additional information may be requested:

Date business was established
Tax ID/EIN for the business
Government issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport
Business financial information:
Revenue from March 1st to May 31st for 2019 and 2020
Most recently submitted Federal Tax Return. 2018 or 2019 business and personal tax returns including Schedule C.
If startup between January 1-February 15, 2020, Internal Profit & Loss Statement
Proof of Business Registration with PA Department of State, as applicable:
Articles of Incorporation (for corporations and LLCs); or Fictitious Name Registration/“Doing Business As” (Sole Proprietors); or Business License (if applicable).
Bank account information & the physical address of banking institution
Household income as reported on last federal filing.

Visit https://pabusinessgrants.com / for program information. Businesses must apply through an eligible CDFI.

Montour County Businesses: Apply to Impact Loan Fund http://www.impactservices.org/

Program Details

Magic and Potions Sensory Summer Camp

August 11-14; 9am-12pm

Magic and Potions Sensory Summer Camp

August 11 -14; 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Join us for a week full of excitement! This camp will be full of magical sensory experiences. We’ll be making potions, wands, slime, fairy or gnome gardens, and so much more! Snack provided. Must be age 5+ to attend. Cost is $160.

Knack Creative Studio

339 Mill Street, Danville, PA 17821

570-218-5993

For more information please visit us online:

knackcreativestudio.com/product-page/magic-and-potions-sensory-summer-camp

Ferry Street Growers' Market

Saturday, August 8; 8am-12pm

Does Your Business Need a Website?

Apply by August 16th

Bucknell students will create websites for local businesses and organizations this coming semester as a part of their Marketing and Design course.

This web design project will provide a hands-on learning experience for students while also benefiting local organizations.

Websites will be free of charge with preference given to businesses and organizations with greater need for a free solution.

Apply & Program Information

2020 Summer Concert Series

If music be the food of love, play on...

The 2020 Summer Concert Series came to a close this past Tuesday (August 4). Thank you to the musicians who joined us this summer, those who attended the concerts, as well as our generous sponsors. The Danville Area Arts was thankful to be able to host the series despite these trying times.

A special thank you to Mr. John Brady

of Zing Productions for coordinating the series