NEW BETHLEHEM & THE REDBANK VALLEY

Build your business.
Grow in the Valley.

From a first idea to your next chapter, find practical help for starting, buying or growing a business in southern Clarion County and northern Armstrong County.

What we have to build on

  • Local connections through the Chamber and Redbank Renaissance.
  • A downtown at Routes 28 and 66, with regional connections to explore.
  • Redbank Creek, the trail and outdoor recreation that shape the visitor economy.
  • Education, workforce and business-advising partners ready to answer questions.

Check costs, utilities, access and workforce fit for your particular business—not just the headline benefits.

What we need: ideas to investigate

Local partners have highlighted opportunities such as outdoor recreation services, specialty retail, food and drink, skilled trades, professional services and visitor lodging.

These are starting points for research—not verified market gaps or businesses advertised for sale. Validate customer demand, competition and costs before investing.

Discuss a local idea or transition →

Your business support network

16 resources

ArmstrongBusiness planningFunding & finance

Armstrong County Industrial Development Council

Help with business locations, expansion, regional information and connections to financing partners in Armstrong County.

Contact: Economic Development Team

Phone: 724-548-1500

Email: [email protected]

How to use this resource
  1. Describe the location, building size and utility needs of your project.
  2. Ask about currently available properties and suitable financing referrals.
  3. Verify zoning, environmental conditions and all property terms before committing.

A referral or property listing is not an approval, availability guarantee or funding commitment.

Public contact sources manually reviewed 2026-10-19. Confirm details directly. Automated source checks do not verify contact accuracy or eligibility.

ClarionBusiness planningFunding & finance

Clarion County Economic Development Corporation

A countywide starting point for entrepreneurs, business expansion, relocation, commercial sites and financing referrals.

Contact: Jarred Heuer, Executive Director / CCEDC team

Phone: 814-226-9045

Email: [email protected]

How to use this resource
  1. Explain whether you are starting, purchasing, relocating or growing a business.
  2. Ask for a coordinated discussion about your site, financing and workforce needs.
  3. Confirm current program eligibility and office location before visiting.

Some older pages show a different street address. Use the current contact page or call before visiting; do not assume a grant is open.

Public contact sources manually reviewed 2026-10-19. Confirm details directly. Automated source checks do not verify contact accuracy or eligibility.

ClarionBusiness planningSites & property

Clarion County Planning Department

Planning and land-development guidance for a proposed property project, plus connections to municipal requirements and community development programs.

Contact: Kristi Amato, Planning Director

Phone: 814-226-4000 ext. 2800

Email: [email protected]

How to use this resource
  1. Identify the property parcel and municipality.
  2. Ask which county and municipal approvals may apply to the proposed use.
  3. Confirm the current office location and obtain professional advice before a purchase.

County planning guidance does not replace municipal zoning, building, occupancy or other permits.

Public contact sources manually reviewed 2026-10-19. Confirm details directly. Automated source checks do not verify contact accuracy or eligibility.

Clarion + ArmstrongBusiness planningFunding & finance

DCED programs and business financing

Search Pennsylvania's official program catalog for financing, tax-credit and development programs relevant to a defined business project.

Contact: DCED Customer Service Team

Phone: 866-466-3972

Email: [email protected]

How to use this resource
  1. Write down the purpose, location, budget and timeline of your project.
  2. Check applicant type, eligible costs, match requirements and current application window.
  3. Ask the program office or your county development team which programs fit.

A program catalog includes loans and other assistance, not just grants. Listing does not mean funds are available or your project qualifies.

Public contact sources manually reviewed 2026-10-19. Confirm details directly. Automated source checks do not verify contact accuracy or eligibility.

ClarionHiringMarket research

NWPA CareerLink employer services — Clarion

Employer recruitment, job matching and training referrals serving Clarion County through regional, virtual and public-access services.

Contact: NWPA CareerLink Employer Services Team

Phone: 844-333-5248

Email: [email protected]

How to use this resource
  1. Describe your hiring or workforce-training need.
  2. Ask how to connect with employer services serving Clarion County.
  3. Confirm appointments and current program eligibility directly.

