McElhattan Challenge Transitions from Pilot to Full Program, with $500,000 in New Grants Available to Boost Entrepreneurship in Franklin, PA. (Copy)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 9, 2026

PITTSBURGH, PA — On February 6, the Board of Directors of the McElhattan Foundation voted to transition the McElhattan Challenge from a pilot initiative to an ongoing program, signaling continued investment in economic development and job creation in Franklin. As part of this transition, the Foundation approved an additional $500,000 allocation to continue momentum and expand support for local entrepreneurs.

Since the pilot launched in April 2025, the Challenge was structured to be locally informed and locally driven. An Advisory Board made up of business and community leaders was established to provide guidance and accountability. In addition, the Community and Economic Development Department of the City of Franklin was contracted to manage the process. The work has been led by Amanda Power, Director of Community and Economic Development, with support from Jessica Carroll, Business Outreach Coordinator. That structure ensured that the Challenge was shaped by people who understand Franklin's unique ecosystem and economic realities rather than outside assumptions.

The McElhattan Challenge was launched in April 2025 as a pilot to test the hypothesis that local people, given access to early capital and support, would start or expand businesses that create jobs in Franklin. The Foundation committed $500,000 to the pilot to see whether this hypothesis could work in practice. "Over the past year, we've heard from a wide range of local business owners and entrepreneurs with ideas spanning food, tourism, trades, services, and manufacturing. The response confirmed there is no shortage of ideas, but financial support is often missing," said Gina Evans, Senior Program Director for the McElhattan Foundation.

The McElhattan Challenge is not designed as a contest, nor to fund every idea. It is intended to be a results-driven investment in businesses that can survive challenges and grow. "During the pilot, it became clear that starting a business is hard, 110% commitment and courage are critical, and not every idea will succeed," said Warren Thomas, Chairman of the McElhattan Challenge and owner of Baytree Farms.

"Based on what we learned during the pilot, moving the Challenge to an ongoing program allows the Advisory Board to build on what we learned - refining selection criteria, strengthening local partnerships, and improving how we evaluate and support local entrepreneurs," said John Dumot, President of Liberty Electronics.

"We are grateful to the Advisory Board members, City staff, applicants, and community members who shared their time, ideas, and candid feedback during the pilot phase. Their involvement played a critical role in the Board's decision and commitment to Franklin," said Kent McElhattan, Chairman and CEO.

Interested parties should contact Jess Carroll, Business Outreach Coordinator for City of Franklin at 814.432.4476 or jcarroll@franklinpa.gov.