Connecting and promoting the products, services and experiences only found in the PA Wilds

SpringBoard announces 2024 grant program

SpringBoard, a coworking and community space powered by Downtown Bellefonte Inc., has officially launched its 2024 grant opportunity for businesses in Centre County.

Innovators invited to apply for 2024 PA Wilds Big Idea Contest, chance to win $50,000

You Could Win $50,000 for your BIG IDEA! Calling All Visionaries in Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, Potter, and Tioga Counties, PA! Are you a trailblazing entrepreneur with a game-changing idea in the maker economy, outdoors and recreation, forest products, manufacturing, or technology? Your innovation could be the spark that transforms industries and landscapes. Welcome to the Big Idea Contest: Where WILD Ideas Thrive!

Penn State SBDC Business Plan Bootcamp – Applications Due Dec. 29

The Penn State SBDC Business Plan Bootcamp is an 6-week accelerator program designed to take entrepreneurs and business owners through the complete journey of writing a comprehensive business plan. 

Wilds Cooperative members turn out for 2023 Membership Meetings

Members of the Wilds Cooperative of PA got a first look at the PA Wilds Media Lab on Tuesday, September 26 during one of the two Membership Meetings held in 2023. 

PA Route 6 Alliance: Supporting a scenic heritage corridor

The PA Route 6 Alliance champions the Pennsylvania section of this transcontinental highway, promoting the plethora of rich heritage and beauty still alive along the route.

Wilds Cooperative members can sign up for PA Wilds Marketplace, Makers Market

You MAKE things in the PA Wilds. Here’s an opportunity to SELL them! The PA Wilds Makers Market is an online exhibitor event on November 4, which features products only found in the Pennsylvania Wilds on ShopThePAWilds.com.  Register by August 31 to participate!

WCO Creative Maker applications due by September 18 for 2023 Fall Jury Review 

Monday, September 18, 2023 is the deadline for artisans creative professionals to register for the Wilds Cooperative of PA Spring Jury Review. Basic Level Creative Makers are also eligible to be re-juried.

Explore PA Wilds made products, services, branded goods and local shops in the 2023 Buyer’s Guide

Are you looking for unique and authentic products from the Pennsylvania Wilds? Do you want to support local artists, makers and businesses in this beautiful 13-county region? Check out the 2023 PA Wilds Buyer’s Guide, a free digital resource that connects you to hundreds of creative entrepreneurs and their amazing offerings.

Finalists announced for $50,000 PA Wilds BIG IDEA Contest

Finalists announced for $50,000 PA Wilds BIG IDEA Contest The finalists have been announced for the 2023 PA Wilds BIG IDEA Contest, in which local entrepreneurs will compete in a pitch contest for the chance to win $50,000 to develop their small business! In...

Downtown Bellefonte Inc. issues RFPs for Signature Events

Downtown Bellefonte Inc. is seeking an individual, organization, or business to submit proposals to help the non-profit with fundraising events.

2024 PA Wilds Big Idea Contest

Entrepreneurs and innovators located in Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, Potter and Tioga Counties are invited to apply for the 2024 PA Wilds BIG IDEA Contest. by April 18, 2024! After applying to the contest, the selected finalists will compete in a pitch competition for the chance to win up to $50,000 to develop their small business idea.

Shop The PA Wilds Digital Gift Card

This digital gift card can only be used at participating businesses. It’s free for WCO members to get listed as a spot that accepts the cards. To participate, you need to be able to accept MasterCard at your point of sale system. When redeeming digital gift cards in the future, you would simply have to manually enter them.

PA Wilds Leave No Trace Initiative

As part of the PA Wilds Leave No Trace Initiative, your business or organization is invited to help travelers understand how to protect the PA Wilds by practicing Leave No Trace, so that our region remains just as beautiful for future generations. PA Wilds Leave No Trace Partners will gain access to custom stewardship messaging and tools.

OUR PLACE-BASED NETWORK

ABOUT US

Learn more about the WCO, our place-based network of creative entrepreneurs and organizations.

