STATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

The Abilities Fund
Centerville Office
410 N 18th St
Centerville, IA 52544-1823
Telephone: 641-856-2173
Toll Free: 888-222-8943
Fax: 641-856-3101

Iowa City Office
332 South Linn Street, Suite #17
Iowa City, IA 52240
Telephone: 319-338-2521
Toll Free: 866-720-3863
Fax: 319-338-2528
URL: http://www.abilitiesfund.org/

"This summer The Abilities Fund, together with a national lending partner, will launch a nationwide direct loan program for entrepreneurs with disabilities. In 45 states, loan guarantees will also be available to as a means to secure loans for entrepreneurs. Flexible terms and competitive interest rates for microloans ranging from $500 - $25,000 will be offered.

In support of new microlending services, The Abilities Fund will be expanding its online presence to include training and technical assistance. Soon, people with disabilities nationwide will have 24-hour access to features such as Feasibility First ©, business plan development, and financial planning for business startup -- all of which are resources designed to prepare entrepreneurs with disabilities for self-employment."

Altoona-Blair County Development Corporation
The Devorris Center for Business Development
3900 Industrial Park Drive, Altoona, PA 16602
Phone: (814) 944-6113
Fax: (814) 946-0157
E-mail: abcd@abcdcorp.org
URL: http://www.abcdcorp.org

"We value the businesses that operate within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. That's why we offer an array of programs to fit your specific needs. Our goal is to assist you by providing financing and technical assistance that will enable your business to grow and expand and create jobs for citizens of Pennsylvania."

ASSETS (A Service for Self-Employment Training and Support) Lancaster
447 South Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: (717) 393-6089
Fax: (717) 290-7936
E-mail: assets@lancaster.net
URL: http://lanccounty.com/assets/

"Mission: ASSETS mission is to provide business training and supporting services that will give lower and moderate-income people a realistic chance of success in self-employment. ASSETS offers a 13-week evening training program for persons starting small businesses. We also offer mentoring, refresher seminars and other support. Training and mentoring are provided through local business owners and professionals."

Assets Montco
3 East Marshall Street, Norristown, PA 19401
Phone: (610) 275-3520
Fax: (610) 272-7802
E-mail: info@assetsmontco.org
URL: http://www.assetsmontco.org/

"ASSETS provides the opportunity for entrepreneurs to become skilled in daily business operations and matched with a mentor."

Ben Franklin Technology Center of South Eastern Pennsylvania
3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
Phone: (215) 382-0380
Fax: (215) 387-6050
URL: http://www.benfranklin.org/

"To make business capital available to low-income, minority, and women-owned businesses in Philadelphia and the surrounding area."

Carbondale Technology Transfer Center
10 Enterprise Drive, Carbondale, PA 18407
Phone: (570) 282-1255
Fax: (570) 282-1426
E-mail: paul@cttc.org
URL: http://www.4cttc.org/

"The Carbondale Technology Transfer Center's mission is to provide technical support, business assistance, financial resources and appropriate facilities to entrepreneurs, small businesses and light industry/light assembly manufacturers working with technology applications or innovative products or processes. "

CBICC Technology Incubator
200 Innovation Blvd., Suite 201, State College, PA 16803
Phone: (814) 234-1829
Fax: (814) 234-5869
E-mail: dtyler@cbicc
URL: http://www.cbicc.org

"The CBICC Incubator Program provides: a cost-effective business environment with shared support services, a professional image in a flexible office or laboratory environment, business mentoring to accelerate business development, and access to a number of valuable business development resources."

Chester Microenterprise Partnership
First Keystone Bank Building
23 East 5th Street, 2nd Floor, Chester, PA 19013
Phone: (610) 499-9184
Fax: (610) 499-9190 E-mail: contact@pdp-inc.org
URL: http://www.boando.com/Sites/c/cmp/default.asp

"Chester Microenterprise Partnership (CMP) was created through the collaborative efforts of the Philadelphia Development Partnership (PDP), the City of Chester, the Chester Education Foundation, the Pennsylvania economic development and several community-based organizations to foster the start-up and growth of microenterprises and small business in the City of Chester."

