SHARON, Pa. – The Shenango LaunchBox, powered by the Greater Sharon Community, along with the city of Sharon and the Community Foundation of Western PA & Eastern OH, announced the eight local businesses that will receive a total of $150,000 in inaugural grant funding awarded through the Sharon Economic Development Fund.
Each business completed the application process on the Shenango LaunchBox website and gave a funding pitch to the Grant Selection Committee in April.
The businesses that will receive funds are Early Explorers Montessori Preschool; Evolve Training; ICG Hobbies & Games; In Bloom Preschool; JCL Development; The Thrift Room; The Wandering Soul: Books, Gifts & Furniture; and Warehouse Sales.
“The companies identified for funding are all driving economic growth that is in line with the city of Sharon’s Main Street Model,” said Carey McDougall, regional chancellor of Penn State Beaver and Penn State Shenango and a Grant Selection Committee member. “The grant dollars will help improve and grow these businesses while also strengthening the regional economy by driving travel and tourism to Sharon.”
Two endowments totaling $4 million were created by Penn State and the city of Sharon in 2022, facilitated by the Community Foundation of Western PA & Eastern OH, to increase economic development throughout the region. The first endowment allows the Shenango LaunchBox to support existing and startup businesses in the region, while the second endowment established the Sharon Economic Development Fund and is restricted to businesses operating within the city.
“This is exactly the kind of forward momentum we envisioned when launching the Sharon Economic Development Fund,” said Bob Fiscus, Sharon city manager. “These eight businesses represent the innovation, passion and resilience that define our community. Supporting them means investing in the long-term vitality of our downtown and helping Sharon thrive as a hub for small business growth.”
The grant recipients benefited from free consulting services, acceleration and ideation programs and networking opportunities offered through the Shenango LaunchBox. Many businesses received free legal advice from Penn State Law’s Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic and business plan consulting and training from the Gannon Small Business Development Center. Entrepreneurial support is also provided through collaboration and programming with many regional economic development partners and agencies.
“Thanks to the leadership of the city of Sharon, Penn State Shenango and the Shenango LaunchBox, these grants show what is possible while turning vision into action,” said Kyle English, director of the Community Foundation of Western PA & Eastern OH. “The Community Foundation is proud to support a partnership that’s creating real momentum for small businesses and long-term economic growth in our community.”
Ongoing support of the Sharon Economic Development Fund will continue through the collaboration between the city, the Community Foundation and the Shenango LaunchBox. Another round of grants will be available before the end of 2025, with additional funds available in 2026, estimated at $100,000 annually.
More information about the Sharon Economic Development Fund grant application process is available HERE.