Entrepreneurs Explore Roadmap for Business Success in Outdoor Recreation

Explore! Entrepreneurship Summit: Grow a Business in the Alleghenies kicked off Sunday, May 15 through May 16, 2022 at River Mountain in Everett, Pa., with 100+ in attendance. This information-packed, two-day event provided seasoned and aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to hear about specific business gaps in the outdoor recreation industry in the Alleghenies.

According to Debbi Prosser, “we wanted folks to leave inspired to launch a business, and armed with great information about how to get started.”

Outdoor recreation adds $12 billion to the Pennsylvania economy, creating 150,000 full-time jobs. This event was designed to help  entrepreneurs learn how to take advantage of that trend right in their own backyard.

An outstanding roster of included keynote speaker Joe Veneto, chief experience officer at Veneto Collaboratory, Blaine Smith, Juniata Trading Company, and Matt and McKenzie Blair, The Organic Snack Factory.

Veneto identified specific areas where growth opportunities lie. Smith and the Blairs shared their personal journeys when launching their businesses, and lessons they learned along the way.

A panel of experts in areas such as legal, financial, marketing and business planning joined two Startup Alleghenies Coaches to answer questions about where businesses can find exactly the help they need – when they need it.

Startup Alleghenies hosted the event with support from Explore Altoona, Bedford County Development Association, Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau, and the Pennsylvania Partnership for Regional Economic Performance.

For more information about starting a business, join the Startup Alleghenies movement today.