Pennsylvania grants for Small businesses

This program provides up to $2,000 in professional services to support small farms and agribusinesses in Chester County, Pennsylvania, particularly those facing financial barriers and led by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals.

The BLOOM Grant Program, initiated in 2018 by the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center through the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA), aims to empower small businesses in York County. This initiative aligns with the YCEA's mission to foster economic growth and stability within the region by providing crucial financial support to businesses with tangible needs. The program's core objective is to help businesses improve productivity, expand services, or achieve the next level of growth, thereby contributing to the overall economic vitality of York County. Since its inception, the BLOOM Grant Program has demonstrated significant impact, distributing 235 grants totaling $480,000 to various small businesses and organizations. The program specifically targets small businesses in York County, including those in Downtown York and York County Trail Towns communities, with a particular focus on women-owned businesses, start-up entrepreneurs, and graduates of BLOOM classes. This broad reach reflects a commitment to inclusive economic development, ensuring that a diverse range of businesses can access vital resources for growth. Priority consideration for funding is given to businesses that have not previously received BLOOM grant funding, promoting equitable access and supporting a wider array of enterprises. The program also prioritizes businesses owned by Women, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and Veterans, aiming to address historical disparities and promote economic empowerment within these communities. Furthermore, businesses that commit to using local businesses for grant implementation are favored, reinforcing local economic cycles and fostering community collaboration. The program awards grants ranging from $500 to $1,500, with amounts determined by need and potential impact. These grants are intended to fund projects that demonstrably improve productivity, expand services, or facilitate business growth. Examples of previously funded projects include improving signage, physical improvements to business locations, marketing initiatives, training and certification for new services, and the purchase of new equipment. The expected outcome is a measurable increase in the operational efficiency, market reach, and overall growth of recipient businesses, contributing to job creation and sustained economic development within York County. This strategic approach reflects the YCEA's theory of change, which posits that targeted financial investment in small businesses, especially those in underrepresented groups, can lead to significant and sustainable regional economic benefits.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) is offering the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects across the Northeast. The core mission of this program is to foster competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability. This aligns with a broader strategic objective of strengthening the regional dairy industry by enabling operations of all sizes to successfully launch and sustain their products in the marketplace. By focusing on start-up operations and tangible implementation, the NE-DBIC aims to facilitate direct economic impact and product innovation within the dairy sector. The program targets several key beneficiaries, including dairy farmers ready to begin processing, value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing or business startups, and dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in their start-up phase. The impact goals are centered on developing these businesses, supporting their entry into the market, and ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of the Northeast dairy industry. By providing financial assistance for start-up operations, the program seeks to create new opportunities for dairy-related businesses and products. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible implementation rather than earlier stages like research and development, concept development, or initial planning. This indicates a strategic emphasis on getting products to market and establishing sustainable business models. Eligibility criteria further refine this focus, requiring applicants to be headquartered or based in the Northeast, demonstrate proof of concept, have a robust business plan, obtain necessary licenses, and show commitment from buyers or distributors by the end of the grant period. Expected outcomes include the successful launch of new value-added dairy products, the establishment of competitive and viable dairy processing businesses, and increased market access for Northeast dairy products. Measurable results would likely include the number of new businesses launched, the volume of new products brought to market, and the economic growth generated within the participating dairy sectors. The NE-DBIC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, involve direct investment in the operational start-up phase, aiming for a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to the successful commercialization and long-term sustainability of dairy processing ventures in the region.

This program provides funding for community organizations and local governments to acquire technology devices to help bridge the digital divide for those facing affordability challenges.

