PA: Local Business Assistance
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About This Opportunity
Local Business Assistance | PREP --> Local Business Assistance Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP) is PA’s network of business assistance partners designed to help companies start, grow and prosper. Our local and regional PREP partners have the experience and know-how to assist individuals who have an idea and need help with the basics of starting a new venture. PREP also meets the demands of existing companies that seek assistance in all aspects of successful business development and growth. Learn more about the PREP business assistance . Advice and Resources The PREP network consists of hundreds of trained and experienced experts who can offer assistance and resources. PREP’s one-on-one counseling, specialized workshops, online training and financial incentives make it one of the most coordinated and respected networks in the nation designed specifically to meet the needs of our job creators — the men and women who start and grow our businesses. Regional Industry Outreach To complement our PREP network, our specialized Engage! program is a statewide, industry-driven initiative featuring a robust team of professionals who connect with, proactively listen to, and assist businesses across the state. Engage! prioritizes meaningful dialogue with businesses to deliver planning, technical, and next-step resources. Working together, the Engage! team creates personalized, effective action plans that businesses can act on to take advantage of industry opportunities while addressing and resolving any challenges. 2020-2021 Engage! Impact Stories (PDF) Engage! Fact Sheet (PDF) Answering Questions PREP helps to answer the following questions and more: How do I start a new business? How do I write a business plan? Where can I get necessary financing? Where is the best place to locate my business? How can I expand into new markets? Who can help me re-organize my shop floor? Should I invest in new equipment? Can I get training for my employees? Local Assistance Contacts Click on a PREP region below to view the regional contact information and region overviews. Prep Map Northwest Erie North Central Northern Tier Central Williamsport Northeast Scranton Lehigh Valley Southwest Pittsburgh Southern Alleghenies Altoona South Central Harrisburg Southeast Philadelphia SHARE PREP Region Information Northwest PREP The economic development partners in the Northwest PREP region, which include eight county economic development corporations, an incubator association, two industrial resource centers, three small business development centers, a local development district, a PennTAP office, one Benjamin Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP) office and two Workforce Investment Boards, have a long history of collaboration and allow easy access to services for the small businesses that dominate and drive the region’s economy. Eighty four percent of businesses in the area have fewer than 10 employees, and 94 percent have fewer than 100 employees. The partners are wo