• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
The Progress Fund

The Progress Fund

The Progress Fund

  • (724) 216-9160
  • Ask about a loan today
MENU
Hide Search
  • Home
  • Loans
    • Small Business LoansThe Progress Fund provides financing from $20,000 to over $1,000,000 to people who are starting, expanding or buying small businesses.
    • Get Loan ReadyLet us help connect you to the right resources to grow your business.
    • Ask About a LoanExplore your loan options.
    • Resources for EntrepreneursOur small business experts can help you plan your business start-up or a new type of venture.
    • FAQFind answers for commonly asked questions about us, how to apply for a loan, our loans, and technical assistance.
    • Application FormsContact us first before submitting the forms.
  • Borrowers
    • Browse Borrowers
    • Explore Borrower Map
  • Stories
  • About
    • About UsThe Progress Fund provides financing and business coaching to help people like you to grow businesses and create jobs for the region.
    • StaffThe Progress Fund staff combine lending experience with dedication to help small business owners.
    • ImpactsThe Progress Fund makes a difference.
    • Praise by OthersWe have provided financing to help people grow their businesses. Learn what people are saying about us.
    • Board of DirectorsOur Board of Directors combines experience and dedicated community service.
    • History and AwardsThe success of our work has brought notoriety and awards for community development impact.
    • Our SupportersWe rely on financial support of state and federal agencies, private foundations, and commercial banks.
    • Community DevelopmentWe have been creating opportunities along the Nation’s Trails since 2007 as well as redeveloping key properties in key communities.
    • The West Newton StoryCommunity development loans and real estate developments projects have supported the start-up and expansion of small businesses that are changing the future of the community.
    • EmploymentView our current job openings.
  • Contact
  • 724-216-9160
  • Display Search
Home Borrowers Restaurants Village News

Village News

Location:

110 South Juliana Street
Bedford, PA

County:

Bedford

Description:

Business Development

Total Project Cost:

$234,800

Visit Online:

  • Follow us on Facebook

People

As long as anyone can remember, the Village News has brought the events of the day to Bedford. After 50 years without an update, though, the venerable building was at risk of passing the point of no return, and the shuttered restaurant in back was about to see its license expire. Lori and Joel Bussard had the business acumen to rejuvenate the ailing landmark. All they needed was capital.

Progress

Hometown Bank was willing to help, but recommended that the Bussards try The Progress Fund first. The business plan looked so good, and Bedford’s future looks so bright, that The Progress Fund loaned $69,300 along with $115,500 from the state’s First Industries Tourism Program. The Progress Fund later loaned $50,000 for building renovations.

Impact

The Bussards completely redid the interior, while preserving classic fixtures like the marble soda fountain. The old cabinets now serve as the back bar in the reopened restaurant, with an enhanced menu featuring sandwiches, salads and potatoes. Bedford can still get its news, and visitors have a much-needed new lunch option. “It’s just such an old, welcoming place,” says Lori. “Hopefully, that’ll keep people in town instead of chasing them out to the interchanges.” Who says the news is never good?

View Story as PDF
More Restaurants Stories

Restaurants

Previous borrower West Virginia Adventures
Next Borrower Two Rivers Treads

Signup for our eNewsletter

See the latest news on our borrowers, stay up to date on events and more.

Privacy Policy

Footer

  • Home
  • Small Business Loans
    • Ask about a loan
    • Application Forms
    • Resources for Entrepreneurs
  • FAQ
  • Our Borrowers
    • Browse Borrowers
  • The Progress Fund Stories
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • Impacts
    • Praise by Others
    • Board of Directors
    • History and Awards
    • Our Supporters
    • Community Development
    • The West Newton Story
    • Employment
  • Contact Us
The Progress Fund

Main Office

724-216-9160
425 W Pittsburgh St
Greensburg, PA 15601-2211

Connect With Us!

  • Follow us on Facebook
Copyright © 2023 The Progress Fund. All Rights Reserved.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Website by DDS
Scroll Top of Page