PennWest Clarion SBDC

09/08/2026

💡 Have a BIG idea? It could be worth $50,000!

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA is now accepting applications for its 2026 Big Idea Contest!

Entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, and startup founders with scalable, tech-enabled ideas are encouraged to apply for the chance to receive:

💰 A share of $50,000 in cash prizes
🏆 An additional $2,500 People’s Choice Award
🚀 A spot in the TechCelerator business accelerator program
🤝 Personalized mentorship, coaching, and business connections

📅 Applications are due Friday, October 16, 2026.

Have an innovative idea that could solve a real-world problem? This could be your opportunity to bring it to life!

🔗 Learn more, review eligibility, and apply:
https://cnp.benfranklin.org/programs-resources/bigidea/

09/03/2026

📢 SBA Disaster Assistance Available for Pennsylvania Businesses & Nonprofits

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to eligible small businesses and private nonprofit organizations impacted by the freeze that occurred April 20 through May 31, 2026.

Many counties throughout our region are included in the disaster declaration, including Armstrong, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, McKean, Potter, Venango, and Warren counties.

Eligible applicants may receive working capital assistance to help cover ordinary operating expenses affected by the disaster. Loans may be available for up to $2 million, with terms of up to 30 years.

📅 Application Deadline: April 12, 2027
🔗 Learn more and apply: https://www.sba.gov/disaster

Please share this information with businesses and organizations that may have been impacted by the spring freeze.

09/02/2026

🍽️ ServSafe® Food Safety Manager Course

Are you a food service manager or supervisor who needs to earn or renew your food protection certification? Join Penn State Extension for the ServSafe® Food Safety Manager Course at the Penn State DuBois Campus.

📅 Session 1: September 10, 2026 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
📅 Session 2: September 17, 2026 | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
📍 Penn State DuBois Campus, DuBois, PA
💲 Fee: $165
⏰ Registration Deadline: September 7, 2026

This course prepares participants for the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification Exam and meets current Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture food safety certification requirements.

Only 30 spots remain, so don’t wait to register!

🔗 View event details and registration information here:
https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/33715

09/02/2026

Join us for 2026 PA Tax Series: Getting Started with myPATH

📅 Wednesday, September 9, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
💻 Free Online Meeting (Live)

🔗 Register here: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/33048

Learn how to use myPATH, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s online portal. This session will cover account setup, accessing personal and business accounts, managing client access, and key portal features.

09/01/2026

🎨 Funding Opportunity for Pennsylvania Creative Arts Organizations!

The Spotlight Program from Pennsylvania Creative Industries is now accepting applications for grants of up to $5,000 to support smaller creative arts organizations and programs across the Commonwealth.

Eligible projects should align with one or more focus areas, including asset development, workforce development, community development, visibility, or policy.

📅 Application Deadline: September 14, 2026
💰 Funding: Up to $5,000 per grantee
🎭 Designed for smaller creative arts organizations and programs

Interested organizations are encouraged to review the full program guidelines and application requirements before applying.

🔗 Learn more and apply:
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/coa/current-opportunities/spotlight-program

09/01/2026

Our latest newsletter is here! 📬

Catch up on what’s happening across our region, including upcoming events, client highlights, helpful small business resources, and important updates. We’re excited to continue connecting local entrepreneurs with the tools, information, and opportunities they need to grow and succeed.

📖 Read the full newsletter here:
https://conta.cc/3T6CeHa

📩 Not subscribed yet? Sign up to receive future updates directly in your inbox:
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Email from PennWest Clarion SBDC --NEW INFORMATION   September 1, 2026 Ben Franklin Technology Partners is now accepting applications for its $50,000 Big Idea Contest!  Entrepreneurs and innovators

08/27/2026

📣 We’re Hiring! Join Our Team!

The PennWest Clarion Small Business Development Center is seeking a Business Consultant (Grant Funded Program Coordinator 2) to join our team!

This full-time position works directly with entrepreneurs and small business owners, providing guidance in areas such as business planning, financing, marketing, loan packaging, and business growth. The position is based at the PennWest Clarion Campus and will also work with businesses throughout our service area.

If you have a passion for helping small businesses succeed and want to make an impact in our region, we encourage you to apply!

📍 Location: PennWest Clarion
💼 Full-Time
⏰ Open Until Filled

Learn more and apply here:
https://pennwest.peopleadmin.com/postings/3331

08/24/2026

Thinking about starting your own business?
Join us for First Step: Starting a Small Business in Pennsylvania

📅 Tuesday, September 1, 2026
⏰ 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
📍 In person:
PennWest University Clarion
122 Carlson Library
838 Wood Street
Clarion, PA 16214

Register: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/33516

These monthly seminars provide an overview on the steps to start a business along with an in-depth look at a business plan. Topics include business registrations, licenses, business structures, taxation, research tools, and what to expect in financing your business.

08/11/2026

Thinking about starting your own business?
Join us for First Step: Starting a Small Business in Pennsylvania

📅 Thursday, August 20, 2026
⏰ 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
💻 Online Webinar

Register: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/33526

These monthly seminars provide an overview on the steps to start a business along with an in-depth look at a business plan. Topics include business registrations, licenses, business structures, taxation, research tools, and what to expect in financing your business.

08/07/2026

💼 Got tax questions for your business? We’ve got answers!

Join Corry Riley, PennWest Clarion SBDC Business Consultant, for our FREE monthly Tax Talk designed to give entrepreneurs and small business owners clarity and confidence on tax topics.

🗓 Wednesday, August 19, 2026
⏰ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
💻 Live via Zoom

Register: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/33552

Here’s what you can expect:
✔️ A quick 15-minute breakdown of a key tax topic
✔️ 45 minutes of open Q&A—ask anything!

From write-offs and credits to hiring, sales tax, and recordkeeping—no question is too simple. Come ready to learn, ask, and grow your business with confidence!

This session is offered at no cost. Advice shared reflects professional judgment based on current tax law.