Community Action Development Commission / CADCOM
113 E. Main Street, Norristown, Pennsylvania 19401-4916
Phone: (610) 277-6363
Fax: (610) 277-7399
E-mail: rbeaton@cadcom.org
URL: http://www.cadcom.org

"To mobilize the human and financial resources of Montgomery County by initiating, developing and administering community and economic development programs designed to provide the tools needed to achieve self-sufficiency."

Community First Fund
PO Box 524, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17608-0524 or 30 West Orange Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: (717) 393-2351
Fax: (717) 393-1757
E-mail: betancourt@commfirstfund.org
URL: http://www.commfirstfund.org

"The mission of Community First Fund is to create economic opportunities and stronger communities throughout central Pennsylvania with affordable loans, one-on-one business counseling and business training courses."

Community Loan Fund of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Inc.
1920 Gulf Tower, 707 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
Phone: (412) 201-2450
Fax: (412) 201-2451
E-mail: mpeterson@clfund.com
URL: http://www.clfund.com

"CL Fund is a $16,000,000 fund that works to increase employment and expand economic opportunity in Southwestern Pennsylvania."

Corry Industrial Center
1524 Enterprise Road, Corry, Pennsylvania 16407
Phone: (814) 664-3884
Fax: (814) 664-3885
E-mail: Rnovo@corryidc.org
URL: http://www.corryidc.org

"We are a full service development team that provides low interest financing, grant assistance, tax credit preparation, leaseable facilities, fully infrastructured industrial sites, and an abundance of business support services. The outreach services include: productivity and operations enhancement, research and development, application of technologies, export assistance, business planning, labor management relations, entrepreneurial training and development."

Enterprise Development Center of Erie County
2103 East 33rd Street, Erie, PA 16510
Phone: (814) 899-6022
Fax: (814) 899-0250
E-mail: lbossolt@edcec.org
URL: http://www.connectforsuccess.org/

"This facility provides production space for light manufacturing firms in increments of 1550 to 8000 square feet. Located in the Erie Industrial Park, the Enterprise Development Center has been a key resource for plastics and metalworking entrepreneurs who have benefitted from an affordable production facility."

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Pittsburgh Office P.O. Box 867, Pittsburgh, PA 15230-0867
Phone: (888) FED-PITT (888-333-7488) or TTD (216) 579-3186
URL: http://www.clevelandfed.org/index.cfm

"The Community Affairs function supports community reinvestment, fair lending, and economic development activities throughout the Fourth District. Acting as catalysts, conveners, and consultants, we seek to identify best practices, build partnerships, and provide training and technical assistance to community development practitioners."

Forbes-Med Tech Business Center (Bouleveard Building, Inc.)
1401 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 431-8200
Fax: (412) 431-9094
E-mail: pete112@aol.com
URL: http://www.boulevardbuilding.com/faqs.htm

"Forbes-Med Tech Business Center offers services such as financial/accounting information, mentoring, and help with Access to Loan funds."

Franklin Industrial Complex
191 Howard Street, Franklin, PA 16323
Phone: (814) 432-4476
Fax: (814) 432-4777
E-mail: griswold@ficda.org
URL: http://www.ficda.org

"The purpose of the Franklin Industrial Complex is to own and operate the Venango Area Industrial Complex, multi-tenant facility and industrial incubator, and also to promote economic development and assist the manufacturing and commercial community."

Indiana County Small Business Incubator
10 Robertshaw Center, Indiana, PA 15705
Phone: (724) 357-2179
Fax: (724) 357-4514
E-mail: rboldin@grove.iup.edu
URL: http://www.eberly.iup.edu/incubator/

"The Indiana County Small Business Incubator was established in 1986 to provide manufacturing space and centralized business services to start-up and expanding companies. The Small Business Incubator has been funded by a variety of sources including the Ben Franklin Partnership. The Incubator offers tenants space, secretarial and general business services, and computer training. In addition, assistance is provided as needed with exporting, government contracting, accounting, management, and marketing. The Small Business Incubator management, comprised of IUP professors and professional staff, is also involved in the recruitment and development of businesses for the Commerce Park and the Corporate Campus Interchange Center."

