Continuing its mission of supporting entrepreneurs and growing companies, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania has awarded funding to two West Hazleton companies located in CAN DO’s Valmont Industrial Park, IntelliGreen and Summit Utility Structures, LLC. Ben Franklin Technology Partners is an organization supported by the Pennsylvania’s Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED).

Minning Mark 4x5Mark Minnig, Business Development Specialist, has received certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) from the National Development Council (NDC), a nationally respected organization that offers community partners throughout the U.S. development assistance and professional training. 

Minnig joined the business development department at CAN DO in April of 2019. Prior to coming to CAN DO he was an Economic Development Analyst for the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) in the Loan Underwriting Department.

For the past several months, Minnig has been assisting companies in obtaining funding through various programs to assist with hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the COVID-19 Pandemic rages on, CAN DO remains actively engaged in current and future funding programs on the federal, state, and local level and continues to offer assistance to local businesses looking for guidance.

CAN DO has been notified by the Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) and local Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), MetroAction, that round one of the COVID-19 Relief PA Statewide Small Business Assistance Program is complete.

Round two, which was originally scheduled to begin on August 3, will now open on August 10 at 9 a.m. and remain open through August 28. Businesses who applied during the first round and were not approved do not need to reapply as their applications will move to round two automatically. Potential applicants should note that this is likely the last round of funding for this program.