Olean/Nonprofits
The Olean Business Development Corporation has selected nine area businesses for the 2026 cohort of the Laine Business Accelerator, a free program for established small business owners looking to grow. Each selected business will receive $5,000 in seed funding and take part in a multi-week program of mentorship and entrepreneurial instruction. The accelerator is funded by the Erick Laine Entrepreneurship Fund, created through the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation in memory of former Cutco Corporation CEO Erick Laine, and administered by OBDC. Since launching in 2021, the program has awarded a total of $200,000 in seed funding to area entrepreneurs across its cohorts.
Belmont/Communal
The Allegany County Department of Health, headquartered in Belmont, reported August 15 that its measles investigation has grown to two lab-confirmed cases and ten presumed positive cases, up from the single confirmed case and two presumed cases reported earlier in the month. Officials say all current cases remain localized within the town of New Hudson and that broad community risk across the rest of the county remains low. The department has shared information with local health care partners in the area to coordinate educational guidance, support services and easier access to MMR vaccination, and says public health nurses have already administered 87 MMR doses countywide since the outbreak began. Residents are urged to confirm their vaccination status and to call ahead before visiting a doctor's office if they suspect exposure.