The Covation Center: Empowering Entrepreneurs in the PA Wilds and Beyond
The Covation Center: Empowering Entrepreneurs in the PA Wilds and Beyond
Lycoming County | Pine Creek Valley + the PA Grand Canyon of the PA Wilds
Dedicated to educating and empowering small business owners across Pennsylvania, The Covation Center is a non-profit organization located in downtown Williamsport, the largest city in the PA Wilds. Situated along the West Branch Susquehanna River, the city is a launching pad for those seeking adventures along the I-80 Frontier or Pine Creek Valley + PA Grand Canyon.
The Covation Center’s model focuses on supporting businesses using a “three C’s” approach that includes coworking, coaching and community.
“Our focus is designed to reach as many people as possible and help them apply the common business principles that they don’t necessarily carry with their expertise, enabling them to have the greatest opportunity for success,” said Dr. Steve Brady, founder and executive director. “Here at The Covation Center in rural Pennsylvania, we are ready to help them take those next steps and help them move forward.”
Coaching, educational workshops and group-based learning opportunities are also offered to entrepreneurs and individuals looking to learn more about business and grow. It is in these collaborative environments and learning cohorts that entrepreneurs are able to build a sense of community with peers.
In early 2020, The Covation Center partnered with PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc. to offer the first-ever PA Wilds PACE Program. The 10-week cohort program was designed to help ten entrepreneurs from the Wilds Cooperative of PA learn concepts to help them Plan, Accelerate, Commit and Expand their businesses alongside the PA Wilds brand and grow their profit margins. The program covered topics ranging from setting prices to human resources and offered insights for entrepreneurs at any stage of their career.
The Covation Center continues to offer a similar 10-week program for entrepreneurs across Pennsylvania called the MasterClass. It combines curriculum-guided instruction and peer-to-peer learning, with coaching in 1-on-1 sessions with experts selected to meet your specific business’s needs.
Learn more about The Covation Center or leave a review/recommendation on the nonprofit’s Wilds Cooperative of PA profile!
RECENT WCO MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
- Judy Schrader: Creating small, but very mighty art
Judy Schrader’s love for art began when she was just a child, and it soon grew into a lifetime of creation. Based in Warren County in the Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds landscape of the Pennsylvania Wilds, her art has ranged from boundless wilderness scenes to miniature details of the wonders of nature. - Centre Foundation: Bringing the community to the front and ‘Centre’
For over 40 years the Centre Foundation has been making a huge difference in the communities of Centre County, located in the I-80 Frontier landscape of the PA Wilds region. Roughly $49 million has been invested in their communities through grants, programs, and scholarship funds, and that number is still climbing. Their mission is simple: “Centre Foundation fosters a culture of giving, supports and empowers nonprofits, and sparks positive community change.” - Deane Center for the Performing Arts: A Generous Gift That Keeps On Giving
Wellsboro is known as being one of the most charming towns in Pennsylvania, and part of its charm lies in how businesses line that iconic gas-lit Main Street – including a top-notch performing arts center. Whether you want to watch an amazing show or concert or even perform in a show yourself, look no further than the Deane Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Wellsboro, nestled in the Pine Creek Valley and PA Grand Canyon landscape of the Pennsylvania Wilds.