SPC Launches Loan Application Portal

Posted on September 1, 2021 in Business Assistance

SPC’s Business Finance Assistance program works with entrepreneurs to assist them in starting, developing and expanding their businesses. SPC can make loans and provide assistance to high tech, oil and gas, agricultural, tourism, recycling, manufactures, many additional types of for profit companies.

If you are interested in financing your business’s expansion project through SPC, we would encourage you to visit https://spcregion.portfol.com/Workflow/, register your business for a free account, and complete our pre-application questionnaire. Once complete, SPC staff will review your questionnaire, and reach out to you to discuss your project in further detail.

Visit SPC’s Business Assistance page to learn more!

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SPC Releases 2020 Annual Report Video

Posted on June 28, 2021 in Business Assistance, Data, Planning & Development, Public Participation, Transportation

2020 was a challenging year for everyone, and SPC was no exception. But still, In the midst of collective uncertainly, bright spots surfaced. This short video showcases the both the obstacles we faced and the successes that SPC delivered in transportation planning, economic development and small business assistance, GIS, communications and finance. From assisting several small businesses with crucial grants and loans, to developing the TIP virtually, and helping our partners move forward, we delivered.

the countermove – spc 2020 annual report

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Greene County businesses impacted by COVID-19 to receive funding

Posted on April 29, 2021 in Business Assistance, Planning & Development

Greene County commissioners recently said funding for 25 different local businesses has been approved through two separate initiatives geared to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Commissioner Mike Belding said Monday the businesses applied earlier this year for the Forgivable Advance for Small Business Assistance (FASBA) program or the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP).

“FASBA and CHIRP are programs for small businesses to recover some COVID-related financial impacts,” Belding said.

Commissioners also announced nine area businesses were awarded grant funding through CHIRP, with seven of the businesses receiving $50,000 and two receiving $5,000.

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SPC to Host Virtual Small-Business Discussion Forum: “Building Economic Resiliency”

Posted on December 30, 2020 in Business Assistance

SPC is hosting a virtual Small Business Discussion and Forum on March 16th 2021 at 1:00pm. We want to hear from Southwestern PA businesses.

Soon we will mark one year since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here at Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC), we wanted to take this opportunity to hear from our region’s small business owners and find out where your business stands, one year after COVID. We and other regional entities want to hear your feedback on current needs and expected future needs.

This event and your feedback will help SPC determine the types of business assistance programs needed moving forward.

Please visit https://spcsmallbusiness2021.eventbrite.com/ and Register.

We hope to see you on March 16, 2021 at 1:00pm.

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New director sees a more active Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission

Posted on August 31, 2020 in Business Assistance, Planning & Development, Transportation

For more than 20 years with the Federal Transit Administration, Vincent Valdes worked with local communities across the country, overseeing their transportation projects from afar but only getting what he called “visceral satisfaction.”

Now, as the new executive director of the 10-county Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, Mr. Valdes said he looks forward to seizing the opportunity “to come here and bake the cake myself.”

“I wanted to be able to see the fruits of my work,” Mr. Valdes, 61, said in an interview Friday. “Why not actually come out and do it myself?”

Mr. Valdes was selected in April as the replacement for Jim Hassinger and began his new job on June 15. Mr. Hassinger retired after 19 years as executive director.

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COVID-19 Working Capital Loan program – UPDATED

Posted on April 6, 2020 in Business Assistance

COVID-19 Working Capital Loan program

UPDATE – Thank you very much for your interest in the PIDA CWCA Working Capital Loan Program. PIDA has informed SPC that their office has received 890 applications from across the Commonwealth, totaling $75.6 million in requested funds. As you may be aware, PIDA only had $61 million to disburse through the CWCA program. Therefore, PIDA is no longer accepting applications for the program at this time.

In the event that the program is reauthorized, and you have already submitted an application, SPC will continue to process your application at that time.

There are still funding options available through the federal government, and we have provided links to those programs below. We would encourage you to apply for federal funding through the appropriate agencies:

SBA Disaster Loan – https://disasterloan.sba.gov/

CARES Act Funding – Download
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SBA EIDL/PPP/PIDA Webinars

Posted on March 30, 2020 in Business Assistance

SBA EIDL/PPP/PIDA Webinars

Below please find a series links to some helpful webinars that contain information on the various federal and state government programs designed to assist businesses navigating the COVID-19 outbreak.  These webinars are hosted by the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center, and will be streaming live on YouTube daily, during the week of March 30 through April 3, 2020, from 9 am to 10:15 am.

DATEPAGE URL
March 30             https://youtu.be/JOxhroL9l5M
March 31https://youtu.be/f-4QucbQrCQ
April 1             https://youtu.be/qOcTgO7tnJs
April 2             https://youtu.be/Hypsfwjq6rY
April 3             https://youtu.be/Oq7qdWfUW50

PASBDC YouTube Main Page

SPC 2019 Annual Report Released

Posted on January 28, 2020 in Business Assistance, Data, Planning & Development, Transportation

The 2019 Annual Report encompasses SPC’s accomplishments throughout the year and provides insight into our many programs, departments, and services. Download a copy of the full report and be sure to watch the 2019 Annual Report highlight video on our YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and click the ‘bell’ icon to stay notified when new content is published!

As the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Southwestern Pennsylvania, SPC, in collaboration with its member planning partners, will direct the use of billions in state and federal transportation funding through 2045. Adopted in June 2019, the long range plan – SmartMoves for a Changing Region – provides a robust policy framework that envisions a world-class, safe and well maintained, integrated transportation system that provides mobility for all, enables resilient communities and supports a globally competitive economy.

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​Farm Vitality Planning Grant

Posted on January 14, 2020 in Business Assistance

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the Farm Vitality Grant Program. This program provides reimbursement grants for a variety of business planning services. $1 million is available and all farmers and prospective farmers are eligible!

Learn more at agriculture.pa.gov

If you have any questions about the program please contact our Business Finance Assistance Manager, Ed Nemeth, by email at enemeth@spcregion.org.

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