The Progress Fund

07/30/2026

It’s a world away, but close. The Allegheny Grille is in Foxburg, a charming spot on the Allegheny River, 87.8 miles upstream from Downtown Pittsburgh. The river views from the handsome building makes a perfect venue. The Progress Fund teamed up with Enterprise Bank to refinance the business after...

06/25/2026

Plan fully realized.

The Progress Fund has been working with the Straub family since 2017. We are honored to have shared our tourism knowledge and financial resources with the 150+ year old and 5th-generation family business anchored in the PA Wilds.

We entered the picture to help them develop their "Visitor's Enhancement Plan". This involved the physical and operational expansion of their industrial brewery into a multi-layered destination for beer lovers. To accomplish their plan, we provided multiple loans and managed a $1 Million tourism grant they received from the State.

One supporting feature of their enhancement plan was to offer overnight accommodations within their expanded campus including the historic brewery and the new visitors center, taproom and restaurant.

Wait no more! Their B&B (that's BED & BEER, if you please) is now available.

There are also several other great "B's" to enjoy while staying overnight at the B&B. Brewery Tours, and the Bratwurst, Braunschweiger Melt, Beef on Weck and Brunch at their restaurant.

You should B there soon!

Book your stay here: airbnb.com/h/straubbnb Straub Beer Straub Brewery Visitor Center & Tap Room Airbnb

06/17/2026

One of our favorite bike trails is the Ghost Town Trail in west central Pennsylvania. It is a 52-mile trail, including a loop, connecting Blairsville on the West and Ebensburg on the East. It won Trail of the Year in 2020 by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

It is a worthy two-day bike adventure, and we know a great new place to stay...Creekside Cabin in Strongstown. Yes, they are borrowers The Progress Fund and we are proud of what they built. Here is Don and Megan's story in their own words.

"We are exhausted after working non-stop these past 2 months, the last weeks in particular, but we're ready to go! We went live on Airbnb a little over an hour ago with 6/29 as our opening date and already have a 2-night booking this fall! We cannot overstate our gratitude for everything you (Karen and Eric) have both provided for us in this journey. Hopefully, it won't be too long until we start on cabin #2. Again, our sincerest thanks to (The Progress Fund)!" Creekside Cabin Rentals LLC

06/05/2026

06/04/2026

Tomorrow, June 5, is National Donut Day and we have a suggestion for a sweet treat.

Oram's Donuts, a beloved Beaver Falls staple for nearly nine decades, continues on but with new ownership and a next generational plan.

A financing package with The Progress Fund and Enterprise Bank guarantees that Oram's legendary recipes will remain forever.

04/01/2026

Our long-term vision to have a third brewer at the Hazelwood Brew House has finally come to be. Abjuration Brewing, opens this Friday, a really Good Friday for Hazelwood, Abjuration Brewing, and The Progress Fund. Abjuration Brewing, which started out in McKees Rocks is opening its second location.....

02/12/2026

Was Phil wrong? February 12, 2026 Was that sunny day on February 2, extraordinary and unusual? Was Phil’s prediction blinded by one sunny day? We hope so. Time to get moving. We know a post-hibernation cure for your now. Cenci’s Pizza & Bar. We recently funded their 3rd location, which will open...

02/02/2026

Phil saw his shadow and predicted 6 more weeks of winter. Not surprising by just looking outside in Pennsylvania. Maybe he doesn’t mind 6 more weeks because last year we provided the financing to build a nice new, cozy house for him and his family. Then we made a second loan for a parking lot […...