Rural areas boast great innovation and creativity, but sometimes lack knowledge about available resources  or a robust, well-coordinated ecosystem of support organizations to enable entrepreneurs to build  businesses to their potential. During this session, hear about one region’s experience using the Strategic  Doing process to pivot economic development strategies during the pandemic to support the digital  economy and entrepreneurship. Further, learn how regions can leverage community resources more  effectively by building collaboration to support entrepreneurs. 

1. SEDA-Council of
governments
[seda-cog]

2. SupportingRural Entrepreneurship
throughCollaboration

3. Who we are
SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic
advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania
counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.
SEDA-COG…Building Strong Economies & Strong Communities

4. SEDA-COG Region
1957 – loosely
organized
1972 – officially
formed
11 counties &
beyond
Regional benefits-
increased:
Businesses/Jobs
Savings
Infrastructure
Housing
Better economy
Quality of life

6. Our Services
Business Services
Community Services
Residential Services
Transportation Services

7. SEDA-COG Programs
Business Finance
Provides businesses locating or expanding with low-interest
loans that have long terms, fixed rates, low down-payments,
and helps spread the bank’s risk.
The SEDA-COG LDC has assisted over 230 small businesses
with over $136 million of SBA 504 loans supporting over
4,800 jobs.

8. SEDA-COG Programs
Procurement
Connects businesses to the nation’s largest
market – sales to the government.
We also assist with the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania's cooperative purchasing
program (COSTARS) and bid matching.

9. SEDA-COG Programs
Export Assistance
Pennsylvania operates one of the country’s most robust and
comprehensive international business development
programs boasting 11 overseas trade consultants covering
over 40 markets and ten local offices across the state.
We assist businesses with market research, product
compliance, export licensing, documentation, shipping, and
much more.

10. SEDA-COG Programs
Economic Development
 Infrastructure Development (grant funds, water, sewer, access roads, etc.)
 Regional Coordination
 Central Region Partners for Regional Economic Performance (PREP)
 PA Engage! Program
 Keystone Opportunity Zones (KOZ)
 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)
 Economic Development Administration (EDA)
 Provide businesses with assistance in permitting and other regulatory
requirements when building or expanding in the region

11. The PREP partners coordinate economic
development efforts in the region and help to
promote enhanced customer service to the
business community.

13. ARC Funded Project
Study and
Implementation

14. CHIRP Funds
Throughout the pandemic SEDA-COG has assisted over 300
restaurants and other businesses in the hospitality industry,
helping them obtain CHIRP (COVID-19 Hospitality Industry
Recovery Program) funding totaling $7,156,564.19.

15. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
We have been assisting 12 municipalities with the administration of their
funds.
These funds can be used for:
 Supporting the public health response
 Replacing public sector revenue loss
 Water and sewer infrastructure
 Addressing negative economic impacts
 Premium pay for essential workers
 Broadband infrastructure

16. Centre County Small Business Grant (CCSBG)
Through the CCSBG, using funds distributed under the American Rescue
Plan (ARPA), over 250 small businesses received assistance totaling $2.7
million.
Funds could help cover operating expenses incurred during 2021. Operating
expenses included but were not limited to payroll, rent, mortgage, utilities,
costs of goods, supplies, raw materials, etc. The average amount of grant
funds awarded was $10,767.44.

17. Questions? Contact us!
Betsy Lockwood, Director
Project Development/Grants,
Economic Development
elockwood@seda-cog.org, 570-524-4491
www.seda-cog.org