JARI Center for Business Development
160 JARI Drive, Johnstown, PA 15904
Phone: (814) 266-3844
Fax: (814) 266-7624
E-mail: bblasco@jari.com
URL:http://www.jari.com/

"Services Provided by the JARI Center for Business Development and Entrepreneurial Development Programs Business plan development assistance are intensive one to one ongoing business advisory services, access to outside professional infrastructure, develop and make us of know how and know where networks, assistance in establishing and linking interfaces that promote communication through new company formation and/or helping grow early stage technology companies, create access and linkages to funding opportunities in the private equity markets, business opportunity forums with local angel group, and access to local Venture Capital fund."

Liberty Resources
1341 N. Delaware Avenue, Suite 105, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: (215) 634-2000 or Toll Free (888) 634-2155
TDD: (215) 634-6630
Fax: (215) 634-6628
E-mail: LRinc@libertyresources.org
URL: http://www.libertyresources.org
See URL: http://www.libertyresources.org/Services/SkillsTraining/default.htm

"Starting Your Own Business: This class addresses the high unemployment rate for many people with disabilities. Small and home based businesses are the largest growth areas in this country and the potential for continued growth is enormous. Consumers attending this class will be able to determine whether starting a small business is for them. Emphasis is placed on exactly what is a home based business, cottage industries of the 90's, how to obtain small business loa! ns from the Small Business Association (SBA), and how to develop a basic business plan. Speakers from the general business community will discuss niche markets, marketing concepts and talk about their personal experiences."

Mennonite Economic Development Associates
1821 Oregon Pike, Suite 201, Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: (717) 560-6546
Fax: (717) 560-6549
URL: http://www.meda.org/index.html

"Provides technical assistance and small business and small business loans to low-income persons in Lancaster."

Model Works Industrial Commons Incubator
227 Hathaway Street, Girard, PA 16427
Phone: (814) 774-9339
Fax: (814) 774-9235
E-mail: damonh@team.org
URL: http://www.team.org/girard.html

"Model Works Industrial Commons Incubator,227 Hathaway East, Girard, PA. Approximately half of the space in this 330,000 square-foot facility, formerly the Marx Toy Company factory, is used as an incubator. The other half is a multitenant facility which is available to incubator "graduates," as well as other businesses. Proximity to communities such as Albion, Lake City, and Fairview give incubator tenants access to a large skilled labor force."

Moshannon Valley Enterprise Center
200 Shady Lane, Philipsburg, PA 16866
Phone: (814) 342-2260
Fax: (814) 342-2878
E-mail: movalley@abci.net
URL: http://www.mvedp.org/enterprisecenter.asp

"Moshannon Valley Enterprise Center provides financial/accounting information, mentoring, legal services, networking, help with Access to Loan Funds, manufacturing practices assistance, federal procurement, and marketing."

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance
1151 Oak Street Pittston Township, PA 18640-3795
Phone: (570) 655-5581
Fax: (570) 654-5137
E-mail: info@nepa-alliance.org
URL: http://www.nepa-alliance.org/

"The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance, formerly the Economic Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, is one of seven sub-state regional agencies that help to coordinate economic development activities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Alliance carries out its mission within a seven county region of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The region is composed of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, and Wayne counties."

Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers
URL:http://www.pasbdc.org/

"The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers work with small firms to help them compete and grow in today's highly competitive global economy. From helping aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses, to helping small firms expand, to providing the information every business person needs to make critical decisions, the Pennsylvania SBDCs are the resource entrepreneurs in all industry sectors can turn to for help -- help that can make the difference between success and failure."

• Area Offices
  URL: http://www.pasbdc.org/where/default.asp
• PENNSYLVANIA DCED GUIDE TO STARTING A BUSINESS
  URL: http://www.newpa.com/default.aspx?id=25

Penn State Center for Economic and Community Development
Center for Economic and Community Development
The Pennsylvania State University
105C Armsby Building, University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 865-0659
Fax: (814) 865-3746
E-mail: mshields@psu.edu
URL: http://cecd.aers.psu.edu/

"The Center for Economic and Community Development provides a focal point for addressing rural economic and community development issues. The Center comprises one of the largest groups of scientists and educators at any university committed to analyzing and resolving social and economic issues affecting people in rural communities."

