The Progress Fund and its Trail Town Program® were mentioned in a recent article about the growing resources available for trail-based businesses. As the economic impact and use of regional trails increases, community-focused organizations are helping entrepreneurs take advantage of trail-driven economic opportunities in their towns. Through the development of business plans, project financing and entrepreneurial coaching, each organization offers … Continue reading
News Archives
A peddler peddles to pedalers
Another trail business starts pedaling Trails are fun, but trails with services are economic development drivers. Service businesses are popping up across the region on the Panhandle Trail, Montour Trail and Butler-Freeport Trail. Burgettstown, PA is starting the trail season with a new business: The Shoppe Along the Way at the Burgettstown Train Station. This new trail town is located … Continue reading
Six more beds on the trail
Yoder’s Guest House in Meyersdale, PA has expanded from 5 rooms to 11 rooms to meet the increased demand for lodging along the Great Allegheny Passage. Continue reading
Adventure in reinvented West Newton
Outdoor enthusiasts have discovered West Newton, a unique destination with endless possibilities for adventure. Located less than an hour from downtown Pittsburgh, it’s easily accessible by bike or car, and offers a welcome escape from the city for bicyclists, fishermen and kayakers. While West Newton has possessed fantastic natural resources including the Youghiogheny River and Great Allegheny Passage, it lacked … Continue reading
Adventure in reinvented West Newton
Outdoor enthusiasts have discovered West Newton, a unique destination with endless possibilities for adventure. Located less than an hour from downtown Pittsburgh, it’s easily accessible by bike or car, and offers a welcome escape from the city for bicyclists, fishermen and kayakers. Continue reading
Open House at Burgettstown Train Station in Washington County, PA
Bike rentals and other amenities will be available by mid-October along the Panhandle Trail in Burgettstown, PA. As a decade-long project to redevelop the historic train station has come to its conclusion, you’ll have the opportunity to see the building before it opens to the public. Continue reading
The trail led them home
Our borrower, Derailleur Bike Shop Café of Herman, PA, is highlighted in the June issue of Freedom Farms Magazine, a monthly magazine that covers the inner workings of farm living and the sustainable lifestyle. Continue reading
The world is knocking at her door.
One of our recent borrowers, Gail Hall, owner of 9 Decatur Guest House and Hostel and The Inn on Decatur in Cumberland, Maryland, was featured in a Cumberland Times-News article about the growing impact of trail tourism in Maryland. Continue reading
Construction of Cobblestone Hotel and Suites Underway
The long awaited hotel in Connellsville broke ground in early February with the help of a $500,000 loan from The Progress Fund. The hotel owners are excited to serve trail users on the Great Allegheny Passage and others in the community of this key Trail Town. Continue reading
Model Revitalization
The Tribune-Review did a great follow-up article about our Placemaking Award. Continue reading