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

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.  

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 5-6, which features products only found in the Pennsylvania Wilds on ShopthePAWilds.com. 

PA Wilds Big Idea Contest

In partnership with the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Ben Franklin Technology Partners is looking for innovators with BIG IDEAS located in the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds landscape — including Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean, or Warren County — to apply to win $50K in the PA Wilds Big Idea Contest.

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.

OPPORTUNITIES

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

TOOLS

Find more tools and resources related to WCO membership and growing your business.

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.

Spring Creek Picnics: Offering luxury picnics in the PA Wilds

Picture this: A perfectly curated tablescape alongside slowly flowing water, underneath the shade of a weeping willow. In the background, the sound of kids playing, ducks quacking, and even a summer concert being performed. It’s the scene that Renea Nichols creates almost weekly through her business Spring Creek Picnics, based in Bellefonte — part of the I-80 Frontier landscape of the PA Wilds.

PA Made: Bringing the outdoors in

Mickayla Poland at PA Made has a knack for bringing the outdoors inside. Her artwork is inspired by wildlife, culture and the people of Elk County. And her workspace is, too.

Stone Media Consulting: Helping businesses and nonprofits with online marketing

Dedicated to businesses’ online presence, Stone Media Consulting, located in Warren, PA, in the Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds landscape of the Pennsylvania Wilds, offers a full range of digital marketing services from Google Ads, Google Ads for Nonprofits, e-commerce support including Amazon management, and social media advertising and content.

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!