Appalachia Digital Accelerator
Black Bear Fiber
Black Bear Fiber is a community-focused internet service provider expanding high-speed broadband in rural central Pennsylvania. As the only ISP to participate in the Appalachia Digital Accelerator, Black Bear used the program to develop a strategic growth plan and pursue public funding. This work supported major loan and grant applications aimed at scaling their service to reach thousands of underserved households.
Black Bear Fiber joined the Appalachia Digital Accelerator to accelerate its efforts to connect underserved communities and expand reliable service across rural Central PA. The company focused its participation on developing a funding strategy to support network expansion. With grant writing and strategic support from the Accelerator, Black Bear submitted applications for nearly $25 million in USDA Telecom Loans and BEAD grants.
If successful, this funding would significantly expand the company’s reach — delivering high-speed, affordable broadband to thousands of underserved households across Centre, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder, and Union Counties.
“Thanks to Connect Humanity’s support, we were able to construct very strong applications for BEAD and USDA funding programs. These funding streams will help us continue our mission to deliver affordable fiber broadband to underserved communities in Central Pennsylvania.“
David Gibbons
Black Bear Fiber Founder & Director
“Black Bear Fiber came to the Accelerator with a clear vision to bring high-speed internet to more residents and businesses in central Pennsylvania. Now, they’ve got a real path to make it happen. It’s been incredible to watch their progress, and they’re now on the verge of becoming a major connectivity player in the region.”
Samantha Schartman
Appalachia Digital Accelerator Program Director
What’s next
Black Bear Fiber is awaiting the outcome of major funding applications that could transform its reach across central Pennsylvania. In the meantime, the team continues to expand service where possible — staying focused on connecting more communities, one mile at a time.
A project in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), which contributed $6.3 million (80% of the total project cost).
