Our Mission
Established by the Chester Country Economic Development Council (CCEDC) in 1994, the Chester County Economic Development Foundation (CCEDF) is a 501(c)(3) organization created to engage in educational and workforce development activities and to create opportunities in economically depressed areas.
Our Beliefs
We believe our mission is most effectively fulfilled through a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as core values and therefore are committed to practices that support diversity, equity and inclusion across the full spectrum including age, economic circumstance, ethnicity, sex, race, range of ability, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity/expression.
We aim to lead by example, viewing and encouraging diversity, equity and inclusion as business imperatives contributing to long-standing business success, profitability and sustainability.
Our Focus Areas
CCEDF is an educational and economic development non-profit providing services that are focused on retaining and expanding business with particular focus on entrepreneurs, small businesses, and minority/women owned businesses, thereby enhancing the overall workforce climate in Chester County.
We focus on making an imapct in the following areas (scroll down for details on each area):
- STEM Innovation – Youth career exploration
- Micro Lending
- Providing Technical Assistance for Entrepreneurs
- Exploring Agriculture
STEM Innovation – Youth career exploration
We partner with area K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, and businesses to deliver employer-led student outreach that grows the ‘pipeline’ of talent and helps keep graduates employed in our region. We also design culturally appropriate programs as part of our commitment to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM careers for women and minorities.
Micro Lending
We provide accessible access to market rate financing for underserved markets that include rural/agricultural businesses, minority-owned businesses, woman-owned businesses and business located in economically distressed areas.
Technical Assistance for Entrepreneurs
We support entrepreneurs and small businesses by providing comprehensive training, mentorship, and business networks to expand opportunities and optimize their chances for success.
Exploring Agriculture
We provide comprehensive business and economic development services to agricultural-based businesses with a focus on access to capital, farm transition, innovation, and workforce training.
Tax Credits and Giving Back
The Chester County Economic Development Foundation (CCEDF) is approved as an Educational Improvement Organization (EIO) in Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program.
So what does that mean to you? Companies that do business in the Commonwealth can receive tax credits by contributing to CCEDF and its educational mission. To receive the tax credits, companies must first be eligible for the EITC program. For more information, contact MaryFrances McGarrity at mmcgarrity@ccedcpa.com.
Even if you are not part of the EITC program, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity, donations to the CCEDF are tax deductible and support its mission of educating young people and preparing them for future economic opportunities.
EITC Contributors
