WEDnetPA Partners Busy!

April of each year starts the second quarter for businesses that follow the calendar year as their fiscal year, but for the WEDnetPA partners it represents the beginning of the fourth quarter of grant activity and perhaps the busiest time of the year.  Typically the partners are submerged in activities related to closing the current fiscal year and at the same time pursuing applications from businesses for the next year.  April also typically means participation in the annual professional development conference, providing a chance for the partners to meet, review program processes, and to establish protocol for the coming year.

Immediately following the conference, May marks the beginning of the application period.  A new on-line portfolio management system known as ISAAC will be introduced at the conference.  Not only will partners benefit tremendously from the new features and capabilities, but for the first time businesses interested in applying for funds will be able to apply on-line.  It is expected that ISAAC will be available to accept on-line applications for the upcoming fiscal year (2011-2012) around mid-May 2011.

And WEDnetPA activity continues to heat up in June.  In the final month of the fiscal year, partners are busy processing invoices, closing out contracts and ensuring that all of the WEDnetPA funds are accounted for and wisely spent.

April, May, and June of each year – the WEDnetPA Partners are busy!

Budget Process

On March 8, 2011, Governor Tom Corbett released his proposed budget for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  There are many challenges facing the Commonwealth and as a result many proposed budgetary reductions. WEDnetPA, a program that obtains its operating budget through DCED (Department of Community and Economic Development), represents just one area that may receive a reduction in budgetary funds for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

The Governor has proposed to create a new program called the PA First Fund. This program will replace the former Opportunity Grants, Customized Job Training (which funds WEDnetPA), and Infrastructure Development programs.  Last year the 3 programs combined were funded at $41 million and the new PA First Fund is currently positioned to receive $25 million, that’s a 40% reduction in overall funding. For WEDnetPA, this comes on the heels of a cumulative 65% reduction in funding over the previous three years.  At this point no specific details have been released on how the funds will be utilized within the new PA First program.

WEDnetPA, comprised of more than 30 partners statewide, is working diligently to help ensure that the Governor and legislators are aware and understand the value that the WEDnetPA program brings to Pennsylvania businesses and the economy.  While the WEDnetPA administrative team and the statewide partners are very actively discussing the positive impacts, everyone who recognizes the benefits of this program is encouraged to get involved because more budgetary impacts could be imminent.  The program needs your help and advocacy.  You can get involved in several ways:

1. Like or follow WEDnetPA on Facebook and Twitter
2. Contact your state senator and representative and ask for their support
3. Contact your WEDnetPA partner organization
4. Contact the Statewide Administrative office

The WEDnetPA team remains optimistic about the future and about the opportunity to continue helping Pennsylvania businesses improve and the economy recover!  Thank you for your help and support.