• Business Financing Programs
  URL: http://www.newpa.com/default.aspx?id=24
  
  
• Community and Economic Development Toolbox
  URL:http://www.cdtoolbox.org/

  "The purpose of this toolbox is to provide accessible tools to local community and economic development (CED) practitioners, such as community leaders, newly elected officials, extension educators, and community technical assistance providers, so that they are more knowledgeable about basic CED issues and are better equipped to assist in decision making and determining the future of their communities."

Pennsylvania Business Resource Network
URL: http://www.teampa.com/

Provides a wealth of information about business resources available throughout the state of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Microenterprise Coalition
C/O Mennonite Economic Development Association
1821 Oregon Pike, Suite 201, Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: (717) 560-6546
Fax: (717) 560-6549
E-mail: hgood@meda.org

"The mission of MEDA is to bring hope, opportunity and economic well being to low income people around the world through a business-oriented approach to development."

Philadelphia Commercial Development Corp.
1315 Walnut Street, 5th Fl., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-4706
Phone: (215) 790-5006
Fax: (215) 790-5016
URL: http://www.philadelphiacommercial.org/pcdc/home.htm

"The Philadelphia Commercial Development Corporation (PCDC) has worked diligently over the past three years to increase the amount of available capital to business owners in low/moderate income neighborhoods. We have achieved this goal by improving service delivery of technical assistance, capital improvements in neighborhoods and direct lending."

Philadelphia Development Partnership
1334 Walnut Street, 7th Floor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
Phone: (215) 545-3100
Fax: (215) 546-8055
E-mail: lbenoliel@pdp-inc.org or
URL:http:// www.pdp-inc.org

"Philadelphia Development Partnership (PDP) is a private nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote economic development in low and moderate income neighborhoods in the Greater Philadelphia region. We think one of the best ways to revitalize neighborhoods is helping self-employed people and micro-business owners succeed. Our cities are full of self-employed people who braid hair, fix TVs, bake cakes, install drywall, care for children, sell vitamins, make earrings, and much more, as a full or part-time venture."

The Reinvestment Fund
718 Arch Street, Suite 300 North, Philadelphia, PA 19106-1591
Phone: (215) 574-5800
Fax: (215) 574-5900
E-mail: ContactUs@TRFund.com
URL: http://www.trfund.com/

"The Reinvestment Fund, Inc., builds wealth and opportunity for low-wealth communities and low- and moderate-income individuals through the promotion of socially and environmentally responsible development."

Robert P. Habgood Building (Business Development Center)
20 Russell Blvd., P.O. Box 490, Bradford, PA 16701
Phone: (814) 368-7170
Fax: (814) 368-6894
E-mail: bcochran@penn.com
URL: http://bradfordpa.com/oecd/Facilities__Sites/sub_facilities_1.html

"This complex is owned by the City of Bradford and is operated as a small business incubator. Tenants may rent both manufacturing and office space at affordable rates and take advantage of the available shared services and equipment. The purpose of the incubator is to shelter new start-up businesses. Flexibility exists with respect to rental rates and lease terms. Occupancy is currently 90% but fluctuates as tenants graduate and move to other sites within the the community. The entire complex has been renovated including the upgrading of electric, plumbing, heating and sprinkler systems. Space can be further customized to meet tenant needs. Four ample parking lots provide more than adequate space to meet needs of employees and visitors. Truck transportation to and from the facility is available through a wide variety of commercial carriers."

Rural Enterprise Development Corp. (REDC)
10 East Main Street, P.O. Box 276, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania 17815-0276
Phone: (570) 784-7003
Fax: (570) 784-7030
E-mail: redc@sunlink.net
URL:http:// www.redc-leap.org

"Our mission here at the REDC, is to create and maintain local employment, especially for low/moderate income persons, support community development, and build a sustainable local economy. REDC through its LEAP program provides business training, technical assistance, and loans to small businesses and microenterprises in Columbia, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Schuylkill, and Sullivan Counties."

