ERIE, PA (January 30, 2009) --- The Center for eBusiness and Advanced IT (eBizITPA) is debuting a “Pay It Forward” pilot program as a requirement for applicants in its three current grant and subsidy programs. Pay It Forward, a concept inspired by the 2000 film, is a program designed to encourage companies within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to reach out to those in their communities. By sharing their challenges and triumphs with others, these companies have the opportunity to make a local impact in their business and education communities.

eBizITPA will require any business or organization receiving funding through the Advanced Information Technology or Apprenticeship and Internship programs February 1 – June 30 to meet the PIF requirement. Companies receiving IT KickStart grants in the following counties will be required to meet the commitment: Erie, Crawford, Warren, McKean, Potter, Mercer, Venango, Forest, Elk, Cameron, Clarion, Jefferson and Clearfield. As part of this requirement, recipients must agree to share their professional experience and expertise with members of the community by performing some form of volunteer activity related to their experience. Eligible activities vary by program.

“The idea behind Pay It Forward is that everyone benefits. The businesses involved receive grant funding from us and they go out and share their knowledge with others who may need assistance or mentorship,” said Ron May, Director of IT Programs for eBizITPA. “By implementing this program, we hope to make grant dollars stretch even further to inspire and assist more successful small businesses across Pennsylvania.”