By Sarah Taylor
In an ever-evolving economic landscape, fostering entrepreneurship is crucial for growth. The SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is dedicated to empowering businesses of all sizes across 11 core central Pennsylvania counties, including Centre County.
The SEDA-Council of Governments provides a range of services designed to accelerate business development. Its Economic Development program reinvigorates communities, connecting local businesses with essential resources and grant partnerships. Since 2018, the SEDA-Council of Governments has provided over $195.5 million in regional investment.
“Since 2018, the SEDA-Council of Governments has provided over $195.5 million in regional investment.”
While many grants target nonprofits and public entities, the SEDA-Council of Governments also offers valuable support to businesses navigating regulatory requirements, facilitating vital connections within the regional network.
“We support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes. Whether through direct assistance or by acting as a resource to connect them with the right partners, we are committed to supporting the growth of all entrepreneurs and businesses in the region,” shared the SEDA-Council of Governments’ Communications & Marketing Coordinator Nancy Osborn.
The SEDA-Council of Governments also serves as the regional coordinator for PA Engage! and the Central PA Partners for Regional Economic Performance (PREP). These initiatives help businesses identify challenges, develop action plans and access a wealth of resources, from market development to workforce support.
For entrepreneurs aiming to expand internationally, the organization provides comprehensive export assistance, including international market research, compliance and shipping logistics. As part of Pennsylvania’s Regional Export Network (REN), the SEDA-Council of Governments connects businesses with trade consultants covering over 40 international markets.
The SEDA-Council of Governments also facilitates access to the Global Access Program (GAP), offering grants of up to $10,000 per year to offset costs associated with international trade activities.
Access to capital can be a significant barrier for many entrepreneurs. The SEDA-Council of Governments Business Finance Department understands this and provides low-interest loans tailored to help businesses start or expand.
With fixed rates, long terms, and low down-payments, these loans support cash flow and growth. Since the 1980s, the SEDA-Council of Governments has facilitated over 900 loans totaling more than $220 million, contributing to the creation or retention of over 11,000 jobs.
“Since the 1980s, the SEDA-Council of Governments has facilitated over 900 loans totaling more than $220 million, contributing to the creation or retention of over 11,000 jobs.”
Through the APEX Accelerator program, the SEDA-Council of Governments supports businesses in securing government contracts. This program offers critical services such as market evaluation and vendor registration assistance. Since its inception in 1985, APEX has helped clients secure over 49,000 contracts worth more than $4.7 billion.
“Since its inception in 1985, APEX has helped clients secure over 49,000 contracts worth more than $4.7 billion.”
The SEDA-Council of Governments is committed to nurturing a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in central Pennsylvania. By offering comprehensive resources — from economic development to export assistance, financing and government contracting — the SEDA-Council of Governments empowers entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, helping them achieve sustainable growth and success.
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Sarah Taylor is a communications professional studying telecommunications at Penn State University. She can be reached at sarah.st.taylor@gmail.com.
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