NEPA Alliance Networking Reception 2026

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance held a Networking Reception on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Mohegan Pennsylvania, located at 1280 Highway 315, Wilkes-Barre, PA. The Networking Reception was attended by over 225 business and community leaders from around the region.

During the Reception, NEPA presented its prestigious Regional Leadership Award, which recognizes an agency, organization, or individual who has made a significant contribution to regional growth, development, and cooperation within the seven-county NEPA region.

This year's award was presented to Stephen M. Barrouk in recognition of his many years of leadership, dedication, and outstanding contributions to the regional economy, as well as his unwavering commitment to strengthening the Northeastern Pennsylvania community.



Pictured from left: Donna Hritz, NEPA Alliance; Mary Frances Postupack, NEPA Alliance Board Chairperson; Stephen Barrouk, NEPA Alliance Past Board Chairperson; and Jeffrey Box, NEPA Alliance.

NEPA MPO Long Range Transportation Plan

Public Survey Now Open!

The NEPA MPO is updating its Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The LRTP identifies the major transportation projects, programs and policies needed for the next twenty-five years. As part of the LRTP development, the NEPA MPO is gathering input.  You can share your priorities and pinpoint transportation needs within your community by taking the online Transportation Survey.

Learn more about the NEPA MPO Long Range Transportation Plan, click here.

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 - Slick Cyber Systems

This month we are proud to feature Slick Cyber Systems. Slick Cyber Systems is a leading Managed IT Services Provider (MSP) serving manufacturers, healthcare organizations, professional service firms, and other businesses that depend on technology to operate and grow. Slick Cyber Systems delivers proactive IT support, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and strategic technology guidance that help organizations improve efficiency, reduce risk, and maintain reliable operations.

As a locally owned and operated business, Slick Cyber Systems takes pride in supporting the organizations that keep our communities thriving. They help businesses leverage technology safely and effectively, enabling them to focus on serving their customers, creating jobs, and growing the local economy. By delivering reliable IT services and cybersecurity solutions, they strive to be a trusted partner in the success of businesses throughout our region.

Their clients value Slick Cyber Systems for their responsive service, trusted expertise, and proactive approach to technology. Slick Cyber Systems helps businesses reduce risk, improve efficiency, and stay focused on their core mission by providing reliable managed IT services, cybersecurity solutions, and strategic technology guidance tailored to their goals.

Slick Cyber Systems values their membership with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance as an opportunity to connect with business leaders, support regional economic development, and contribute to the continued growth of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Through NEPA's involvement, Slick Cyber Security has been able to build strong relationships, collaborate with organizations across diverse industries, and stay engaged with initiatives that strengthen the local business community.

As a locally owned and operated company, Slick Cyber Systems appreciates NEPA's commitment to fostering innovation, business growth, and economic opportunity throughout the region. They are proud to be a member and to support efforts that help make Northeastern Pennsylvania a great place to live, work, and do business.

To learn more about Slick Cyber Systems, visit slickcybersystems.com.

Business Finance News

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

Engineering Services – Scranton

• This SBA 504 loan was completed in partnership with M&T Bank for the purchase of commercial real estate.

Hotel – Montrose

• This SBA 504 loan was completed in partnership with Peoples Security Bank and Trust Bank for the purchase of commercial real estate and equipment.

Brewery – Hawley

• This SBA 504 loan was completed in partnership with The Dime Bank 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.

Stay Certified, Stay Secure: The Ongoing CMMC Challenge

Thursday, October 15th at 2 PM

Achieving CMMC certification is a significant milestone, but maintaining compliance requires an ongoing commitment. Organizations must continuously monitor security controls, manage compliance evidence and documentation, implement effective change management practices, and remain audit-ready throughout the year. By taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity and compliance, organizations can strengthen their security posture while ensuring continued CMMC success.

Certifications: Demystifying WOSB, SDVOSB, and

8(a) Eligibility

Unlock Federal Contracting Opportunities

Federal contracting assistance programs can provide businesses with valuable advantages to support growth and success.

Key benefits include:

• Access to sole-source and set-aside contract opportunities
• Expert guidance from federal procurement professionals
• Business development support from dedicated Business Opportunity Specialists
• Opportunities to form joint ventures with established contractors
• Priority access to federal surplus property and resources

These resources can help businesses expand their federal footprint, strengthen competitiveness, and unlock new opportunities in the government marketplace.