The regional public-access schedule can change. Do not rely on old office addresses or assume training reimbursements are guaranteed.

Public contact sources manually reviewed 2026-10-19. Confirm details directly. Automated source checks do not verify contact accuracy or eligibility.

Clarion + ArmstrongBusiness planningUtilities

Office of Small Business Advocate — utility assistance

Pennsylvania's small-business utility advocate can explain resources concerning regulated utility service and rate issues.

Contact: Office of Small Business Advocate

Phone: 717-783-2525

Email: [email protected]

How to use this resource
  1. Identify the utility and the business service question.
  2. Gather non-sensitive account and service details for your direct conversation.
  3. Ask whether the issue falls within the office's role and what next steps apply.

This is not a bill-payment grant or a promise to resolve an individual dispute. Do not send account credentials through this directory.

Public contact sources manually reviewed 2026-10-19. Confirm details directly. Automated source checks do not verify contact accuracy or eligibility.

Clarion + ArmstrongBusiness planningHiring

PA Business One-Stop Shop

A statewide guide to starting, registering and operating a business, including a personalized checklist and assistance navigating agency requirements.

Contact: Business One-Stop Shop Team

Phone: 833-722-6778 (option 5 for starting or expanding)

Email: [email protected]

How to use this resource
  1. Use the official checklist for your business type and situation.
  2. Identify registration, tax and employer requirements before opening or changing ownership.
  3. Contact the team with questions about the appropriate agencies.

A checklist is guidance, not a substitute for legal, accounting, licensing or municipal advice.

Public contact sources manually reviewed 2026-10-19. Confirm details directly. Automated source checks do not verify contact accuracy or eligibility.

ArmstrongHiringMarket research

PA CareerLink Armstrong County

Local employer support for recruiting, candidate matching, job fairs, labor-market information and training referrals.

Contact: Armstrong County Business Services Team

Phone: 724-548-5693

Email: Use the official contact page (no general email verified)

How to use this resource
  1. Call the office and ask for employer services.
  2. Describe the role, skills, location and expected hiring timeline.
  3. Ask about suitable recruitment and training support.

No general office email was verified on the current source; use the official contact route. Confirm appointments and funding availability.

Public contact sources manually reviewed 2026-10-19. Confirm details directly. Automated source checks do not verify contact accuracy or eligibility.

Clarion + ArmstrongBusiness planningRegistration & permits

Pennsylvania business registration

Official business-entity filing information from the Department of State, including contacts for registration questions.

Contact: Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations

Phone: 717-787-1057

Email: [email protected]

How to use this resource
  1. Choose a structure with qualified legal and tax advice.
  2. Review the official filing instructions and naming requirements.
  3. Keep copies of confirmations and identify any separate tax or licensing registrations.

Registering an entity does not itself authorize every business activity or provide zoning approval.

Public contact sources manually reviewed 2026-10-19. Confirm details directly. Automated source checks do not verify contact accuracy or eligibility.

Clarion + ArmstrongBusiness planningFunding & finance

PennWest Clarion Small Business Development Center

No-cost, confidential consulting for starting, buying or growing a business, including business plans, market research and financing preparation.

Contact: Cynthia A. (Cindy) Nellis, Center Director / consulting team

Phone: 814-393-2060

Email: [email protected]

How to use this resource
  1. Request consulting through the official center.
  2. Describe your idea or current business and the decision you want help making.
  3. Prepare your questions, business plan or financial information for the private consultation.

Both Clarion and Armstrong are in this center's published service area. Consulting does not guarantee loan approval, grants or commercial success.

Public contact sources manually reviewed 2026-10-19. Confirm details directly. Automated source checks do not verify contact accuracy or eligibility.

Clarion + ArmstrongBusiness planningFunding & finance

Redbank Renaissance

Local revitalization connections, business-transition discussions and information about downtown projects, properties and improvement programs.

