Growing Businesses, Growing Bradford: The 2026 Halloran Fellowship Summit

​Back for its fourth year, this free event brings the Bradford area community together to celebrate the local businesses growing right in our backyard. See what local entrepreneurs have been building to make Bradford, PA a better place through building connections within your community, learning more about the people and businesses in your area, and shopping locally at our annual Christmas market!

​Powered by Watson Institute, this event also known as “the Summit,” marks the culmination of the 2026 Halloran Fellowship, a program for aspiring and early-stage business owners in the Bradford area and from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford to explore entrepreneurship or to gain the skills, resources, and hands-on experience needed to launch or grow their business ventures.

• ​UPB students will leave with:

  • ​An understanding of what it takes to start a business, from entrepreneurs right here in Bradford. Students will have the opportunity to meet founders, mentors, and connect with individuals in the room to bring new business ideas to life.

• ​Aspiring and early-stage business owners will leave with:

  • ​Proof of concept that businesses do grow in rural communities. Attendees will hear how local entrepreneurs built their ventures from the ground-up, as well as meet people who can support the development of new businesses!

• ​Bradford Community Members will get:

  • ​A chance to cheer on their neighbors and friends. Attendees will  see the ideas and talent growing in their own community, as well as ways to support!

• ​BONUS: All attendees will have the opportunity to shop local at our annual Christmas market, featuring local business vendors offering handmade and locally made holiday gifts. Every purchase goes directly to a small business owner in the Bradford area!

​Who Should Attend

• ​Students at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford who are curious about entrepreneurship

• ​Aspiring and early-stage business owners in the Bradford area

• ​Local business owners, community leaders, and supporters who want to see what the community has to offer

• ​Neighbors, friends, and family who want to cheer on local entrepreneurs (and get some holiday shopping done!)

​What to Expect

​🤝 Networking, 🎤Live Pitches & 🎄Holiday Shopping!

• ​Cheer on as local entrepreneurs, called Halloran Fellows, take the stage to pitch the businesses they are building

• ​Connect with Fellows, mentors, students, and local business owners

• ​Learn about the Halloran Fellowship and how to get involved as: a future applicant, mentor, facilitator, or supporter

• ​Shop the Christmas market for local gifts and support small businesses

​RSVP
This event is free, but seats are extremely limited. Please only RSVP if you're able to attend in-person in Bradford, as we want to keep space open for those who can make it.

​About the Halloran Fellowship
Halloran Fellows are a combination of community members and University of Pittsburgh at Bradford students, who join a hands-on business training program in the Bradford area, designed to help them create or strengthen their businesses and community. By combining business with community impact, Fellows create practical solutions to local challenges and help build a stronger local economy. Throughout the program, Fellows gain the skills, connections, and support needed to turn your ideas into real results with community in mind.

​About Watson Institute
In partnership with Google, JPMorganChase Foundation, Wells Fargo, Ford Philanthropy, SAP, Truist Foundation, BMO, Comcast, Western Union, and several private foundations, Watson Institute powers transformative Fellowships for highly promising entrepreneurs and leaders, primarily from historically disenfranchised backgrounds, leading forward impact-driven ventures or solutions.

​Media Consent
By registering for this event, you acknowledge and agree that photographs and video footage may be taken. These materials may be used by Watson Institute for marketing, social media, and promotional purposes.

​Communications
By providing your information, you agree to receive communications related to this event.