BENEFITS

Take advantage of opportunities to leverage the PA Wilds brand and grow your business.

JOIN US

Join us and access the WCO tools and resources to grow and make new connections.

Jillia Ceramics: Small batch handmade pottery inspired by the beauty of the PA Wilds

Meet Jillia English, the ceramic artist behind Jillia Ceramics. Jillia Ceramics is located in the community of Williamsport, which is located conveniently along the I-80 Frontier and Pine Creek Valley and PA Grand Canyon landscapes of the PA Wilds region.

Mansfield Chamber of Commerce: Fostering business development and community enrichment

Wearing many hats and with a mission to keep Mansfield and the surrounding areas thriving, the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce focuses on both business development and community resources.

The Golden Axe: Embracing the thrill of axe throwing

Clinton County's entertainment scene has just been infused with a dose of exhilarating competition and shared laughter: The Golden Axe. This isn't your rustic backyard axe toss! Located along the I-80 Frontier right in downtown Lock Haven is this state-of-the-art venue meticulously designed for an unparalleled axe-throwing experience. Owners Travis and Beth welcome both seasoned competitors and curious newcomers.

Laughing Owl Press: Personalizing art through letterpress printing

Andrea and Joe Lanich started Laughing Owl Press in a two-car garage in New Jersey, selling on Etsy. They have since traded in their jobs as an architect and engineer to move home and open a storefront in the Pennsylvania Wilds, counting themselves among the approximately 200 larger letterpress printers in the United States.

PennWest Clarion SBDC: Empowering entrepreneurs to build successful businesses

The PennWest Clarion Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is located within the PennWest Clarion University campus, right in the I-80 Frontier landscape of the Pennsylvania Wilds and just a short drive from Cook Forest and the Ancients.

Hygrade Inn: The Makings of a Memorable Stay in the PA Wilds

The Hygrade Inn is nestled in Cameron County, located on the edge of the Dark Skies and Elk Country Landscapes of the PA Wilds. Built in 1880, the home that houses the Hygrade Inn has been a fixture on the tree-lined Main Street of Emporium for well over a century. 

Sugar Mama’s Appalachian Maple: Producing one-of-a-kind sweet treats with maple syrup

Rachel Courtney is the owner of Sugar Mama’s Appalachian Maple. Her interest in maple production was piqued at a young age after having a positive and delectable experience hanging out with a local maple producer.

PA Route 6 Alliance: Supporting a scenic heritage corridor

The PA Route 6 Alliance champions the Pennsylvania section of this transcontinental highway, promoting the plethora of rich heritage and beauty still alive along the route.

New Trail Brewing Co : Inviting us to take new adventures

New Trail Brewing Co. in Williamsport, PA, loves the outdoors as much as they love beer! The company was formed to make great beer to enjoy when you “dare to explore new places, do new things, take new trails, and have truly memorable adventures.”

From Construction to Woodturning: How Scott Gnan Found His Niche

After three decades in the construction field, Scott Gnan found his passion in a similar craft: woodturning.

GET INVOLVED

MAKE CONNECTIONS

The Wilds Cooperative of PA (WCO) is a network — and we want to facilitate connections among members. When we work together to address market demands in the PA Wilds, we help our communities thrive.

FIND COMMUNITY

If you, your business or your organization are located in the PA Wilds and you make a product, offer a service, or provide an experience, then we want to hear from you. Learn more about what it takes to join our network!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Events happen every day in the PA Wilds, from place-based activities happening in communities across the region to webinars and professional development. Here’s where to post and find them.

SELLING PRODUCTS

One of the primary goals of The Wilds Cooperative of PA (WCO) is to help PA Wilds enthusiasts find products proudly made in the region. Learn about opportunities to easily find or sell products made in the PA Wilds.

SHARING NEWS

The WCO forum offers a platform for members to share their updates and news, calls to action and business opportunities. Learn more about the latest happenings in the Wilds from our network!