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	<title>Feature Archives - Startup Alleghenies</title>
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	<description>Alleghenies Entrepreneurial Ecosystem</description>
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	<title>Feature Archives - Startup Alleghenies</title>
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		<title>Startup Alleghenies: Powering Entrepreneurial Growth in the Heart of Pennsylvania</title>
		<link>https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/12/26/startup-alleghenies-powering-entrepreneurial-growth-in-the-heart-of-pennsylvania/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=startup-alleghenies-powering-entrepreneurial-growth-in-the-heart-of-pennsylvania</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Site Manager]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:47:22 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.startupalleghenies.com/?p=13626</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Startup Alleghenies is stepping up its game in 2025, with bold plans to drive entrepreneurial success while leveraging the region&#8217;s rich outdoor economy. With an expanded vision, Startup Alleghenies aims to enhance its already thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem through three key initiatives: a renewed emphasis on outdoor economic development, the creation of a Startup Alleghenies Microloan Fund, and the launch of innovative “pop-up” shops in outdoor-focused communities. This year, Startup Alleghenies Coaches worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. In 2024 alone, they counseled 151 clients, provided 746 hours of coaching, and supported the creation or retention of 229 jobs—a testament to their unwavering commitment to empowering the region’s entrepreneurs. These efforts reflect the mission of Startup Alleghenies to build an entrepreneurial culture where businesses thrive, and communities grow stronger. Project Spotlight: Ecosystem Capital and Technical Assistance Expansion In October 2024, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced a grant of $1,879,253 to the JARI Growth Fund, Inc. for the Startup Alleghenies Ecosystem Capital and Technical Assistance Expansion project. This transformative initiative seeks to foster entrepreneurship with a targeted emphasis on the outdoor recreation sector in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, Indiana, and Somerset counties. Key elements of the project include: Outdoor Recreation Pop-Up Pilot Program: Aiming to raise awareness of entrepreneurial opportunities in the region’s outdoor recreation sector, this program will spotlight the wealth of outdoor recreation assets in the Alleghenies. Expanded Support for Entrepreneurs: Customized technical assistance and increased capital investments will empower businesses and strengthen the local economy. Transformative Impact on the Region Over the three-year grant period, the project is expected to deliver measurable, transformative results: Improve 230 businesses through increased sales, employment, capital, and skill development. Create 400 jobs through technical assistance, training, or financing. Launch 35 new businesses supported by technical assistance, training, or financing. Leverage $3 million in private investment from financial and economic development partners. These outcomes align with Startup Alleghenies’ broader mission of driving economic growth, creating opportunities, and positioning the Alleghenies as a hub for innovation and outdoor recreation. JARI Growth Fund Secures $1.8 Million to Boost Regional Entrepreneurship The JARI Growth Fund (JGF) has received the ARC grant to expand the Startup Alleghenies Microloan Fund and provide tailored technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses in seven coal-impacted counties. The funds will ultimately foster entrepreneurial activities through the further capitalization of the Microloan Fund, which complement funding provided by JGF&#8217;s sister organization JARI, Southern Alleghenies Planning &#38; Development Commission, Altoona Blair County Development Corporation, and local lenders. Microloan Fund: Bridging Gaps for Bold Entrepreneurs The Startup Alleghenies Microloan Fund will support microenterprises in historically impacted counties with loans of up to $100,000 for property purchases, renovations, equipment, inventory, or working capital. Designed to address barriers such as credit score challenges or limited operational history, the fund ensures that promising ideas aren’t stifled by financing gaps. Driving Regional Impact: New Jobs, Companies, and Opportunities The funding will not only create new jobs and businesses but will also foster significant private investment, building upon Startup Alleghenies’ history of success. In addition to the projected creation of 400 jobs and 35 businesses, the Microloan Fund will leverage $3 million in private financing and serve over 230 businesses, reinforcing the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Outdoor Economy: A Trailblazing Opportunity The Alleghenies region, with its 240+ outdoor recreation businesses, is a natural fit for this initiative. Outdoor recreation is increasingly recognized as a strategic tool for attracting talent, supporting businesses, and strengthening communities. The new outdoor recreation pop-up pilot program will highlight these opportunities while serving as an incubator for new ventures, paving the way for permanent storefronts in trail towns. A Year of Momentum: 2024 in Review As Startup Alleghenies reflects on 2024, the numbers tell a story of growth and impact: 151 clients counseled by Startup Alleghenies Coaches. 746 hours of coaching delivered to empower entrepreneurs. 