Business Assistance

The Alliance has partnered with a number of other agencies to offer new and existing businesses a full range of assistance in such areas as planning, financing, and expansion.

The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce has been serving businesses and communities of the area since 1941. The Chamber provides opportunities for businesses to grow and prosper. Membership guarantees increased business exposure and provides opportunities to build business relationships. The Chamber also provides access to a health insurance program, business consulting services, and representation on issues that affect business. Contact The Chamber today to take advantage of the benefits of Chamber membership. Every member of The Chamber is also a member of The Alliance.

Ben Franklin Technology PArtners is a statewide network that fosters innovation to stimulate Pennsylvania's economic growth and prosperity. Operating regionally with four centers strategically located throughout the Commonwealth, Ben Franklin Technology Partners brings together the best of Pennsylvania's people, ideas, and technology to serve as a catalyst for advancing the state's knowledge-based economy.

SEDA-COG can provide partial financing for your business project, whether you're expanding the company, or starting a new one. They offer several financing programs and, depending on the one that's right for you, you may be eligible for as little as $2,500 or as much as $1,300,000.

Loans are generally for asset acquisition - land, capital expenditures, machinery, buildings, and equipment. Loans for working capital are available on a limited basis. Financing programs are primarily for manufacturers and industrial enterprises, although there are a limited number for retail and service companies.

Job creation and retention are an important criteria for the loans. Will your project create new jobs, or retain existing employment?

SEDA-COG offers fixed-rate, long-term financing, at interest rates that are generally lower-than-market.

The Wilkes University Small Business Development Center offers free, confidential consulting with writing a business plan, marketing, managing business growth, and more. To schedule an appointment with an SBDC consultant, call The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce at 784-2522.

The PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) offers business financing programs and technology assistance, bringing the advances in technology in touch with the many facets of business and community development. Additional support is devoted to strengthen business ideas and progress through economic development marketing programs, such as trade shows and industry programs. For the entrepreneur, visit the Center for Entrepreneurial Assistance.

Over 37,000 acres of developable land — virtually free of state and local taxes is available Pennsylvania, where the Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) program.

Because of the tremendous success of the KOZ initiative, additional zones were added in 2001. By eliminating state and local taxes within specific underdeveloped and underutilized areas, communities within Pennsylvania are experiencing economic growth and investment.

Team PA CareerLink allows employers to submit and update job orders, search for qualified applicants, and access additional economic development and labor market information. CareerLink is also the source for job seekers and services available to advance in the workforce.