To unlock your certification path, click here.

Unlock Federal Contracting: Understanding Contract Types That Win Work

Explore the key characteristics, advantages, and considerations of fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, time-and-materials, and other contract types to better understand when each is most appropriate.

To learn more, visit the Federal Acquisition Institute website 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

Global Access Program Funding is Available!

The PA Global Access Program (GAP) is designed to enhance the capability of small to mid-sized PA companies to increase export sales.

GAP is administered by BusinessPA and provides up to $10,000 per award period to eligible PA companies to reimburse 75% of eligible expenses associated with specific export promotion activities. 

Eligible activities include trade missions and trade shows (both international and domestic may qualify), foreign market sales trips, international marketing initiatives, etc.

This program is funded in part through a federal grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Companies must apply through NEPA Alliance or their Regional Export Network (REN) partner prior to the activity. Contact Debbie Langan for more information, program guidelines, and application materials. 

India Business Opportunities for Pennsylvania Companies

Explore Emerging Market Opportunities in India

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

9:00 - 10:00 AM

India has emerged as a bright spot in the global economy, creating strong opportunities for Pennsylvania businesses. Join BusinessPA and Pennsylvania's Authorized Trade Representatives in India for a webinar highlighting opportunities in:

• Cybersecurity
• Defense & Security
• Healthcare & Health Security
• Technology & Emerging Fields (iCET)



Learn how your company can capitalize on one of the world's fastest-growing markets.

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

PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund

Application Period Closes October 30, 2026

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is currently accepting applications for funding through its Multimodal Transportation Fund for 2027-2028. The deadline to apply is October 30, 2026 at 4:00pm EST. 

Funding can be used to coordinate local land use with transportation assets to enhance existing communities; for projects related to streetscapes, lighting, sidewalk enhancement and pedestrian safety; for projects improving connectivity or utilization of existing transportation assets; and for projects related to transit-oriented development. Municipalities, counties, school districts, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports, rail freight and passenger rail entities are eligible to apply. A local match of 30% is required. More information can be found on the PennDOT website, click 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 Signs Basics

Tuesday, October 8, 2026

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Stroud Township Building

1211 North 5th St.

Stroudsburg, PA 18360

(570) 421-3362

Winter Maintenance

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Delaware Township Municipal Building

116 Wilson Hill Road,

Dingman's Ferry, PA 18328

(570) 828-2347

Full Depth Reclamation

Thursday, April 15, 2026

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Dingman Township Firehall

680 Log Tavern Road,

Milford, PA 18337

(570) 296-8455

NEPA is scheduling additional Fall and Winter 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. 

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.



LTAP will also continue offering online classes, webinars, and virtual drop-in sessions. To register for classes or learn more about upcoming virtual offerings, visit the PennDOT LTAP website.

Rural Health Transformation Program Resource Guide

Pennsylvania’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) resource guide provides links to program information, funding opportunities, eligible projects, and frequently asked questions. Organizations serving rural communities can also find guidance on workforce initiatives, infrastructure investments, and how to receive program updates.

View the Rural Health Transformation Resource Guide here.

Free Candid Workshops for Nonprofits

Looking for funding or ways to strengthen your nonprofit’s visibility? Join NCAC for free workshops on finding potential grantmakers through Foundation Directory and updating your organization’s Candid profile.

Grant Seeking with Candid: Introduction to Foundation Directory

Learn how to search for potential funders, review their giving history and determine whether they are a good fit for your organization.

October 22, 2026 | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM

NEPA Alliance Office, Pittston

Register for the Pittston workshop

December 15, 2026 | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM

Wayne County Community Foundation, Honesdale

Register for the Wayne County workshop

Candid Seals of Transparency

Learn how to update your nonprofit’s Candid profile and earn Seals of Transparency to strengthen your organization’s visibility and credibility.

November 17, 2026 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM

NEPA Alliance Office, Pittston

Register for the Pittston workshop

January 14, 2027 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM

Hosted by Greater Pike Community Foundation at the Pike County Public Library, Milford

Register for the Pike County workshop

All workshops are free. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Nonprofit staff, board members, volunteers and grant writers are welcome.

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.