229 jobs created or retained, strengthening the regional economy. These milestones highlight the dedication and effectiveness of Startup Alleghenies in driving entrepreneurial success. What’s Next? The JARI Growth Fund and its partners are poised to execute this visionary plan, focusing on three core priorities: Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Culture with a focus on outdoor recreation. Delivering Customized Technical Assistance to meet diverse entrepreneurial needs. Deploying Additional Capital to startups, ensuring access to critical resources. By combining strategic funding, tailored support, and innovative programs, Startup Alleghenies is charting a course for transformative growth—fueling dreams, building businesses, and creating a brighter future for the region. The Alleghenies is becoming a destination not only for outdoor recreation but for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/12/26/startup-alleghenies-powering-entrepreneurial-growth-in-the-heart-of-pennsylvania/">Startup Alleghenies: Powering Entrepreneurial Growth in the Heart of Pennsylvania</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com">Startup Alleghenies</a>.</p>
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		<title>Warm up with a tasty treat from one of the Alleghenies’ best bakeries</title>
		<link>https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/12/16/warm-up-with-a-tasty-treat-from-one-of-the-alleghenies-best-bakeries/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=warm-up-with-a-tasty-treat-from-one-of-the-alleghenies-best-bakeries</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sarah Taylor]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Dec 2024 18:59:25 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Alleghenies Marketplace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.startupalleghenies.com/?p=13582</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>These beloved spots not only serve up delicious baked goods and local flavor, but also warm, inviting atmospheres and community connection. Discover some of the Alleghenies’ top bakeries today.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/12/16/warm-up-with-a-tasty-treat-from-one-of-the-alleghenies-best-bakeries/">Warm up with a tasty treat from one of the Alleghenies’ best bakeries</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com">Startup Alleghenies</a>.</p>
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		<title>Alleghenies Marketplace’s must-haves for your New Year&#8217;s Eve celebration</title>
		<link>https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/12/16/alleghenies-marketplaces-must-haves-for-your-new-years-eve-celebration/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=alleghenies-marketplaces-must-haves-for-your-new-years-eve-celebration</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sarah Taylor]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Dec 2024 18:33:21 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Alleghenies Marketplace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.startupalleghenies.com/?p=13607</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Whether you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve party or want to make a show-stopping entrance at a friend’s, get everything you need from the Alleghenies Marketplace’s makers and vendors before the ball drops.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/12/16/alleghenies-marketplaces-must-haves-for-your-new-years-eve-celebration/">Alleghenies Marketplace’s must-haves for your New Year&#8217;s Eve celebration</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com">Startup Alleghenies</a>.</p>
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		<title>Need a last-minute gift? Alleghenies Marketplace has you covered</title>
		<link>https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/12/16/need-a-last-minute-gift-alleghenies-marketplace-has-you-covered/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=need-a-last-minute-gift-alleghenies-marketplace-has-you-covered</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sarah Taylor]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Dec 2024 17:02:44 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Alleghenies Marketplace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.startupalleghenies.com/?p=13575</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Whether you’ve put off buying for that particularly difficult person on your list or you’ve been holding out for that perfect find, the Alleghenies Marketplace’s local makers and vendors are here to help.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/12/16/need-a-last-minute-gift-alleghenies-marketplace-has-you-covered/">Need a last-minute gift? Alleghenies Marketplace has you covered</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com">Startup Alleghenies</a>.</p>
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		<title>Three reasons Bellefonte’s Victorian Christmas is one of the Alleghenies’ best holiday events</title>
		<link>https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/12/10/three-reasons/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=three-reasons</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jodie Dello Stritto]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Dec 2024 17:58:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travelling]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.startupalleghenies.com/?p=13562</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>A softly lit gazebo and carolers on the corner. Horse-drawn carriage rides and handmade gifts for sale in the park. It might sound like a scene from the next Hallmark movie, but this holiday magic is entirely real and it’s right here in one of the Alleghenies’ most historic and charming small towns.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/12/10/three-reasons/">Three reasons Bellefonte’s Victorian Christmas is one of the Alleghenies’ best holiday events</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com">Startup Alleghenies</a>.</p>
