Small Business Assistance
One of the goals of the PA Wilds initiative is to help grow small businesses in the region – the unique lodges, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, guide services, restaurants and shops that give the PA Wilds so much of its character and employ many of its people. The PA Wilds Small Business Ombudsman is here to answer questions about how businesses can tie into the PA Wilds or apply to its programs, and to explain what grants, loans or technical assistance are available to help entrepreneurs start or grow a tourism business in the region. Contact the ombudsman at 814-757-9190 or tbrant@pawilds.com.

PA Wilds Artisan Development Initiative
Many skilled artisans live in the Pennsylvania Wilds. They create beautiful saleable products and help give the region its unique sense of place that makes it an authentic destination. The PA Wilds Artisan Development Initiative was launched to help grow this industry. The project aims to raise the visibility and profitability of the region’s artisans and arts-related businesses in two main ways: by branding high-quality, locally-made artisan products with the “Proudly Made in the Pennsylvania Wilds” brand so these products can command a higher price; and helping get more of these items to market by establishing an Artisan Trail and an online presence for the program so artisans can more easily market their products to residents, visitors, design professionals and the like. Skilled visual and craft artisans living in the PA Wilds are encouraged to apply to the program. Likewise, local shops, restaurants, lodges, galleries, visitor centers and other retailers who are interested in selling handcrafted items by PA Wilds Juried Artisans, and tying into the PA Wilds brand, are encouraged to apply to become a stop on the PA Wilds Artisan Trail. To learn more, see our Membership Guidelines.

PA Wilds Logo Use
The PA Wilds logo is part of an established brand that is marketed around the globe. Many people recognize the PA Wilds logo. Local businesses, event coordinators, non-profits, and community and outdoor groups who believe they could benefit from being associated with the PA Wilds brand are encouraged to apply to use the logo on their event banners, brochures, websites, signs and other materials. Logo use is free when it is used in a secondary way (i.e. as a supporting graphic on brochures, event banners, etc). The logo is trademarked, but the two-part application for use is easy and fast. Once approved, we’ll send you the digital graphic files you need. Click here for Part 1 and Part 2 of the application.

Merchandising
Efforts are currently underway to develop a merchandising plan for the PA Wilds. Retailers or vendors who are interested in making or selling PA Wilds t-shirts, mugs, cutting boards or other items are encouraged to contact the PA Wilds Small Business Ombudsman at tbrant@pawilds.com.  

PA Wilds Conferences
The PA Wilds Planning Team routinely holds conferences to help communities in the region learn more about sustainable tourism development. These include an annual Trails Conference and an annual Update on the PA Wilds Initiative (typically in luncheon format), as well as a Balancing Nature and Commerce Conference (offered every couple of years). To get the latest announcements about these and other events, check our News section or sign up for our free e-newsletter.    

Design Assistance Program
The Pennsylvania Wilds is known for its strong sense of place. Our region’s rural and historic character are part of what makes us attractive to visitors and residents, so it is important for us to be good stewards of these characteristics. The PA Wilds Design Assistance Program was created with this in mind. At the core of the program is the PA Wilds Design Guide for Community Character Stewardship, a voluntary planning document that highlights how communities in the Pennsylvania Wilds can protect or enhance their rural character as they grow – whether that growth is due to tourism, resource extraction or other industries. The Design Guide is a great resource for developers, planners, architects, business or property owners, revitalization partners and community leaders. Signage and design grants that promote the use and understanding of the Design Guide are offered to communities as funding becomes available. The following programs are being offered in 2011 (watch our news section for details!):

• Business Signage Grants (program closed in April 2011)
• Design Assistance Grants (program opens in July 2011)
• Community Signage Grants (program opens in November 2011)

‘Champion of the PA Wilds’ Awards Program
Each year, the PA Wilds Planning Team, a guiding body for the PA Wilds Initiative, gives out a small number of “Champion of the Pennsylvania Wilds” awards to recognize outstanding efforts related to the Initiative’s main components -- economic development, planning, community revitalization, community character stewardship and conservation. Award winners are recognized with a wooden plaque at the Planning Team’s annual luncheon, which is typically held in late April. Have someone you’d like to nominate? Sign up for our e-newsletter to be the first to learn when we are accepting applications. Click here to read about the 2011 award winners.

Co-op Marketing Opportunities
Several popular regional visitor guides are published through the PA Wilds Initiative. These include the PA Wilds Outdoor Discovery Map, the PA Wilds Fishing Guide, the Motor through the PA Wilds brochure and a regional visitor website, www.PAwilds.com. Co-op advertising opportunities are available to businesses in many of the publications. For rate, distribution and deadline information, contact the PA Wilds Small Business Ombudsman at 814-757-9190 or tbrant@pawilds.com.