Shefa Fund
8459 Ridge Avenue, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19128
Phone: (215) 483-4004
Fax: (215) 483-4429
E-mail: ajoseph@shefafund.org
URL: http://www.shefafund.org

"The Shefa Fund was established in 1988 to encourage American Jews to use their tzedakah (charitable resources) to create a more just society, and in the process, to transform Jewish life so that it becomes more socially conscious and spiritually invigorating. The Shefa Fund has grown to provide a range of progressive tzedakah financial services including socially responsible grantmaking, low-income community investing and funder education."

Starting a Business in Pennsylvania (PDF; 43 pages)
URL: http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/revenue/lib/revenue/rev-588.pdf

Trehab Center Inc.
Box 366, 10 Public Avenue, Montrose, Pennsylvania 18801
Phone: (800) 390-0352
Fax: (570) 278-1889
E-mail: trehab@epix.net
URL: http://www.trehab.org

"The TREHAB Community Action Agency is committed to act as both a service provider and an advocate for the poor, the unemployed, and underemployed, the elderly and other groups at risk."

Warren County Development Complex
4 Harmer Street, Warren, PA 16365
Phone: (814) 723-3052
Fax: (814) 726-7455
E-mail: debr@team.org
URL: http://www.wcda.com

"The WCDA was formed in May 1957 with the mission to provide for the enhancement of the quality of life in Warren County through orderly growth and development. The Association will initiate and facilitate projects which stimulate economic growth and will co-ordinate its development efforts with federal, state and regional and other local agencies, as well as encourage community participation."

William D. McNeilly Business Center
Greenville Area Economic Development Center
12 N. Diamond Street, Greenville, PA 16125
Phone: (724) 588-1161
Fax: (724) 588-981
E-mail: mcneilly@nauticom.net
URL: http://www.gaedc.org/mcneilly.html

"The Businesss Center offers new businesses first-rate work space at costs that are
below market value. The William D. McNeilly Business Center is a private non-profit operation sponsored by the Greenville Area Economic Development Corporation and partially funded by grants from the Ben Franklin Partnership."

Women's Business Development Center (WBDC)
1315 Walnut Street, Suite 1116, Philadelphia, PA 19107-4711
Phone: (215) 790-9232
Fax: (215) 790-9231
E-mail: wbdc@erols.com

URL: http://www.womensbdc.org/

"The Women's Business Development Center (WBDC) is dedicated to the economic empowerment of women. The Center enables women to launch new businesses and to more successfully run their existing businesses. WBDC offers start-up, emerging and established entrepreneurs a unique continuum of supportive services including: Premier FastTrac I & II, comprehensive course work culminating in the development of a viable business plan for each entrepreneur; Individualized Business Consulting in management, marketing, and financial matters; Loan Packaging; Procurement and Certification Assistance. By offering a full range of services and utilizing the expertise of successful women business owners to deliver its programs, the Women's Business Development Center will be the Greater Philadelphia Region's focal point for women's economic empowerment opportunities."

Women's Opportunities Resource Center
1930 Chestnut Street, Suite 1600, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 564-5500
Fax: (215) 564-0933
E-mail: info@worc-pa.com
URL: http://www.worc-pa.com/

"The mission of the WORC is to promote social and economic self-sufficiency primarily for economically disadvantage women and their families. WORC provides training, individual business assistance,job placement, and access to business and financial resources. WORC empowers its constituents through various self-help strategies including savings mobilization, a self-employment network, and access to its local, national and international affiliations."

• Self-Employment Training
  URL: http://www.worc-pa.com/training.html

Working Order
1650 Main Street, Sharpsburg, PA 15215
Phone: (412) 782-5344
Fax: (412) 782-5373
E-mail: entre@workingorder.org
URL: http://www.workingorder.org/

"Working Order’s mission is to support employment opportunities for people with disabilities through entrepreneurship and community partnerships."

York County Economic Development Corporation
144 Roosevelt Avenue, York, PA 17404
Phone: (717) 846-8879
Fax: (717) 843-8837
URL: http://www.ycedc.org/

"The York County Economic Development Corporation’s primary focus is to serve as
York County’s leading resource for facilitating economic development, working with the
public and private sectors to enhance its overall quality of life."