The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has created the opportunity for employers to train new and existing employees through the Workforce and Economic Development Network of PA program. Since its beginning in 1999, WEDnetPA has grown to become the primary delivery system for Pennsylvania’s incumbent workforce training. Each year, WEDnetPA partners continue to reach out to a significant number of companies and employees — strengthening our workforce and businesses and, in turn, strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy.

Training is available to qualify in-state businesses and out-of-state companies relocating to the economic-friendly business climate of Pennsylvania — with funding accessed through WEDnetPA and made available by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

Companies can apply online and select any WEDnetPA partner. WEDnetPA includes State System universities, community colleges, Pennsylvania College of Technology and North Central PA Regional Planning & Development Commission.  The alliance of 25 diverse partners throughout the Commonwealth coordinates the resources of the entire network and serves as the point of contact for businesses accessing training funds. Qualified companies receive funding to put their employees on the path to higher performance.

Kutztown University of PA partners with WEDnetPA and the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers to support economic development by providing entrepreneurs and small businesses with individual consultations, comprehensive education and information necessary to help their businesses start, grow and prosper.

PASBDC has been contributing to Pennsylvania’s economy since 1980, and delivers consulting services and educational programs through a network of 16 locations across Pennsylvania. Consultants work with entrepreneurs in confidential, one-to-one sessions to help them with issues, including new business development, shaping a business plan, investigating funding opportunities and much more.

Since its inception, the PASBDC has provided over 3.5 million hours of consulting to more than 292,000 entrepreneurs and offered more than 21,000 courses, workshops and seminars attended by 434,000 people. Throughout the Commonwealth, SBDC services have helped small firms raise more than $4 billion in start-up and expansion capital, start more than 34,650 new companies, and sell $13.05 billion worth of Pennsylvania products and services globally. As a result, PASBDC clients have created over 162,000 new jobs and generated more than $801 million in new state income tax revenue.

The centers also address concerns about navigating and recovering during the COVID-19 crisis. Additional services include helping with disaster loan applications, long-term planning, economic loss estimations and business preparedness. In 2020, the PASBDC delivered more than 86,000 hours of no-fee management consulting.

For additional information on WEDnetPA and to determine if your company qualifies, visit WEDnetPA to review our eligibility requirements and to submit an inquiry for a local partner to contact you!

To learn more about Pennsylvania SBDC’s small business assistance and programs, visit PASBDC.