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		<title>Alleghenies Marketplace on Studio 814</title>
		<link>https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/12/10/alleghenies-marketplace-on-studio-814/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=alleghenies-marketplace-on-studio-814</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jodie Dello Stritto]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Dec 2024 16:58:21 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Alleghenies Marketplace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.startupalleghenies.com/?p=13558</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Tune into WTAJ’s Studio 814 this Thursday, December 12, to see a few of your favorite Alleghenies Marketplace merchants sharing the joys of shopping local this holiday!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/12/10/alleghenies-marketplace-on-studio-814/">Alleghenies Marketplace on Studio 814</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com">Startup Alleghenies</a>.</p>
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		<title>Holiday fun finds on the Alleghenies Marketplace</title>
		<link>https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/11/25/holiday-fun-finds-on-the-alleghenies-marketplace/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=holiday-fun-finds-on-the-alleghenies-marketplace</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Site Manager]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:33:04 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Alleghenies Marketplace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.startupalleghenies.com/?p=13539</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>With Labor Day in our rearview mirror, it’s time to settle in for soup and sweater season — or at least make sure you have everything you need once the temperatures finally dip. Place your orders with Alleghenies Marketplace makers now to be ready for all the fall fun.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/11/25/holiday-fun-finds-on-the-alleghenies-marketplace/">Holiday fun finds on the Alleghenies Marketplace</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com">Startup Alleghenies</a>.</p>
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		<title>Small Business Saturday in the Alleghenies</title>
		<link>https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/11/25/small-business-saturday-in-the-alleghenies/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=small-business-saturday-in-the-alleghenies</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sarah Taylor]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:06:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.startupalleghenies.com/?p=13527</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Discover the heartbeat of your community this Small Business Saturday! On Nov. 30th, this event highlights the vital role of local businesses in the Alleghenies’ economy, fostering community spirit and offering unique holiday experiences.<br />
Photos: Can you maybe use something stock for this, that feels like seasonal shopping? </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/11/25/small-business-saturday-in-the-alleghenies/">Small Business Saturday in the Alleghenies</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com">Startup Alleghenies</a>.</p>
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		<title>How to work and play in McConnellsburg</title>
		<link>https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/11/15/how-to-work-and-play-in-mcconnellsburg/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=how-to-work-and-play-in-mcconnellsburg</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sarah Taylor]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 16 Nov 2024 01:22:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fulton County]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.startupalleghenies.com/?p=13509</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>McConnellsburg is a small, historic town snuggled between two scenic mountains. With affordable prices, an abundant array of outdoor activities and a supportive network for small businesses, it’s the perfect place for a peaceful balance of work and leisure.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/11/15/how-to-work-and-play-in-mcconnellsburg/">How to work and play in McConnellsburg</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com">Startup Alleghenies</a>.</p>
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		<title>How to enjoy the Alleghenies’ great outdoors this winter</title>
		<link>https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/11/15/how-to-enjoy-the-alleghenies-great-outdoors-this-winter/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=how-to-enjoy-the-alleghenies-great-outdoors-this-winter</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sarah Taylor]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 16 Nov 2024 01:09:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.startupalleghenies.com/?p=13500</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The area is a haven for winter sports, and is filled with local businesses ready to outfit you with the adventure gear you need to thoroughly enjoy the upcoming season. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com/2024/11/15/how-to-enjoy-the-alleghenies-great-outdoors-this-winter/">How to enjoy the Alleghenies’ great outdoors this winter</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.startupalleghenies.com">Startup Alleghenies</a>.</p>
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