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Thompson Announces Federal Grant to Assist Entrepreneurs in the Pennsylvania Wilds

August 24, 2016

U.S. Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5) today announced $500,000.00 in funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission to the Pennsylvania Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, located in Russell, Warren County. The grant will be dedicated to the Center’s Nature Tourism Cluster Development in the Pennsylvania Wilds, which is intended to develop a network of small businesses to support the increased need for products and services in the region.

“The Pennsylvania Wilds have plenty to offer, from canoeing and kayaking on the region’s rivers, to all types of recreation in the Allegheny National Forest,” Thompson said. “I am proud that this program will assist economic development throughout the region and provide local small businesses the technical assistance necessary to create jobs. These types of partnerships are essential to the longevity of our communities,” added Thompson.

The Pennsylvania Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship offers two business development programs, assisting prospective business owners one-on-one to connect them with lenders, technical assistance providers, marketers, public lands managers and other resources needed to start a business.

The Pennsylvania Wilds region includes two million acres of land in the North Central and North Western portion of the commonwealth and includes the following counties: Warren, Forest, Clarion, Jefferson, Clearfield, McKean, Elk, Cameron, Potter, Clinton, Tioga and Lycoming.