Rowan's Timber Tides Grows With Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Grant

Residents across Clarion County may have noticed a new business popping up at various events and markets. Rowan's Timber Tides is a woodworking company run by married couple Brian and Robyn Rowan, who create unique charcuterie boards, coasters, and centerpieces.

“This is currently a side business for my husband and I,” says Robyn Rowan. “It started as a way for us to earn extra income and will hopefully become a retirement job when we leave the workforce.”

Both of their families have a background in woodworking, which means Brian and Robyn have grown up with the craft. They’ve been creating woodwork for years and have just recently pivoted into entrepreneurship.

The Rowans have learned so much since they opened their doors in March 2026 and plan to keep growing with new tools and resources. The community’s support and state and local programs have already made scaling possible. 

Rowan's Timber Tides Specializes in River Tables

The products developed by Robyn and Brian are visually stunning. They pair traditional hardwood with epoxy, bringing bright colors and dramatic patterns to the products. Many of the boards look like waves crashing on the beach, creating the illusion of water washing over the wood.

The boards the Rowans sell are safe to eat on. Robyn is careful to use food-safe epoxy and prefers to keep the wood natural and free from any coating.

The couple is already receiving special orders for their boards. They recently completed a Marine Corps-themed coffee table with various coins and insignia laid within.

The Rowans Received a Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Grant

For the most part, Rowan's Timber Tides is a self-funded venture. However, as Robyn and Brian received more orders, they realized it was time to invest in new technology to scale their operations. They applied for a Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Grant through the Pennsylvania Council for the Arts. This grant is designed to support creative entrepreneurs who want to grow their for-profit businesses.

“There were several categories to choose from, including grants for musicians,” says Robyn. “We applied under the “Visual Arts & Crafts” (artisans) category.”

The Rowans submitted a business plan to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the United Way of Clarion County administered the grant. The couple received $2,000 in grant funds this summer.  

The Grant Funded a New CNC Machine

The Rowans used their grant funding to purchase a CNC machine that allows them to create customized charcuterie boards and river tables.

“We can do so much with it,” says Robyn. “Our CNC machine has taken our woodworking to the next level. I’m having a blast learning a new skill.”

According to Robyn, mastering the CNC machine required a significant investment in learning and training. While they are still discovering the technology's full potential, the couple has already begun designing and producing new products with it.

“The CNC machine has greatly expanded both our creative and production capabilities,” says Robyn. “We can now produce detailed inlay work and have diversified our product offerings to include custom signs, trays, crosses, and seasonal specialty pieces, including gingerbread-themed candy trays for the holiday season.”

Rowan's Timber Tides Targets Tourists and Local Businesses 

Looking ahead, Brian and Robyn aim to expand their customer base among Clarion County residents and local businesses. They are particularly interested in collaborating with breweries, wineries, and other regional enterprises to produce custom-engraved boards featuring their own logos.

Tourism is also a significant target market for Rowan’s Timber Tides. For example, the Forest County Bigfoot Festival attracts up to 12,000 people each year. The upcoming Cook Forest Gingerbread Tour is another promising event for the Rowans and their products.

When asked what advice she would offer others considering a new venture, Robyn encourages them not to be afraid of pursuing something unfamiliar.

“I want people to know that it’s okay to try new things and do something different that no one else is doing,” she says. “Don't be afraid to take a chance on an idea or learn a new skill. You never know where it might lead. Unleash your inner artist.”

Explore Entrepreneur Resources in Clarion County 

Both Clarion County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offer resources to help entrepreneurs and small business owners grow. A great place to start is the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation (EDC). The Entrepreneur Hub has several organizations you can connect with, many of which offer their services for free. The EDC is also happy to listen to your business goals and recommend potential ways to overcome hurdles.

Contact the EDC today, whether you are launching a new business or growing a current one. You might be surprised by the opportunities available to you.