Chester County Economic Development Council

10/14/2026

If you're a small business with fewer than 500 employees, we need your help gathering insight on small business credit trends! CCEDC is conducting a survey in collaboration with the Federal Reserve and the Greater Philadelphia Growth Partnership. The survey is open through November 13 to businesses currently in operation, those recently closed, and those about to launch. All responses are confidential.

We would be grateful if you took a few minutes to complete it: https://www.greaterphlgrowth.com/sbcs

10/13/2026

The seasons might have changed, but we're not slowing down! Our October newsletter is ripe with stories like the redevelopment of the former Brandywine Hospital, funding opportunities for business owners to take advantage of, and signature CCEDC events like our premier technology conference and STEM expo for young girls.

Email from Chester County Economic Development Council   October 13, 2026 Dear Stakeholders, We have a busy month ahead at CCEDC, including two of our signature events, TECH360 and Girls Exploring Tom

10/13/2026

Spots are filling fast; don't miss the chance to empower girls by exploring STEM. The GETT Expo brings together young girls with women working in science, technology, engineering, and math. Over the years, GETT has inspired young women to pursue STEM careers while encouraging companies to give back, strengthening the connection between education and the workforce.

Register today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/girls-exploring-tomorrows-technology-2026-tickets-1983881755736?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/13/2026

On Monday, October 19, join representatives from prominent entrepreneurial support organizations for an informative panel showcasing services designed to elevate small businesses. The program features a guided discussion about available resources, followed by an audience Q&A. Whether you're considering starting a business, looking to grow your business, seeking help with selling/retiring your business, or looking to network, this panel can connect you with the right organizations and business leaders in Chester County.

Presenters:
- Laura Manion, President and CEO of Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry (CCCBI)
- Ashley Pierce, President of Exton Region Chamber of Commerce (ERCC)
- Darlene L. Jenkins Walls, Senior Manager, Entrepreneurial Outreach and Support for Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC)
- John Ralston, Certified Mentor for Delaware Valley SCORE

Register here: https://ccls.libcal.com/event/17637017

10/12/2026

The IGNITE CDFI awarded scholarships to 15 business owners for the TFS™️ Trailblazer Intensive, an eight-week strategic growth program presented by The Freckled Strawberry. Designed for startups, early-stage businesses, and entrepreneurs preparing for growth, the weekly program supports business owners who demonstrate character, coachability, readiness, and a commitment to making the most of this opportunity.

Participants will strengthen their business strategy, financial organization, operational systems, pricing, profitability, and cash flow planning, culminating in an actionable roadmap for growth. We're proud to support entrepreneurs as they turn their vision into focused action!

10/09/2026

Small businesses with fewer than 100 full-time employees can benefit from a wide variety of projects available for funding under the Small Business Advantage Grant! Funding ranges from 50% to 80% of eligible project costs for Pennsylvanian small businesses to improve energy efficiency or reduce pollution or waste by upgrading or replacing equipment or supplies, improving processes, or reducing runoff into waterways.

We're here to help - connect with Jim Lauckner at [email protected] to review the guidelines and take advantage of available funding: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/programs-and-services/grants-loans-rebates/small-business-ombudsmans-office/small-business-advantage-grant

10/08/2026

🌱 Cultivating Farm Futures 🌱

Planning for the future of your farm or agribusiness? Join AgConnect, Ignite CDFI, Horizon Farm Credit, and PA Farm Link for an evening of networking, resource sharing, and practical guidance for agricultural businesses.

📅 Thursday, November 5
⏰ 4:30–6:30 p.m.
📍 Deerfoot Vineyards and Winery | Shoemakersville, PA
🎟️ FREE

Learn about:
🌾 Financing options
🌾 Land access and farm transition planning
🌾 Business development resources
🌾 Opportunities to start, expand, or strengthen your operation

You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with fellow farmers, agricultural professionals, and resource providers from across Pennsylvania.

Whether you're launching a farm, expanding an existing operation, or planning for the next generation, Cultivating Farm Futures can help you connect with the people and resources to move your operation forward.

👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/4727pqx

10/08/2026

🌱 Help Shape the Future of Chester County Agriculture!

In 2022, Chester County adopted an Agricultural Economic Development Strategic Plan to help guide the future of our agricultural economy. Now, it’s time for a periodic review and update.

Join us online for an open forum worksession to:
🔹 Review the existing strategic plan
🔹 Share your feedback and ideas
🔹 Discuss potential updates and next steps

📅 Monday, November 9, 2026 | 10:00 AM
📅 Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 4:30 PM
💻 Online

Your perspective matters! Help shape the priorities and strategies that will support Chester County agriculture for years to come.

👉 Join us for one of the upcoming worksessions and make your voice heard.
🔗Register here: https://bit.ly/4dtITlU

10/08/2026

With vinyl records making a huge comeback in recent years, Chester County is lucky to have its own record-pressing plant in Coatesville. When Studio 4 Vinyl needed to relocate to a larger facility with major renovations and equipment purchases, CCEDC's Seedcopa + Seedcode and QNB Bank helped them obtain an SBA 504 loan. ITAG board member, Liam Dempsey, recently sat down with Phil and Ashley Nicolo on his Start Local Show to catch a glimpse of industry trends, complex pressing processes, and Phil's own legendary career in the music industry.

Listen here: https://startlocal.co/pressing-vinyl-records-with-phil-nicolo-and-ashley-nicolo/

10/07/2026

PA's Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program is offering two grant opportunities to creative entrepreneurs who aspire to grow their for-profit creative businesses. The Growth Grant awards up to $4,000 and the Impact Grant awards up to $17,000 to businesses making a positive impact in their communities. The program encourages participation from creative entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth, including those located in low-income, urban, suburban, and rural communities.

CCEDC can help - contact Sam Livingston at [email protected], and view the full program guidelines, eligibility requirements, application materials, and deadlines here: https://keystonecreatives.org/cea/.