The SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan has a unique aspect – a “rapid advance” of $10,000 that is not required to be repaid – AKA, a grant. The process to apply for this grant is simple, and has few requirements for application, however the funds are limited, so early application...
KIVA loans — a “zero percent” alternative
Our Executive Director talks with Aden Wertz about the Kiva Loan program. Kiva loans are “crowd sourced” loans where people from across your community, and around the world, will loan money to enable a business to expand, grow, or operate. There are a number of changes in response to the...
Covid 19 and PA Unemployment Compensation
Welcome to the Covation Business Talks Podcast. This is the first episode, and we jump right in to the discussion about Pennsylvania’s changes to the Unemployment Compensation process due to the response to COVID 19. Now this process is subject to change as the challenges ahead change, but we recorded...
Understanding your customer during tough times
We all have faced some interesting challenges in these last few months. Have you shifted your business model? Is your current model serving you well? By examining your business’ value proposition and customer segmentation, you may realize that there are new needs for you to fill. At the Covation Center,...
The Covation Center adapts amid COVID-19 challenges
The Covation Center has, like so many others, gone through changes during this COVID time. Coworking (actually being in a shared office) has changed. We now encourage masks, and separation when possible. Coaching has changed--we now do video meetings through Zoom. Our cohort program has even changed-- we have...
Is your Business ready for the Holidays?
If you have a product or retail based business, this is the best time of year! 4th quarter means holiday shopping, party preparations, new outfits, and tons of customers visiting our shops. Sometimes it can be hard to manage the rush that comes in the last six weeks of the year...
Backhouse Cafe Coffee & Tea
Intentional Neighboring In August of 2018, Backhouse Cafe Coffee & Tea, owned and operated by Ron and June Wright, opened the doors of their restored Victorian Era mansion to the public. As they moved in upstairs and opened the coffee shop on the first floor they incorporated their desire to...
Could you tell me who your customers are?
If I came up to you today and asked you “who are your customers?” What would you say to me? Would you tell me “anyone who walks through that door?” How would you react if I told you that’s not who your customer is? Sure, you don’t want to turn...