Our Foundation of Support
This website was made possible by the generous support of key national and local partners dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial growth.
Our journey began through our affiliation with Main Street America (MSA). A new opportunity arose after Downtown Lewistown, Inc. (DLI) was chosen as one of only 10 communities nationwide to successfully lead the ‘Grow with Google’ program. Following this, DLI co-hosted a statewide entrepreneurial meeting with MSA and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, which led to our selection as one of just 30 communities to pilot a project aimed at strengthening the Juniata River Valley’s entrepreneurial network.
Building on the success of that trial project, DLI applied for and received a grant from the Equitable Entrepreneurship Ecosystems in Rural Main Streets Grant Program. We are incredibly grateful for this award, presented by Main Street America with foundational support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, and for DLI’s role as the local coordinator.
In determining the most impactful use for this grant, the clear path was to build upon an existing and vital community asset. Therefore, this funding was dedicated to elevating the Entrepreneur Meetup, which has been a cornerstone of local peer-to-peer support since 2018. To honor its origins, we have partnered with the meetup’s founding organizations, the Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation (MCIDC) and The Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce, to develop this comprehensive online resource and expand the reach of the community they successfully created.
How It All Began
In 2018, Rhonda Kelley, Executive Director of the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Nick Felice, President and CEO of The Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation, met to discuss how their two organizations could join forces to support and strengthen the local economy. They identified a key opportunity: a place for entrepreneurs to meet in a casual setting where they could network with others who share similar aspirations, exchange ideas, and find advice to grow their companies.
That vision became a reality in January 2018 with the first meeting at East End Coffee Co. in downtown Lewistown. The overwhelming response of 25 attendees solidified the idea that this type of gathering was deeply needed. The meetings have continued consistently ever since, moving to a virtual format during the pandemic and now occurring bi-monthly at various host businesses.
For the past seven years, the group has been going strong. “It is so uplifting to see so many entrepreneurs coming out to encourage and support one another,” said Kelley. “I always leave these meetups energized and confident that our economic future is in good hands. We have also been very fortunate to have had representatives from the Small Business Administration, Penn State & Bucknell Small Business Development Centers, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and SEDA-COG in attendance to offer their support and guidance.”
The group consists of various types and sizes of businesses, ranging from food services to manufacturing, retail, blacksmithing, consulting, and more. Some are budding entrepreneurs, while others are more experienced and offer mentorship.
“What strikes me as most positive is the typical age of most attendees,” Felice noted. “It is truly the younger generation stepping up, taking the risk, putting in the time, and creating value. Beyond the value they bring to themselves, it shows a strong commitment and faith in our communities. Buildings get put back into productive use, taxes are paid, payrolls are generated, and residents see the positives that help restore hope.
Mission
Our mission is to empower entrepreneurs in the Juniata River Valley by providing a central digital hub that connects them to essential resources, inspiring stories, and a supportive peer community.
Vision
To see the Juniata River Valley become a premier destination for entrepreneurs, where our culture of support and collaboration empowers anyone with a bold idea to build a successful business and a brighter future for the entire region.