Contact: Redbank Renaissance team

Phone: 814-275-1718

Email: [email protected]

How to use this resource
  1. Explain your business idea, transition plan or downtown improvement project.
  2. Ask for current property and program information rather than relying on old listings.
  3. Confirm the site's municipality and any separate eligibility requirements.

Older pages contain property listings and grant figures that may no longer apply. Opportunities listed here are leads to investigate, not verified vacancies or offers.

Public contact sources manually reviewed 2026-10-19. Confirm details directly. Automated source checks do not verify contact accuracy or eligibility.

Clarion + ArmstrongBusiness planningMarketing

Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce

Local business connections, member promotion, community networking and guidance about membership and ribbon-cutting opportunities.

Contact: Chamber office

Phone: 814-275-3929

Email: [email protected]

How to use this resource
  1. Introduce your business and the community you serve.
  2. Ask about current membership, promotional opportunities and networking.
  3. Use the Chamber's current instructions when arranging a ribbon cutting.

Confirm membership benefits, fees and scheduling directly. The Chamber is not a regulator or a loan-approval authority.

Public contact sources manually reviewed 2026-10-19. Confirm details directly. Automated source checks do not verify contact accuracy or eligibility.

Clarion + ArmstrongBusiness planningFunding & finance

SBA Pittsburgh District Office

Official small-business program guidance and connections to counseling, lender, contracting and recovery resources for western Pennsylvania.

Contact: Pittsburgh District Office Team

Phone: 412-395-6560

Email: Use the official contact page (no general email verified)

How to use this resource
  1. Identify your business stage and the question you need answered.
  2. Use the official district contact or message route.
  3. Ask which partner or program fits your project before submitting an application.

No general office email was verified. SBA-backed loans still require lender underwriting; program guidance is not a grant or approval.

Public contact sources manually reviewed 2026-10-19. Confirm details directly. Automated source checks do not verify contact accuracy or eligibility.

Clarion + ArmstrongBusiness planningFunding & finance

SCORE business mentoring

Mentoring and educational resources for starting, buying, managing and growing a small business. Use your ZIP code to locate an appropriate mentor.

Contact: SCORE information specialists / mentor-matching team

Phone: 800-634-0245

Email: Use the official contact page (no general email verified)

How to use this resource
  1. Request a mentor through SCORE's official website using ZIP 16242 or your business location.
  2. Describe your business and the skills or experience you are seeking.
  3. Agree a meeting and prepare focused questions.

Availability and fit vary by mentor. Use the official form because no current local general email was verified.

Public contact sources manually reviewed 2026-10-19. Confirm details directly. Automated source checks do not verify contact accuracy or eligibility.

ArmstrongBusiness planningFunding & finance

Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission business assistance

Armstrong County businesses can explore regional lending, export and other business assistance through SPC's economic-development team.

Contact: Todd Stranko, Commercial Lending Manager

Phone: 412-391-5590 ext. 0350

Email: [email protected]

How to use this resource
  1. Confirm that the business location is within SPC's service region.
  2. Describe your financing or export project and requested assistance.
  3. Ask about current program terms and required documentation.

Armstrong is within the region; Clarion is not. Loans are not grants. Export inquiries may be routed to the relevant team.

Public contact sources manually reviewed 2026-10-19. Confirm details directly. Automated source checks do not verify contact accuracy or eligibility.

ArmstrongHiringMarket research

Tri-County Workforce Investment Board

Workforce partnerships, recruitment and training-program referrals serving Armstrong, Butler and Indiana counties.

Contact: Employer Services Team

Phone: 724-282-9341

Email: [email protected]

How to use this resource
  1. Describe your hiring, retention or skills-development needs.
  2. Ask for an employer-services contact for Armstrong County.
  3. Confirm eligibility and written terms before budgeting any reimbursement.

Clarion is served by a different workforce region. Training assistance depends on eligibility and available funds.

Public contact sources manually reviewed 2026-10-19. Confirm details directly. Automated source checks do not verify contact accuracy or eligibility.

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