SHARON, Pa. — The Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community, along with the City of Sharon and the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, have announced the eight local businesses that will receive a total of $150,000 in inaugural grant funding awarded through the Sharon Economic Development Fund.
The businesses receiving funding are:
- Early Explorers Montessori Preschool
- Evolve Training
- ICG Hobbies & Games
- In Bloom Preschool
- JCL Development
- The Thrift Room
- The Wandering Soul: Books, Gifts & Furniture
- Warehouse Sales
Each business completed the application process on the Shenango LaunchBox website and gave a funding pitch to the grant selection committee in April.
“The companies identified for funding are all driving economic growth that is in-line with the City of Sharon’s Main Street Model,” said Carey McDougall, regional chancellor of Penn State Beaver and Penn State Shenango and Grant Selection Committee member. “The grant dollars will help improve and grow these businesses while also strengthening the regional economy by driving travel and tourism to Sharon.”
In 2022, two endowments totaling $4 million were created by Penn State and the City of Sharon, facilitated by the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, to increase economic development throughout the region. The first endowment allows the Shenango LaunchBox to support regional existing and startup businesses, while the second endowment established the Sharon Economic Development Fund and is restricted to businesses operating within the City of Sharon.
“This is exactly the kind of forward momentum we envisioned when launching the Sharon Economic Development Fund,” said Bob Fiscus, city manager of Sharon. “These eight businesses represent the innovation, passion and resilience that define our community. Supporting them means investing in the long-term vitality of our downtown and helping Sharon thrive as a hub for small business growth.”
The grant recipients have the opportunity to benefit from free consulting services, acceleration and ideation programs, and networking opportunities offered through the Shenango LaunchBox. Many businesses received free legal advice from Penn State Law’s Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic, and business plan consulting and training from the Gannon Small Business Development Center. Entrepreneurial support is also provided through collaboration and programming with many regional economic development partners and agencies.
“Thanks to the leadership of the City of Sharon, Penn State Shenango and the Shenango LaunchBox, these grants show what is possible while turning vision into action,” said Kyle English, executive director of the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. “The Community Foundation is proud to support a partnership that’s creating real momentum for small businesses and long-term economic growth in our community.”
Ongoing support of the Sharon Economic Development Fund will continue through the unique collaboration between the city, the Community Foundation and the Shenango LaunchBox. Another round of grants will be available before the end of 2025, with additional funds available in 2026, estimated at $100,000 annually.
To learn more about the Sharon Economic Development Fund grant application process, visit the Shenango LaunchBox website.
Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community provides early-stage startups with support and resources they need to build a sustainable and scalable business and a viable plan for growth. No-cost programs and services include accelerator programs, free legal and intellectual property advice, and expert mentorships from Penn State's extensive network. LaunchBox is open to everyone - community members and those affiliated with Penn State. Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community is a signature program of the Invent Penn State initiative and one of 21 innovation hubs located in Penn State campus communities across Pennsylvania. Learn more at launchbox.psu.edu. This project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development.
