NWPAMade, a collaboration between the PennWest Edinboro Beehive and Bridgeway Capital, has unveiled its official website and branding following two reveal events held on Oct. 1 and Oct. 3. The initiative brings together regional artists, manufacturers, food and beverage makers, craftspeople, software developers, and other maker-entrepreneurs, centering around products made in Northwest Pennsylvania. The initiative empowers maker-entrepreneurs through an annual business accelerator and encourages residents to buy local.
The new website, nwpamade.org, features an interactive maker directory, along with information about the program’s business accelerator and collaborators. The maker directory highlights members of the first NWPAMade business accelerator, which finished up group classes in October 2025. In each listing, you’ll also find their social media business profiles, product photography, and their own website.
Chris Lantinen, director of the PennWest Edinboro Beehive, and Angela Glass, creative lead for the program, helped to oversee a team of nine student workers at the Beehive that designed the NWPAMade website and branding. The students who assisted on the project included Ben Kalmey, Trent Renelli, Sabrina Bootz, Roswell Butina, Jacob Sukhenko, Skyler Ed, Jordan Napierkowski, Naomi Polito, and Preston Edmands.
“The NWPAMade brand does a great job encapsulating the creative energy of our makers. The brand has to represent a variety of different industries and products. The students did an excellent job finding that perfect center,” said Lantinen. “We’re extremely proud to create a mission that’s all about buying locally made products.”
Bridgeway Capital, a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and nonprofit social-impact lender, leads the business education portion of NWPAMade and was on hand to celebrate the launch of the initiative.
"PennWest Edinboro's launch of the NWPAMade website marks an important next step for the program. Now all the maker business supported will be featured on a beautiful, branded platform that will reach national audiences while celebrating Erie and Crawford counties," said Adam Kenney, chief programs officer at Bridgeway Capital.
The first group of NWPAMade makers is currently finishing a 9-month business accelerator led by Amanda Duncan of Chiara Consultants and Katie Schaible of Bridgeway Capital.
The first class of NWPAMade makers includes: Alex Strasser (graphic design); Blissful Meads (meadery, restaurant); Borgia Artistry Studios (photography, wood art, metal art); Cob Handcrafted (custom artisan tile work); Gideon Hermann (jewelry making, metalsmith); Hikes & Hose (sustainable outdoor adventure gear); Izzy Does Art (live wedding painting); Millie’s Morsels (custom bakery); Nancy Asmus (fabric art); ProDomeSeal (propane tank accessory); Raeann the Artist (murals, fine art); Rhoxon Productions (film production, script development); Sealed by Nature (artisan soaps, lotions, and balms); She Vintage (salon, waterless nail spa); Tia Maria Wigs (wig boutique, style content); and Willow Creek Barn Wood Furniture (sustainable custom wood furniture).
NWPAMade aims to highlight residents that turn great ideas into even better products, while reinforcing PennWest Edinboro’s commitment to regional business development. Interested makers will be able to apply for year two of the business accelerator in November 2025. You can currently sign up for their mailing list. The annual program includes group lectures, one-on-one business coaching, and a stipend for needed business services. It also includes technical assistance from the PennWest Edinboro Beehive, such as website development, product photography, marketing assistance and more.
NWPAMade is made possible by funding through the Appalachian Regional Commission and support from the Erie Community Foundation.
Pictured: Anush Dulgaryan Bruno, founder and owner of Sealed by Nature, helps introduce the Erie region to NWPAMade. One of two NWPAMade reveal events was held at her business (318 W. Plum St, Suite B, Edinboro, PA 16412).