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

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.

Updated PA Wilds Resource Guides now available

Entrepreneurs and community leaders are invited to check out the updated PA Wilds Resource Guides, now available at WildsCoPA.org/business-tools. 

Temporary downtime on PA Wilds Marketplace website as upgrades are made

Temporary downtime on PA Wilds Marketplace website as upgrades are made The PA Wilds Marketplace at ShopThePAWilds.com will have a temporary downtime on Monday evening (February 20, 2023) as we make upgrades to the website. This website outage is expected to take...

Remote work initiative jumpstarts transformation of community space

SpringBoard, Bellefonte’s coworking space and small business innovation center for the community, was a highlight-amenity for these visitors. Participants could utilize the desk space, full kitchen, printer, and other amenities — all provided to entrepreneurs and remote workers as part of an economic development initiative there. 

Innovators invited to apply for 2023 PA Wilds Big Idea Contest, chance to win $50,000

In partnership with the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Ben Franklin Technology Partners is looking for innovators with BIG IDEAS located in Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean, or Warren County, PA. Applications due April 18, 2023.

WCO Creative Maker applications due by March 20 for 2023 Spring Jury Review 

Monday, March 20, 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.

PA Route 6 Alliance celebrates accomplishments and ‘Do 6’ Awards, recognizing two from the Pennsylvania Wilds

Community leaders, groups, business owners, county commissioners, and state legislators joined the PA Route 6 Alliance in Mansfield on September 21-22 to celebrate the organization’s 2022 Annual Meeting & “Do 6” Awards.

First Wilds Cooperative Membership Meeting offers opportunity for networking, learning

On September 20, 2022, members of the Wilds Cooperative of PA assembled for the first ever Membership Meeting.

Registration open for 2022 PA Route 6 Educational Workshop, Annual Meeting & Do 6 Awards Program in Mansfield

The PA Route 6 Alliance invites individuals and groups from across its 11-county PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor to join them September 21-22 in the Heritage Community of Mansfield, Pennsylvania, for the 2022 Educational Workshop & Annual Meeting & Do 6 Awards Program.  

PA Wilds Big Idea Contest Final Pitch

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. Find out who the 8 finalists are and join us on June 8 in Bradford for the final pitch competition to see who wins!

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.

Lumber Heritage Region: Uplifting the lumber industry’s history, impacts

Just what is the Lumber Heritage Region? The Lumber Heritage Region, established in 2001, is one of twelve designated Heritage Areas in Pennsylvania. It spans a 15-county region in north west and north central Pennsylvania that encompasses the entire PA Wilds region.

Endless Mountain Music Festival: Captivating sounds and scenery

The Endless Mountain Music Festival is a premier cultural event taking place across multiple counties in northern Pennsylvania and southern New York.

Artwork by Lynn Kibbe: Scratchboard artist intricately depicts animals, nature

After painting for 20 years, Lynn found her art in an online forum. She’s since been doing scratchboard art for about five years. 

Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce: Promoter of Phil and so much more

Who hasn’t heard of Punxsutawney, and its famous groundhog Phil?  February 2, Groundhog Day, brings 15 to 25,000 people to this quaint little town located along the I-80 Frontier of the Pennsylvania Wilds. 

Smoked Country Jam: A Good time and a Good cause

Smoked Country Jam is a three day bluegrass festival that not only offers great entertainment, but also fosters our Pennsylvania songwriting heritage, in addition to raising money and awareness for the Lupus Foundation. 

Artwork by Julie Mader: Painting on silk

Julie Mader most appreciates the effect she can have on others by recording images. Mader’s bold colors and images often depict nature, people and scenery.

Annie Halenbake Ross Library: A public library in a historic building

If you’re traveling along the I-80 Frontier landscape, down the Bucktail Scenic Byway in the Pennsylvania Wilds or along the West Branch Susquehanna River, and you love to read or are looking for some historical information about the area, don’t miss the chance to stop off at the Annie Halenbake Ross Library in Lock Haven. 

The Goat Fort: Indoor climbing adventures for all ages

Founded out of a passion for the art of climbing, The Goat Fort is an indoor rock climbing gym that specializes in bouldering.

PJ Piccirillo: Sharing tales inspired by the Pennsylvania Wilds

A Pennsylvania Wilds native, PJ Piccirillo's work has at times taken on geographic and social inspirations from the region.

The Progress Fund: Financing and supporting businesses in the PA Wilds and beyond

The Progress Fund is a non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that is focused on providing flexible financing to new or expanding tourism-niche businesses.

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!