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By SAVANNAH BARR

s.barr@bradfordera.com

What does it take to make your dreams come to life? Since 2023, the Halloran Fellowship has been aiming to answer that question. The fellowship works to support and enhance the efforts of local business owners, innovators and community leaders. Each year, the 16-week program helps attendees acquire the skills, resources and experience needed to scale their impact.

The Halloran Fellowship is aided by the Watson Institute, which designs the curriculum, recruits fellows, facilitates the program and provides ongoing support.

The program is funded through Halloran Philanthropies. The Halloran family has been highly invested in McKean County since 1997 when the late Harry Halloran Jr. purchased the local refinery, launching American Refining Group Inc. in Bradford.

‘The Halloran Fellowship was inspired by Brian Fernandes-Halloran’s father, who saw the transformative work Watson Institute was doing with social entrepreneurs around the world,’ said Angelique Newhouse, search and programs manager. ‘His deep love for the Bradford community, combined Halloran… page A-8

Angelique Newhouse, Watson Institute search and programs manager, at this year’s Halloran Fellowship Basecamp.

Halloran Fellowship with a vision for its future, led to the creation of a fellowship designed to drive real, localized impact.”

Two hour classes are held twice a week from September to December. The program consists of a basecamp, in-person summit, virtual workshops, local networking opportunities and a community development stipend.

“Fellows receive hands-on guidance in launching or expanding their businesses, leveraging every available local resource,” said Newhouse.

Attendees join the program for a variety of reasons, but all are driven to help make Bradord a more prosperous place.

“Some want to be their own boss, create jobs or bring new opportunities to Bradford,” Newhouse said. “Others are in the early stages of business ownership and need guidance to grow.”

The program provides information about business planning, building community through entrepreneurship, identifying opportunities and gaps, competitor analysis, revenue and funding exploration, pitch development and proof of concept.

“Most importantly, we equip participants with the mindset and mentorship to build a sustainable success,” said Newhouse.

Since its inception, the fellowship has launched 14 new local businesses. Nineteen people have received entrepreneurial training and more than 300 locals have directly benefited from the program.

One of the fellowship’s success stories is that of Ashly Colosimo-Gross.

“Taking a leap of faith, she left her job and entered the program with just an idea,” said Newhouse. “Today, she is the proud founder of Cosmos’ Lounge, a thriving community space that offers daily activities for youth and families.”

In the years ahead, the program is set to continue helping new businesses to grow and thrive.

“We aim to establish around 10 new businesses this year and reach around 100 more individuals,” said Newhouse. “We’re also working to strengthen our ties with community organizations and deepen our ties with the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, ensuring that our fellows receive even greater long-term support.”

For many would-be entrepreneurs, success requires an initial mindset shift.

“One of the biggest challenges is helping people believe in themselves,” said Newhouse. “Many hesitate to take that first step, doubting their ability to bring their ideas to life.”

The large network of community organizations working together to boost this initiative has created a roadmap to make dreams into realities. The Bradford Area Alliance helps the organization connect with potential fellows and essential resources. The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce offers services and guidance to attendees and UPB helps spread awareness and provide mentorship. All together, this helps to foster a thriving ecosystem for local economic growth.

“They support one another, push each other forward and create lasting bonds,” said Newhouse. Those who are interested in applying for the program or supporting the Halloran Fellowship can reach out to Newhouse at angelique@ watson.is.