SHARON, Pa. – The Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community, along with the city of Sharon and the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, have announced the three local businesses that will receive a total of $95,000 in grant funding awarded through the Sharon Economic Development Fund.
The businesses receiving funding are:
- Allie’s Sweet Tooth
- CycleLife Studio
- Sharon Community Development Corporation (SCDC)
Each business completed the application process on the Shenango LaunchBox website and gave a funding pitch to the Grant Selection Committee in May.
“These businesses have all shown a commitment to sustainable growth and are exactly the kind of enterprises that can help move downtown Sharon forward,” said Carey McDougall, regional chancellor of Penn State Beaver and Penn State Shenango and Grant Selection Committee member. “The funding will not only support these businesses, but will impact travel and tourism to Sharon, strengthening the regional economy.”
In 2022, two endowments totaling $4 million were created by Penn State and the city of Sharon, facilitated by the Community Foundation of Western PA and Eastern OH, to increase economic development throughout the region. The first endowment allows the Shenango LaunchBox to support existing and startup businesses in the region, and the second endowment established the Sharon Economic Development Fund.
While the services and support offered by the Shenango LaunchBox are open to all entrepreneurs and businesses throughout the Shenango Valley area, the Sharon Economic Development Fund exists to support businesses located within the City of Sharon, specifically.
For both Allie Adams, owner of Allie’s Sweet Tooth, and Amy Javens, owner of CycleLife Studio, their plans for growth, local expansion and long-term stability were key factors in the selection process as both have established themselves as pillars within the downtown business community.
The SCDC, led by Executive Director Angie Urban, will use the funding to support Sharon’s downtown business district through regular and consistent business enhancement initiatives. These initiatives are expected to create a more engaging downtown experience for residents and visitors while providing valuable support to local business owners.
“These efforts will encourage people to shop local, explore downtown businesses and connect with local merchants, helping increase visibility and attract new customers,” Urban said. “The grant will contribute to a more vibrant downtown, strengthen the local economy, and support the organization’s ongoing Main Street Model designation efforts.”
“The creativity and commitment to collaboration shown by this year’s recipients is proof that innovation and passion are alive and well in our community,” said Bob Fiscus, city manager of Sharon. “As a result, the positive effects of the funding will be felt by all downtown businesses, showcasing everything that the Sharon Economic Development Fund was created to achieve.”
The grant recipients benefited from free consulting services, acceleration and ideation programs, and networking opportunities offered through the Shenango LaunchBox. Additionally, some of the businesses received free legal advice from Penn State Law’s Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic, and business plan consulting and training from the Gannon Small Business Development Center. Entrepreneurial support also is provided through collaboration and programming with many regional economic development partners and agencies.
“These grants are a powerful example of what becomes possible when community leaders and local businesses work together toward a common goal,” Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio Executive Director Kyle English said. “The city of Sharon, Penn State Shenango, and the Shenango LaunchBox have helped transform ideas into action, and the Community Foundation is proud to support the momentum being created for lasting economic growth.”
In May 2025, eight businesses received grant support in the first year that funds were awarded. To date, the Sharon Economic Development Fund has awarded $245,000 to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
The Sharon Economic Development Fund will continue through the collaboration between the city of Sharon, the Community Foundation, Penn State and the Shenango LaunchBox. Current projections show the endowments are on track to generate approximately $100,000 annually for future grants, while continued growth of the funds is expected to expand the impact and reach of grant opportunities available to the Sharon business community.
To learn more about the Sharon Economic Development Fund grant application process, visit the Shenango LaunchBox website.
Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community provides early-stage startups with support and resources they need to build a sustainable and scalable business and a viable plan for growth. No-cost programs and services include accelerator programs, free legal and intellectual property advice, and expert mentorships from Penn State's extensive network. The LaunchBox is open to everyone — community members and those affiliated with Penn State. Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community is a signature program of the Invent Penn State initiative and one of 24 LaunchBoxes and innovation spaces embedded in Penn State campus communities across Pennsylvania. Learn more at launchbox.psu.edu. This project was financed in part by a grant from the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development.