BRIDGE: Indiana Sessions

Mark Hilliard, President – Indiana County Chamber of Commerce Opening remarks will outline the Chamber’s strategic priorities, current business growth initiatives, and the importance of cross-organizational collaboration to strengthen our regional economy.

Eric Swift, Assistant Director – Small Business Development Center Learn about no-cost consulting services, business planning, financial projections, capital access support, and emerging trends affecting small businesses. Discover how SBDC partners with regional organizations to support startups, growth, and transitions. Key Topics: Core SBDC programs and measurable impact Common client challenges Referral pathways & collaboration opportunities

Brent Rondon, International Programs Explore export readiness resources and global market expansion strategies available to small and mid-sized firms. This session highlights tools and initiatives that help regional businesses access international markets. Key Topics: Export readiness & market entry support Current programs and success examples Partner roles in identifying export-ready firms

Joanna Sutton, Program Coordinator (Western Region) & Director, The Corner LaunchBox – Penn State Gain insight into LaunchBox and Penn State entrepreneurial programming, including mentorship, early-stage business support, and veteran-owned business resources. Key Topics: LaunchBox programming Support for startups & veteran entrepreneurs Collaboration and referral opportunities

James Gerraughty is the APEX Accelerator Program Manager at SAP&DC in Altoona, PA. Partnering with Johnstown Area Regional Industries (JARI), he leads APEX Accelerator services that help businesses compete for government and defense contracts in the region. His presentation will outline available technical assistance, certification support, and contracting opportunities for businesses interested in federal and defense markets. Key Topics: Defense and federal contracting support Technical assistance and certifications Coordination with Chamber, SBDC, and Penn State programs