A grand prize of $50,000 in Appalachian Regional Commission funding is up for grabs as the result of a partnership between the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship and Ben Franklin Technology Partners, a firm that has partnered with the state Department of Community and Economic Development to provide funding and business expertise to companies.

The competition is targeted to Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean and Warren counties.

Three of the eight finalists are based here – Allegheny Mountain Beard Products, CiviLink and White Cane Coffee.

Allegheny Mountain Beard Products, owned by William Jones and Loretta Jones, created “all-natural personal care products that are free from harmful chemicals, synthetic ingredients, and toxins,” according to a statement.

This submitted photo shows William Jones, co-owner of Allegheny Mountain Beard Products at Warren’s 2022 Pride Fest.

“They offer a range of products that include beard grooming, shampoos, skin creams, deodorant, and baby products. These products prioritize natural ingredients and sustainable packaging.”

CiviLink is a software package developed by Ben Kafferlin and Lisa Hagberg.

It “offers a unique, first-of-its-kind software package that streamlines procedures, maintains legal compliance, and enhances operational efficiency for government entities and public-sector employees on an intuitive, customizable platform.”

The third county finalist is White Cane Coffee, which is aiming to bring “sustainability and more economical manufacturing to a multi-use pod-based hot drink brewing system. Created as a PA Wilds regional product – White Cane Coffee’s reusable bag just needs hot water for a quick on-the-go cup; perfect for busy people and those who are conscientiously reducing their ecological footprint.”

“Dozens of emerging entrepreneurs who are developing innovations related to the maker economy, forest products, outdoors and recreation and even tech manufacturing, applied to the contest for a chance to win $50,000 to help launch their ‘big idea,'” Karly Scala, marketing and communications manager with Ben Franklin Technology Partners explained in information provided to the Times Observer.

Times Observer Photo by Brian Ferry Pictured is Erin Willman, CEO of White Cane Coffee, posing for photos after being awarded CEO Monthly’s Global CEO Excellence Award for Best Organic Coffee Manufacturing CEO (USA). Her multi-use pod-based hot drink brewing system was created as a PA Wilds regional product – White Cane Coffee’s reusable bag just needs hot water for a quick on-the-go cup; perfect for busy people and those who are conscientiously reducing their ecological footprint.”

The winner will be selected on June 8 at an event held at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

“The prize package for the 2023 BIG IDEA Contest includes up to $50,000 in cash, the opportunity to win an additional $2,500 in the Northwest Bank People’s Choice Award, the chance to pitch the business concept for a $10,000 seed grant from Ben Franklin, and a guaranteed seat in an upcoming business accelerator program,” Scala said.