Valuing Partnership & Collaboration | | |
As we turn the calendar to April and the rejuvenation of Spring, we take a minute to reflect on a successful and memorable March. Much of that success was built on partnership and collaboration, not only internally among our team, but externally with some of our most important partners.
We were proud to co-host a first of its kind event, “A Panel of Visionary CEOs.” We joined with the Chester County Chamber, TMACC and West Chester University to welcome 550 business leaders, policy makers, educators and community stakeholders to listen to perspectives from an esteemed panel of CEOs. Earlier that same week, we partnered with the County of Chester and the PA Dept. of Agriculture to celebrate the relaunch of AgConnect and the recognition of Milky Way Farm as one of Pennsylvania’s prestigious Century Farms! And, just last week, we held our first “Road to LionCage” with the Launch Boxes at PSU Great Valley and Brandywine.
And before you scroll down, we ask that you take a minute to read about Josefina Flores and the wonderful success story highlighting Flowers Café in Oxford – we promise you’ll be inspired!
| | | |  | | CCEDC Partners for Great Events | | |
On March 17, CCEDC along with CCCBI, TMACC, and WCU hosted the Executive Insights: A Panel of Visionary CEOs event where more than 550 attendees from across the region gathered for a conversation moderated by 6ABC's Tamala Edwards with four esteemed CEOs:
- Madeline Bell - Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
- Chris Gheysens - Wawa, Inc.
- Leo Parsons - CTDI
- Salim Ramji - Vanguard
Read full recap.
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Numerous members and supporters of the agriculture community, including PA Department of Ag Secretary Russell Redding, celebrated the relaunch of AgConnect, in partnership with the County of Chester, at Milky Way Farm on March 10.
The Matthews Family was recognized as a Century Farm for their more than four generations, totaling more than 100 years, of farming in Chester County.
Read full recap.
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- Seedcopa has secured nearly $20 million in SBA 504 approvals through the first 5 months of FY 24-25. The annual budget goal is $30 million.
- The Catalyst Loan Fund received the second tranche of funding - $7.6 million. Of this amount, approximately $3.3 has already been committed through prior loan approvals, leaving $4.3 million available to lend through December 2025.
- The application window for New Business Champions micro grants closed March 17 with 49 submissions. Review of applications has commenced and awards will be announced shortly.
| | Opportunity for Area Childcare Centers | | |
Our AgConnect partnership will be linking farmers with childcare workers to support both groups through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program this summer. The program will help raise awareness of local agriculture producers while also providing the childcare workers access to free fresh, locally grown produce.
If your site would like to be considered, please fill out the form. A limited number of opportunities are available. Questions - contact Jordan Peek.
| | | Success Story - Flowers Café | | |
Originally from Pachuquilla, Mexico, Josy Flores arrived in Chester County in 2009. Over the years, she worked several jobs in the restaurant industry before being inspired to start her own business.
With a micro grant from CCEDC's New Business Champions program, Josy met with Downingtown-based Fast River Communications for assistance with a strategic marketing assessment, website development, and other marketing tasks.
All of this support allowed Josy to open her own restaurant, Flowers Café in Oxford in October 2024.
| | | Expanding Broadband Access Across Chester County | | |
Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP) regions are spread across the Commonwealth to assist new and existing companies. In 2019, they conducted a survey to determine the percentage of households that have broadband internet access. While Chester County falls within the region with the highest access - Southeast Region at 89% of households, this number does not tell the full story.
Many households in Chester County, especially in rural areas, do not have broadband access. To address this issue, partners across Chester County began meeting to discuss the issue in 2021. In 2023, the group formed the Chester County Digital Alliance with the key partners being the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, Chester County Intermediate Unit, Chester County Library System, Chester County Economic Development Council. The project also received an endorsement from the Chester County Commissioners.
The Chester County Digital Alliance aims to ensure that residents and business achieve two goals:
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Digital Equity - ensures that all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy and economy. Digital Equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.
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Digital Literacy - the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.
Learn more about the Chester County Digital Alliance.
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WSCM Student Video Awards Ceremony
Join us as we celebrate the amazing videos created by the brilliant students, devoted teachers, and talented manufacturers who participated in this year’s exciting video competition.
Wednesday, April 9
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Penn State University
Great Valley
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i2n Scaling for Growth: How to Ask for Money
Seeking and securing funding to help launch and grow your idea or business can be daunting. At this session, two of our i2n entrepreneurs who have traveled this path will share wisdom from their experiences, helping to make your journey smoother.
Friday, April 11
8:30 to 10 a.m.
FLEX at Chesterbrook
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Coatesville Community Health & Wellness Fair
We’re coming together to build a stronger, healthier community. Whether you’re looking to improve your wellness, meet new people, or learn about local resources – this community event is the perfect place for you!
Join us for health screenings & tips, fun fitness activities, local wellness vendors & experts, free giveaways & more!
Sunday, April 13
12 to 4 p.m.
Coatesville Senior HS
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Navigating the Global Marketplace: Insights into Imports Tariffs and Foreign Trade Zones
Join us for a panel discussion where we'll tackle the complexities of global tariffs, their impact on the global economy, and what this means for your business.
Tuesday, April 29
7:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Cork Factory Hotel - Lancaster, PA
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2025 Summer Academies
Participants will get to explore in-demand careers, boost their college applications, make new friends, and most of all have FUN. Explore the different programs below.
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GETT 2025
Girls in grades 4-10 explore STEM careers through hands-on activities and interacting with women in STEM fields.
Check out the GETT 2024 RECAP VIDEO
Companies interested in participating in the GETT EXPO or as sponsors, please contact Tracey Oberholtzer.
Saturday, November 1
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks
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- Road to LionCage - Open Category - Wednesday, May 21
- Road to Lion Cage - Young Entrepreneurs - Wednesday, June 18
- IGNITE Small Business Conference - Wednesday & Thursday - June 18 & 19
- Road to LionCage - Social Impact Initiative- Wednesday, July 23
- CCEDC Golf Classic - Monday, September 15
- Road to LionCage - Open Category - Wednesday, September 17
- Road to LionCage - Veteran Founders - Wednesday, October 15
- LionCage - Friday, November 14
- CCEDC Stakeholders Breakfast - Thursday, November 20
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Thinking about starting a business? We’re ready to take this step with you. Meet consultants who will guide you through business planning, financing, and available resources. Connect with an SBA representative to explore funding options, grants, and government programs. Learn how to develop a solid business strategy so you can launch with success.
Monday, April 7
12 to 2 p.m.
CCEDC
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