Welcome to the Fund for Northern Tier Development!

Since 2017, a passionate group of business and community leaders from Bradford, Tioga, and Potter Counties along the Rt. 6 Corridor have come together with a shared dream: to build a stronger, more vibrant Northern Tier region. The Fund for Northern Tier Development (FNTD) was born from this desire for collaboration and positive change.

Who We Are & Why We Exist

At our core, FNTD exists to support, educate, and advocate for key priorities such as economic growth, job creation, and education to benefit our local communities, institutions, and businesses. Why? Because we saw fragmentation across organizations and realized the power of a united, regional effort. Neither to compete nor duplicate, FNTD enhances existing initiatives, identifies gaps, and brings needed resources to the table

What We Stand For

Bold, Impact-Driven Partnerships

We believe in risk-taking, creativity, and teamwork. Through bold initiatives, we can craft solutions for pressing issues, from housing shortages to broadband access and workforce development

Amplifying Local Voices

Our goal is to boost, not overshadow. We work alongside chambers of commerce, educational institutions, agricultural initiatives, healthcare providers, and more, ensuring that advocating as one stronger, unified voice can bring real progress

What We Focus On

We concentrate on six key priorities that shape our vision for the Northern Tier’s future:

• Education – Preparing our workforce with real-world skills and innovative training

• Economic Development – Igniting business growth and strategic industry partnerships

• Job Creation – Launching initiatives that bring sustainable, well-paying jobs to the region

• Infrastructure & Communications – Expanding broadband, telecommunication access, and modern infrastructure

• Energy & Agriculture – Strengthening our rural roots with innovative agricultural projects and energy initiatives

• Transportation & Housing – Addressing connectivity and affordable living with forward-thinking solutions.

Highlight Project: Culinary Boot Camps

One of our most exciting recent initiatives is the Culinary Boot Camp Program. In partnership with regional food service providers and local training academies, FNTD is supporting Culinary Boot Camps that provide hands-on training in culinary fundamentals, cooking, baking, and ServSafe Manager Certification.

These boot camps open doors for individuals who want to launch a culinary career or sharpen their skills to advance in the food service industry. By addressing the shortage of trained kitchen staff in our region, we’re helping local restaurants, bakeries, schools, and healthcare facilities fill critical roles while empowering individuals with marketable, lifelong skills.

Through this program, students gain:

• Practical, real-world culinary training

• Professional certifications to enhance employability

• Connections with local employers seeking kitchen staff and managers

This initiative is a prime example of how FNTD’s mission comes to life—bringing together business needs, community development, and education to create a stronger Northern Tier workforce and economy.

What to Expect Next

On this blog, we’ll share stories of real impact, featuring the educators, students, businesses, and community leaders who are turning vision into reality. Expect regular updates on upcoming projects, funding announcements, and collaborative efforts that are shaping the region’s future.

We’re so glad you’re here. Whether you're a local employer, educator, policymaker, community advocate, or resident, you’re part of this journey. Let’s forge ahead together, strengthen our Northern Tier, and make lasting positive change.

Stay connected, stay informed. Let’s build something extraordinary.

— The FNTD Team