The Bradford Area Alliance launched a new grant program offering up to $5,000 to help small businesses and entrepreneurs bring innovative ideas to market.

From new products and software to innovative processes and beyond, any innovation with market potential qualifies.

“These flexible grant funds are designed to support individuals who need early resources to test and validate their ideas,” said Christian Smith, manager of finance and development at the Bradford Area Alliance.

The grant program provides grants of up to $5,000 for businesses or entrepreneurs with ideas around technology, innovation, and manufacturing within the Bradford region. The program is designed to lower barriers for early-stage entrepreneurs, giving them the support to test concepts, develop prototypes, and take the first steps toward commercialization. By creating a pathway from idea to implementation, the grant helps strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem and prepare businesses for future investment opportunities.

This new grant comes from the Bright Bradford Innovation Fund (BBIF), which has set aside $50,000 for the program. The BBIF is part of the larger $1 million Bright Bradford Fund (BBF), launched in 2022 with support from Halloran Philanthropies and matched by Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA (Ben Franklin CNP).

“The Bradford region has always been built on entrepreneurship, and we know our community has the drive to grow and innovate. The Bright Bradford Innovation Fund grant is designed to be the first step in a pipeline of resources — helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into action and laying the foundation for future investment and business growth,” stated Julie Marasco, Bradford Regional engagement lead with Halloran Trust and board president of the Bradford Area Alliance.

Grant recipients will be required to provide a match, which can be either a financial contribution or an in-kind contribution. Eligible uses of funds include software development, prototype creation, sales and marketing activities, and hiring employees. The program is open to businesses and entrepreneurs located in the City of Bradford, the Borough of Lewis Run, Bradford Township, Corydon Township, Cyclone, Foster Township, and Lafayette Township.

Entrepreneurs who demonstrate strong potential through the BBIF grant may also qualify for Ben Franklin CNP’s Pre-seed grant program, which provides up to $10,000 in additional funding. Entrepreneurs can also immediately apply to the Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition, which awards a $20,000 grand prize, with applications open until Friday, Sept. 5.

The long-term vision is to prepare businesses for future investment through the Bright Bradford Innovation Fund. Together, these programs create a pipeline of access to capital opportunities for small- to mid-sized businesses in the Bradford region.

“This is about momentum,” said Steve Brawley, president and CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA. “By layering these opportunities, we’re building a continuum of support — from micro grants, to pre-seed, to full BBIF investment — that gives local innovators a real pathway to succeed.”

For more information about this grant or to apply, contact Christian Smith at christian@bradfordareaalliance.com.