SHARON, Pa. – Allie’s Sweet Tooth, CycleLife Studio and Sharon Community Development Corp. will receive a total of $95,000 in grant funding awarded through the Sharon Economic Development Fund.
The funding was announced Wednesday by the Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community, along with the city of Sharon and the Community Foundation of Western PA & Eastern OH.
Each business completed the application process on the Shenango LaunchBox website and gave a funding pitch to the Grant Selection Committee in May.
“These businesses have all shown a commitment to sustainable growth and are exactly the kind of enterprises that can help move downtown Sharon forward,” said Carey McDougall, regional chancellor of Penn State Beaver and Penn State Shenango and a Grant Selection Committee member. “The funding will not only support these businesses but will impact travel and tourism to Sharon, strengthening the regional economy.”
In 2022, two endowments totaling $4 million were created by Penn State and the city, 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, and the second endowment established the Sharon Economic Development Fund.
While the services and support offered by the Shenango LaunchBox are open to all entrepreneurs and businesses throughout the Shenango Valley area, the Sharon Economic Development Fund supports businesses in the city of Sharon.
“The creativity and commitment to collaboration shown by this year’s recipients is proof that innovation and passion are alive and well in our community,” said Bob Fiscus, city manager. “As a result, the positive effects of the funding will be felt by all downtown businesses, showcasing everything that the Sharon Economic Development Fund was created to achieve.”
For both Allie Adams, owner of Allie’s Sweet Tooth, and Amy Javens, owner of CycleLife Studio, their plans for growth, local expansion and long-term stability were key factors in the selection process.
The Sharon Community Development Corp., led by Executive Director Angie Urban, will use the funding to support the city’s downtown business district through regular and consistent business enhancement initiatives, which are expected to create a more engaging downtown experience for residents and visitors while providing support to local business owners.
“These efforts will encourage people to shop local, explore downtown businesses and connect with local merchants, helping increase visibility and attract new customers,” Urban said. “The grant will contribute to a more vibrant downtown, strengthen the local economy and support the organization’s ongoing Main Street Model designation efforts.”
In May 2025, eight businesses received grant support in the first year that funds were awarded. To date, the Sharon Economic Development Fund has awarded $245,000 to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
“These grants are a powerful example of what becomes possible when community leaders and local businesses work together toward a common goal,” said Kyle English, executive director of the Community Foundation of Western PA & Eastern OH. “The city of Sharon, Penn State Shenango and the Shenango LaunchBox have helped transform ideas into action, and the Community Foundation is proud to support the momentum being created for lasting economic growth.”