The-University-of-Scranton-SBDC-ARC-2020-DCED-edited-for-website

Revised March 2016 Checklist for Appalachian Regional Commission Non-Construction Project Applications All applicants requesting ARC investment funding should use this checklist to develop a complete project application The framework for the checklist is based on ARC’s Strategic Plan which emphasizes strategic focus, collaboration, sustainability and measurable impact In the column at left, list the page number in the application where the required information can be found Submit completed applications to the state ARC program office SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1-3 Provide a 2-page executive summary of project goals and strategies, purpose, key activities, strategic rationale, collaborative partnerships, project sustainability and capacity, and impact measures See the Executive Summary template for format and guidance SECTION 2: REQUIRED APPLICATION FORMS Attach the required application forms to the front of the application packet 4-15 • • • • • Federal Standard Form 424 (Include ARC funds and all matching funds) Federal Standard Form 424A (Budget Information) Federal Standard Form 424B (Non-Construction Assurances) ARC Memorandum of Understanding Forms required by state ARC program offices (ARC Form or Form may be required) SECTION 3: PROJECT NARRATIVE Formatting instructions: Use the headings below as headings for project’s narrative The suggested length of the narrative is 5-8 pages Please number the pages Goals and Strategies 17 • • List the primary ARC goal and the primary ARC objective the project will address (one goal and one objective only) ARC’s 2016-2020 Strategic Plan for a list of ARC goals and objectives List the primary ARC state strategy the project will address See your state’s most recent ARC FourYear Development Plan for a list of strategies Also contact the state ARC program manager for additional guidance Project Description • • 17-19 • Provide a brief statement that describes the project’s primary purpose, main activities, and expected impacts This statement can also be used as the purpose statement in the Executive Summary Provide a detailed work plan, including a description of all major project activities (what will be done, who will complete each activity) and timelines for each activity during the course of the project Identify the counties where the proposed project will be based and the counties in the project’s entire service area If the project is not county-wide, identify the census tracts of the project’s entire service area Attach maps to illustrate the project’s service area Strategic Rationale • 19-20 • • Describe any problems, opportunities, or local/regional demand that the project will address and how these issues impact the community Explain why the proposed project is the most practical, cost-effective, and beneficial way to achieve the desired results when compared to alternative approaches Explain how the proposed project represents progress toward addressing a regional strategy, such as a comprehensive economic development strategy or a local visioning process Checklist for ARC Non-Construction Project Applications Revised March 2016 SECTION 3: PROJECT NARRATIVE, cont’d • • If the proposed project is a continuation or expansion of an ongoing program (whether or not the program received ARC funding), describe the program’s outputs and outcomes to date, as well as other project milestones reached Describe other project benefits likely to result from the project (e.g., positive impact on future economic development activity in the area) Collaborative Partnerships • Describe any partnerships or collaborations with other local community, state, regional, and federal partners in the development of the proposal • Provide letters of engagement from partner organizations that commit to undertake specific activities in support of the project 20-21 Project Sustainability and Capacity • 21 • • • • Briefly describe applicant’s capacity to undertake the proposed project by describing previous experience with similar activity Describe experience in managing grants and federal awards Describe the qualifications of key individuals who will manage and operate the project Attach position descriptions or brief resumes of these individuals Describe the qualifications of all consultants and subcontractors, if any, and describe the competitive procedures that will be used to select them Explain how the project will achieve long-term sustainability once ARC support is no longer available Include a plan and timeline of efforts to secure other sources of support for future operations Impact Measures • List the expected outputs and outcomes of the project See the Guide to ARC Project 21 • • Performance Measures for information on identifying outputs and outcomes Provide a credible and established methodology for estimating each impact measure that results from the project If project has “jobs created,” “jobs retained,” or “leveraged private investment” as an impact measure, attach letters documenting job or investment commitments, if available SECTION 4: BUDGET INFORMATION AND SUPPORTING MATERIALS Detailed Budget and Budget Narrative • 23 • • • Provide a detailed budget that lists the sources and uses of ARC funds and all non-ARC matching funds Provide a budget narrative that includes