News
Grant Applications Now Open to Support South Central Pennsylvania Nonprofits
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) is now accepting applications for Grant Cycle 2, offering funding opportunities to nonprofits serving South Central Pennsylvania. Eligible nonprofits can review guidelines and apply at www.tfec.org. The application deadline is Friday, May 1, 2026. Nonprofits with questions about application or eligibility for available competitive grants can learn more by emailing grants@tfec.org. These funds support programs that strengthen families, expand access to
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A Learning Opportunity for Early Education Professionals That Takes a Cue from the Community
This one-of-a-kind conference is meeting the needs of South-Central Pennsylvania by providing early education professionals with important training. The 2026 Virtual Early Learning Conference presented by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) is an online asynchronous learning opportunity for any professional that supports young learners held from March 9-13. Participants can expand their professional growth through the PDE and PQAS credits awarded all for an affordable $50 registration fee. A
JB Technical Solutions Inc. Celebrates 10 Years of Service to Local Businesses
Waynesboro, PA – February 2026 – JB Technical Solutions Inc., a local provider of CAD design, mechanical engineering, managed IT services, and business technology solutions, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Founded in February 2016 by Joshua P. Brown, the company began as a small IT service business after Joshua’s previous employer, Pangborn Corporation, closed its regional engineering office. What started with computer repair and basic IT support quickly grew into a dual-service company offering
How Local Businesses Turn Raw Numbers Into Real Advantages With Data Visualization
For many Greater Waynesboro Chamber of Commerce members, growth depends on understanding what’s happening inside the business — and explaining those insights to employees, partners, and customers. Data visualization turns everyday operational data into clear pictures that guide better decisions and reveal opportunities that might otherwise stay hidden. Learn below: How visualizing data helps small businesses understand performance faster and communicate more effectively. Where visual tools make the
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities Welcomes Kim Alvarez as Vice President of Philanthropy
Expanding its capacity to support charitable giving and nonprofit capacity across south central Pennsylvania, The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) has named Kim Alvarez vice president of philanthropy. Alvarez brings more than 20 years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit leadership to TFEC, helping donors and organizations turn generosity into lasting community impact. In her role, Alvarez leads TFEC’s Philanthropy Team and works closely with donors, professional advisors and nonprofit
Creating a Digital Marketing Plan on a Shoestring Budget
Small businesses in Waynesboro and Franklin County often share one challenge: limited marketing budgets. Yet, digital marketing doesn’t have to be expensive—it just has to be intentional. With a clear plan, the right tools, and consistent effort, even the smallest team can achieve remarkable local reach.TL;DR You don’t need deep pockets—just a clear map. Focus on free or low-cost platforms (social media, email, SEO). Reuse content across multiple channels. Build local partnerships for mutual
Smart Investments to Set Up a New Business for Success
You’ve just launched your business — or you’re on the brink. This early phase is critical. Decisions you make now will echo into every customer experience, process, and dollar earned. Whether you’re opening your first storefront, building a digital brand, or formalizing a freelance hustle, the right early investments can determine whether you struggle or scale. Below are essential areas where intentional investment early on helps new businesses thrive — supported by tactical tips, helpful resources, and
Franklin County Community Foundation Awards $91,277 in 2025 Grants to Strengthen Local Community
Franklin County residents will benefit from a new round of grants awarded by the Franklin County Community Foundation (FCCF), an affiliate of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC). This year’s Advisory Committee directed grants totaling $91,277 to support local nonprofits that are meeting pressing needs, creating opportunities and building a stronger future for the region.“FCCF is committed to improving the quality of life for everyone in Franklin County,” said Teresa Beckner, committee chair.
TFEC Awards More Than $140,000 Through Arts for All Grants
Communities across South Central Pennsylvania will soon benefit from new opportunities to experience live performances, cultural festivals, art education and creative programming made possible through more than $140,000 in Arts for All grants. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) has awarded funding to 35 nonprofit organizations serving Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Lebanon and Perry Counties and the Dillsburg area of northern York County.The Arts for All program strengthens South Central
How Small Businesses Can Build a Social Presence That Feels Legit
You don’t need a full production team or a six-figure budget to make your small business look sharp online. A professional social media presence is more about rhythm and resonance than polish and perfection. Most small businesses get stuck trying to mimic big brands—churning out generic posts that feel hollow. That’s not what works. Real traction comes from showing up consistently, speaking with clarity, and looking put-together without overextending. Every move you make can build trust, signal intent,
Savvy, Not Spammy: Harnessing AI to Amplify Small Business Marketing
Small business owners often walk a tightrope between wearing too many hats and making enough time for meaningful marketing. That’s where artificial intelligence, far from being the stuff of science fiction, has begun to feel like a loyal assistant. AI tools today aren’t reserved for tech giants or Silicon Valley prodigies—they're practical, approachable, and, more importantly, affordable. What matters now is understanding how to use them without losing the personality that makes a small business feel
Tools Rewriting the Rules of Small Business
For small businesses trying to do more with less, the traditional toolkit—paper planners, spreadsheets, scattered emails—no longer keeps pace with modern demands. But the wave of available digital tools isn’t just about speed; it’s about shifting how people work, collaborate, and scale up with clarity. There’s a difference between merely keeping things afloat and actually steering the ship with purpose, and today’s platforms help anchor that shift. Rather than simply digitize old habits, these tools
How Small Businesses Can Connect Online Buzz with Real-World Presence
It used to be enough to hang a sign in your window and print up a stack of flyers. Now, it’s hashtags, geo-tags, paid ads, and maybe a sponsored video or two. That doesn’t mean the old ways stopped working, it just means they work better when paired with the tools people use every day. Small businesses that manage to blend physical presence with digital reach tend to carve out stronger relationships, not because they’re everywhere, but because they’re everywhere with purpose. This is no longer about
