Our family business started right here in Blair County. Now we are among the top 100 national companies operating in six states with over 14,000 employees.  There is nothing an innovative business of any size can’t do or find in Blair County.

-Steve Sheetz

SITES & BUILDINGS

“Siting our corporate operations in Blair County brings more than just cost advantages. Market access, quality of place and a skilled talent pool who love where they live are key advantages.”

John Williams, Central States Manufacturing, Inc.

Locate – Grow – Thrive

There are numerous options here in Blair County, PA to meet the physical space needs of your business from single office and work-share buildings, to adaptive re-use opportunities in our urban cores, to manufacturing and warehouse buildings and vacant shovel ready sites. Our organization has established eight business parks in the county and also represents all of the available sites and buildings that are privately owned.

We are also a marketing partner on Altoona’s newest premier Class-A office complex, The Mill. Originally built between 1894 and 1904 as a silk mill factory this iconic building produced some of the finest silks in the country and, for over 100 years since, continued as one of Altoona’s major places of employment. Preserving its long tradition as a workplace, The Mill is now being meticulously restored and renovated as a contemporary place to work, dine, and play.

Contact our Site Selection Expert Matt Fox at mattf@abcdcorp.org to begin your journey towards joining us here in the First Frontier, or expanding your existing operations. To view and search our inventory click on the button below. To host a conference or learn more about our cool destinations throughout our mountain main streets visit our friends at the Blair County Convention Center and Explore Altoona.

FINANCING

“Our business has benefited greatly from ABCD’s financing team. Their programs include the SBA 504 program, several revolving loan funds, tax credit programs and mico-grants for building and land acquisition, renovations and new equipment.”

Dr. George M. Zlupko, The Lung Disease Center of Central Pennsylvania

Programs – Experience – Expertise

Every business, no matter its size, age or industry will find itself at a point where they need to invest in themselves to reach the next level and our financing team are experts in navigating the numerous local, state and federal programs to maximize their effectiveness for your specific needs.

Whether your needs include incentives, grants, tax credits, loans or a combination of these options, we can help at every step of the way in conjunction with your primary lender.

Contact Tom Seasoltz or Renae Lynn today to review the options available to you.

ENTREPRENEURS

“We are a community of entrepreneurs. Blair County born businesses employ more than 9,000 local-residents. From mountain main street businesses to new tech start-ups that can change the world – It’s just one of the things that makes us unique.”

Donny Beaver, Halen Hardy

Dream – Make – Launch

Our locally born businesses employ more than 9,000 local-residents and contribute more than $100 million in economic impact each year. We want to keep that track record going. Several times a year entrepreneurs and investors convene at events or just meet-up at one of our main-street breweries and restaurants to network and share ideas.

Through our participation in Start-Up the Alleghenies, Penn State Altoona’s Sheetz Entrepreneurial Center of Excellence, Altoona Launch Box and partnership with the St. Francis Small Business Development Center (SBDC) our many local businesses, we are not only seeking out the next “Eureka” moment that can change the world, but putting the resources in place to move it to the next level. Whatever that next level may be.

Contact our Entrepreneurial Coach Matt Fox to start your launch countdown at mattf@abcdcorp.org

ANGEL INVESTMENT


“Locally sourced investor communities like the First Frontier Network are a critical part of our economic development resources. The goal is simple: Connect those in Blair County with new business ideas with those who are willing and able to help them along.”

John Horell, KIZ Resources

Investor – Mentor – Connector

The Altoona Blair County First Frontier Network has a simple goal: Connect those in Blair County with new business ideas with those who are willing and able to help them along.

We have brought together local individuals with diverse experiences in business, investing, technology, construction, and community development to name just a few. These folks are interested in learning about new business ideas, inventions and products that could be develop right here in Blair County. Qualifying investments can access several regional venture capital funds including the Alleghenies Angel Fund and Penn State’s new created 1855 Capital Fund.

Network members work together as a group or individually to provide entrepreneurs with seed capital, mentorship, resource development strategies, referrals or all of the above – really whatever it takes to either get to the next level or move on to something else.

To get the ball rolling, contact our Blair County Entrepreneurial Coach Matt Fox at mattf@abcdcorp.org and get the process “low-down”:

REGIONAL PROFILE

Blair County, PA is the Heart of the I-99 Innovation Corridor that joins the Altoona and University Park campuses of The Pennsylvania State University along with the economic development organizations in Blair, Bedford and Centre counties.

The region is home to numerous precision manufacturers, life science firms, technology-based companies and materials-related industries. Linking the cross-state corridors of I-80 and I-76, the I-99 Innovation Corridor is a university research center supporting corporate America’s essential needs: their products, processes and people.

7,365

JOB OPENINGS

18.8

MINUTES AVG. COMMUTE

500,000

REGIONAL WORKFORCE

19

SHOVEL-READY PARKS

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