Record 60 applications highlight growing entrepreneurial momentum in the Bradford area.

The 2026 business competition attracted 60 applications—the largest number since the competition began in 2020—from entrepreneurs representing new businesses, innovative ideas, and existing businesses pursuing new ventures.

Selected as this year’s finalists are: Jeff Fox with Jeff Fox Cabinetry & Woodworking LLC, Deanna Leonard with The Forest Clearing Center, Tiffany and Jason Sawh with Forest Haven Kennels, William Sherwood with SHER-Sleeper LLC, and Kelly Strotman with Foster Brook Creamery.

“Since 2020, the Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition has attracted 300 applications, and behind every one of those applications is an entrepreneur willing to take an idea, invest their time and talent, and pursue an opportunity,” said Carolyn Boser Newhouse, Executive Director of the Bradford Area Alliance. “That represents something much larger than a competition. It reflects a growing culture of entrepreneurship and people who believe there are opportunities to start, build, and grow businesses right here in our region. Receiving a record 60 applications this year is something our entire community can celebrate.”

Newhouse added that the strength of this year’s applicant pool made the selection process particularly competitive and appreciated the time and efforts of all the applicants and the economic development professionals involved in the early judging process.

MEET THE 2026 FINALISTS

Jeff Fox Cabinetry & Woodworking LLC is a local manufacturer specializing in the design, construction, and installation of custom cabinetry, furniture, and woodwork for residential and commercial clients. Check out the business here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057272688503#.

The Forest Clearing Center is a new business envisioned as a community-centered space focused on well-being, connection and personal growth while creating opportunities for local makers and educators to share their skills and services. Learn more on The Forest Clearing Center’s Facebook page: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theforestclearing.

Forest Haven Kennels is an existing business expanding with a new venture. With 25 years of experience and full state licensing, the owners deliver attentive dog boarding, day care, and professional grooming. Visit Forest Haven Kennels’ website: https://foresthavenkennels.com/.

SHER-Sleeper LLC is an innovation that improves CPAP therapy compliance and sleep quality by eliminating hose interference, helping users and their partners achieve consistent, uninterrupted rest. Learn more by visiting SHER-Sleeper LLC’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SHERSLEEPER.

Foster Brook Creamery is an established local business pursuing its next stage of growth. A Bradford-area destination, Foster Brook Creamery offers more than 60 hard ice cream flavors and soft serve ice cream as well. Foster Brook Creamery also serves hamburgers, fresh cut French fries, hot dogs, grilled chicken, salads and other menu favorites. Check out the business here: https://www.facebook.com/fosterbrookcreamery.

FIVE FINALISTS. ONE LIVE PITCH EVENT. A CELEBRATION OF LOCAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP.

The finalists will compete for a $20,000 grand prize during the Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition Live Pitch Event from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22, at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, 300 Campus Drive, Bradford.  The event will be held in the Mukaiyama University Room in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

Each entrepreneur will take the stage to pitch their business or venture before a panel of independent judges. In addition to the Grand Prize, the live audience will have the exclusive opportunity to select the recipient of the $5,000 Fan Favorite Award.

The Live Pitch Event provides the community with an opportunity not only to see the finalists compete, but also to celebrate the entrepreneurs who are investing, innovating and building businesses in the Bradford area.

The Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition is made possible through the generous support of the Blaisdell Foundation, Halloran Philanthropies, Northwest Bank, McKean County Community Foundation, and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

Promotional activities for the Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition were partially funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.