a detailed explanation of expenditures by the line items listed on Standard Form 424A Include purpose of travel and supply/equipment lists, and describe expenses in the ‘other’ line item, if applicable If the budget includes personnel or contractual expenses (cash or in-kind resources), estimate the number of hours/days and hourly rate (or portion of FTE and salary) for the time that is expected to be spent on the proposed project by key personnel, contractors, or consultants (After grant is awarded, all time should be tracked by actual hours worked for each individual.) If budget includes land or buildings, provide an MAI appraisal or comparable appraisal Non-ARC Funding Commitments 23 Identify each non-ARC funding source as federal, state, local, or private Include a letter of Checklist for ARC Non-Construction Project Applications Revised March 2016 SECTION 4: BUDGET INFORMATION AND SUPPORTING MATERIALS , cont’d • • commitment from each funding source that specifies the amount of funds committed and the kind of funds committed (grant, loan, cash, in-kind, etc.) Provide descriptions of in-kind resources, including the methods used t ARC Match Rate Calculation 23 24-43 • List each county project will serve and the economic status of each county See ARC County Economic Status and Match Rates table on the ARC website to identify county economic status For further match-related questions, contact the state ARC program manager Additional Documentation • Enclose pertinent supporting materials that will lead to a better understanding of the proposed project Do not include form letters Reference Documents: www.arc.gov/images/newsroom/publications/sp/InvestinginAppalachiasFutureARCs2016-2020StrategicPlan.pdf State ARC Four-Year Development Plans www.arc.gov/stateplans ARC Project Guidelines http://www.arc.gov/publications/ARCProjectGuidelinesContents.asp ARC County Economic Status http://www.arc.gov/funding/ARCCountyEconomicStatusandMatchRatesFY2016.asp http://www.arc.gov/appalachian_region/CountyEconomicStatusandDistressedAreasinAppalachia.asp ARC Grantee Forms and Instructions www.arc.gov/forms Section 1: Executive Summary Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development ARC Project Summary Project Title: Women’s Entrepreneurship Center: Online StartUP Series Project Applicant: The University of Scranton  Point of Contact: Lisa Hall Zielinski  Agency Address: 800 Linden Street, Scranton, PA 18510  Telephone Number: 570-941-4087  Email Address: lisa.hall@scranton.edu Counties to be served: Lackawanna County, Transitional Goals/Strategies: Primary ARC Goal 1: Economic Opportunities - Invest in entrepreneurial and business development strategies that strengthen Appalachia’s economy ARC Objective 2: Support the startup and growth of businesses, particularly in targeted sectors In order to compete in a global marketplace, the Region must diversify its economic base Supporting entrepreneurship and business development in targeted sectors that have growth potential and that build on local and regional assets provides the greatest opportunity for building a strong Appalachian economy These businesses also offer better job opportunities for Appalachia’s workers Targeted sectors can include manufacturing, diversified energy, tourism, local food systems, and health care, as well as other sectors with growth potential.PA Goal 1; PA Objective 3; State Strategy: PA Strategy (1.3.2) Support web-based initiatives designed to provide prompt and practical entrepreneurial information to citizen and business owners Purpose: To sponsor two face-to-face StartUP entrepreneurship education series and develop a website to offer the series online, so we can teach and empower more low-income women, those in transition or those trying to make a better life for themselves and their families to start their own businesses Funding: Source ARC: Other Federal Funds: NonConstruction Activity $56,750 State: University of $57,317 Scranton: TOTAL $114,067 Equipment Construction Total Percent Status of Funds $56,750 50% Pending $57,317 50% Committed $114,067 100% Project Description: Desired Project Timeline is June 1, 2020 – May 31, 2021 The University of Scranton Women’s Entrepreneurship Center (WEC) is a partnership between the Kania School of Management (KSOM) and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) WEC student interns and SBDC staff offer business start-up information, guidance, and encouragement to low-income women, those in transition or those trying to make a better life for themselves and their families WEC was created in 2009 to use student interns to provide additional support and guidance to women in need beyond what SBDC can offer with their core programs and services WEC’s most impactful program is StartUP, a 6week, face-to-face series offered free of charge that walks participants through the process of starting a business In addition to business start-up basics, women learn legal and insurance considerations, marketing and social media essentials, business plan development, accounting and budget skills, financing options and requirements, goal setting, and other essential skills For this project, we plan to offer two face-to-face StartUP series (Fall 2020 and Spring 2021) and create a website to offer this well-established program online Modeled after the face-to-face program, the online version will offer narrated presentations and videos on the topics above Participants will download and complete worksheets as they work through the modules Upon completion of all modules, participants will submit an evaluation and earn a certificate of completion All online participants will also be invited to campus for a closing session featuring certificate presentation ARC and matching funds will be used to support staff (including benefits), interns, printing and distribution of marketing materials and handouts, and hiring a marketing firm to develop web site and content (videos, presentations) Strategic Rationale: Since 2009, 233 women have completed StartUP and 40 new business starts have been reported as a result 36 women completed the spring 2019 series alone – a record number for this program We are experiencing a demand greater than ever from local women wanting to pursue entrepreneurship training The average StartUP attendee is not a degree-seeking woman, but someone who has a strong desire to learn and better herself, yet is usually struggling financially Unlike our traditional SBDC clients, these women often don’t possess the knowledge, resources, support or confidence needed to start their own businesses Based on the data and our experience over the past 10 years, there is a large portion of the market we have yet to serve At present, WEC is limited to offering three face-to-face StartUP sessions per year We currently use University funds and periodic sponsor donations to fund these sessions Offering an online series will expand the existing face-to-face program by allowing us to serve additional women who are unable to attend the face-to-face sessions on our campus due to a work schedule, childcare challenges, transportation limitations, etc The online series will be designed to be accessible by mobile devices According to a study produced by The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop, most low- and moderate-income families have some form of Internet connection, but many are under-connected, with mobile-only access Creating a mobile-ready site will ensure we are not excluding those with limited Internet access Each participant will be paired with a WEC student intern to offer guidance and support during and outside the sessions All online program participants will be eligible for follow-up guidance and consulting in either a face-to-face or virtual format, whichever works best for them Collaborative Partnerships: WEC will continue to incorporate KSOM faculty and students and collaborate with community partners such as Scranton Area Foundation WIP microloan program; Dress for Success Lackawanna; Women’s Resource Center; and CareerLink to distribute information to their program participants, as well as the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center network and NEPA Alliance Procurement Technical Assistance Center to present information about government contracting and assist with Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) certification in order to qualify for contracts Project Sustainability & Capacity: The University of Scranton Women’s Entrepreneurship Center has been in existence since 2009 It is part of the Kania School of Management Strategic Plan and has been highlighted as a best practice during AACSB accreditation The University will continue the face-to-face and online programs after the project ends with University funds as well as sponsorship support from various sources The University and the SBDC have a long history of successfully managing federal funds for programs and services The SBDC receives annual funding from SBA, managed an ARC project in 2007, and has completed a variety of successful projects in recent years funded by USDA, EDA, and OEA Impact Measures: It is estimated that impacts will be completed within three years of completion of the program Projected Outputs • 60 participants served • businesses served • students served Projected Outcomes • 45 participants improved • business improved • students improved Congressional and Legislative Districts of: House of Representatives: Representative Matthew Cartwright, 8th District of Pennsylvania, PA State Senator: Senator John P Blake, 22nd District of Pennsylvania; PA State Representatives: Representative Kyle Mullins, 112th District of Pennsylvania, Representative Marty Flynn, 113th District of Pennsylvania, Representative Bridget M Kosierowski, 114th District of Pennsylvania, Representative Karen Boback, 117th District of Pennsylvania, Representative Mike Carroll, 118th District of Pennsylvania Section 2: Required Application Forms Attachment A: Letters of Support 24 25 26 Attachment B: Key Individuals 27 Attachment C: Cost Estimate 32 Attachment D: Match Commitment Letter 34 35 Attachment (: %URFKXUH 0DUNHWLQJ)O\HU 36 One-hour session where women: • network and exchange ideas •g  ain support and guidance in determining if self employment is an option Each session features a guest mentor who shares her story and offers encouragement week series where participants learn: • business start up basics • legal and insurance considerations, marketing and social media essentials, business plan development, accounting and budget skills, financing options and requirements, goal setting, and other essential skills Local women business owners serve as mentors, offering guidance and encouragement by sharing their own experiences Offered three times per year: spring, summer and fall A 6-week educational series to help women start businesses PROGRAMS OF THE W MEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTER For more information visit: scrantonsbdc.com/womens-entrepreneurship-center/ 37 Visit: scrantonsbdc.com/womens-entrepreneurship-center/ 800 Linden Street, Scranton, PA 18510 Phone: 570-941-4168 A program of The Arthur J Kania School of Management at The University of Scranton and IS NOW THE RIGHT TIME TO START A BUSINESS? Regional Impact Empowering Lower Income Women Experiential Learning A program of The Arthur J Kania School of Management and the Small Business Development Center W MEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTER THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON SUCCESSFUL? TAKES TO BE WHAT IT DO I HAVE SHOULD I START MY OWN BUSINESS? KARI JOHNSON - AOS METALS TOOLS AND ADVICE I NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECTS OF OPENING A BUSINESS THEIR ASSISTANCE WITH FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS AND A BUSINESS PLAN HELPED ME OBTAIN FINANCING AND MAKE MY DREAM A REALITY “ W EC GAVE ME ALL THE WEC INTERN CAROLYN GIORDANO ’19 Interning with the Women’s Entrepreneurship Center has been a great way to combine what I’m learning in school with real business experience, while I also make a difference in the local community.’’ through the process of starting a business session and StartUP, a 6-week series that walks participants programs such as Coffee & Confidence – a 1-hour inspiration We this by offering individual, confidential consulting and those trying to make a better life for themselves and their families and encouragement to low-income women, those in transition or Center (SBDC) WEC student interns and SBDC staff offer business start-up information, guidance, partnership between the Kania School of Management (KSOM) and Small Business Development Established in 2009 The University of Scranton Women’s Entrepreneurship Center (WEC) is a THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST EXPERIENCES I HAVE BEEN BLESSED TO BE PART OF THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR EXPERTISE IN BUSINESS.” 38 Should I start my own business? Is now the right time to start a business? Do I have what it takes to be successful? A 6-week educational series to help women start businesses will help you answer those questions and more! Tuesdays: March 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28 and May 5, 2020 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m at The University of Scranton (Participants must complete all weeks to earn a certificate.) This series is only for lower income women, or women in transition interested in learning how to start a for-profit business It is not for individuals who have already started a business nor for those who are interested in starting a not-for-profit organization This interactive program covers: • Small Business Start-Up Basics Register today at: • Legal and Insurance Considerations scranto nsbdc.com • Marketing & Social Media Essentials (education an d training tab) • Business Plan Development • Accounting and Budgeting Skills • Financing Options and Requirements • Success Stories from Local Women Business Owners This series is offered free of charge Space is limited Applications will be reviewed first-come, first-served Register at scrantonsbdc.com! A program of The Arthur J Kania School of Management at The University of Scranton and For more information, contact: Francene Dudziec, The University of Scranton SBDC, 800 Linden Street, Scranton, PA 18510 Phone: 570-941-4168 E-mail: francene.dudziec@scranton.edu Good News for Women Entrepreneurs! The Scranton Area Community Foundation through its newest initiative, Women in Philanthropy, is offering microloans, women and women-focused business owners who want to begin a new business or further grow an existing business may be eligible Offering StartUp participants financial confidence training, and ongoing mentorship opportunities with other professional women in our community, to help make self-employment and financial confidence a reality! 39 Attachment ): 7HVWLPRQLDO 40 41 Attachment *: 8QLYHUVLW\RI6FUDQWRQ &RPSHWWLYH6ROLFLWDWLRQ3ROLFLHV 3URFHGXUHV 42 The University of Scranton Purchasing Policies & Procedures Competitive Solicitation Purpose To provide policy concerning competitive solicitation Scope This policy applies to all purchasing personnel involved in the purchasing of material, supplies, and services Background The purpose of soliciting is to obtain the best possible pricing through sufficient competition Put another way, this process "lets the market speak," through the competitive process Policy Competitive solicitation is required for all purchases of $2,500.00: A minimum of two (2) verbal quotations are required for purchases greater than $2,500.00 and less than $5,000.00 A minimum of three (3) written solicitations are required for all purchases over $5,000.00 It is the responsibility of purchasing personnel to originate requests for bids, proposals, and quotes, meeting the dollar thresholds listed above The department is responsible for defining the requirements regarding quantity, delivery dates, technical specifications, or scope of work 43