This program provides $200 million in competitive funding to improve broadband access in underserved areas lacking reliable internet service of at least 25/3 Mbps.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The $2 trillion economic relief package aims to protect the American people from the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19. Act 2A of 2020, known as the COVID-19 Emergency Supplement to the General Appropriation Act of 2019, appropriated $10,000,000 from the COVID-19 Response Restricted Account to the Department of Health. Through a sub-grant, the Department of Community and Economic Development will administer this program to eligible applicants for the rapid advancement of vaccines, treatments, and therapies in response to COVID-19. Financial Info: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The $2 trillion economic relief package aims to protect the American people from the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19. Act 2A of 2020, known as the COVID-19 Emergency Supplement to the General Appropriation Act of 2019, appropriated $10,000,000 from the COVID-19 Response Restricted Account to the Department of Health. Through a sub-grant, the Department of Community and Economic Development will administer this program to eligible applicants for the rapid advancement of vaccines, treatments, and therapies in response to COVID-19.

The Pennsylvania Water Trails Program Mini Grant, overseen by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) in partnership with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the National Park Service, aims to address urgent issues on designated water trails that compromise safety or access. With a total of $2000 available, this grant supports projects that can quickly resolve situations like storm-induced damage, navigational obstructions, or critical sign destruction that impedes safe water trail access. Eligible projects must match the grant 1:1 with cash or in-kind services. The grant serves as a last-resort funding source for unforeseen issues affecting Pennsylvania's 28 designated water trails, emphasizing safety and accessibility while fostering recreational opportunities and sustainable natural resource use. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until September 30, 2024, with awards based on urgency and committee discretion.

This program provides financial assistance ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to small businesses in Pennsylvania that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge, powered by Innovation Works and funded by the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, is an annual competition designed to foster entrepreneurship with a lasting community impact in Southwestern Pennsylvania. This initiative creates cross-sector partnerships to tackle pressing community problems, aligning with a broader mission to promote social innovation through investment, grants, and educational assistance. Since its inception in 2015, the UpPrize Challenge has allocated over $3.1 million to local nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and other participants, demonstrating a commitment to empowering community-driven solutions. The primary beneficiaries of this challenge are nonprofits, businesses, and individuals who are based in and whose startup's impact is within one of the following Pennsylvania counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland. The program specifically targets those who are 18 years or older and have not received $50,000 or more in previous UpPrize cycles. The core impact goal is to launch or expand startups that leverage technology to address social inequities, thereby creating a meaningful and lasting community impact in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The program's priorities and focus areas revolve around technology-driven solutions to social inequities. This is evidenced by the prize structure, which offers combined prize monies and accelerator assistance to the top three finalists to facilitate the launch or expansion of such startups. The challenge encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in areas that can demonstrate tangible benefits to the community through the application of new technologies and creative problem-solving. Expected outcomes include the successful launch or expansion of promising startups, leading to measurable improvements in social equity within the targeted counties. The challenge's structure, which awards significant prize money ($125,000 for first place, $100,000 for second, and $75,000 for third), incentivizes the development of impactful solutions. These investments are intended to translate into direct community benefits, fostering a more equitable and innovative environment in Southwestern Pennsylvania through the practical application of entrepreneurial endeavors.

This program provides funding to municipalities and organizations for developing mixed-use projects that combine residential and commercial spaces, enhancing community infrastructure and housing options in Pennsylvania.

This program provides funding and support to small businesses in Pennsylvania that are historically disadvantaged, helping them access capital and improve their participation in public contracts.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Schuylkill County affected by the Coronavirus pandemic, helping them recover losses and retain jobs for low- to moderate-income individuals.

This program provides free technical assistance to small Pennsylvania businesses to help them improve their operations and competitiveness by connecting them with expert resources and solutions for specific technical challenges.

This funding opportunity supports licensed dairy processors and brands in the Northeast to initiate or expand co-packing arrangements, scale production, and enhance their product offerings.

This program provides funding for research aimed at improving peach and nectarine production for Pennsylvania growers who cultivate 500 or more trees for sale.

This grant provides financial support to small, independently owned businesses in Philadelphia to help them overcome operational challenges and invest in projects that promote growth and stability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and developers to create and improve affordable housing for low-income residents in Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

This program provides financial support to municipalities, businesses, schools, healthcare institutions, and non-profits in Centre County, PA, to improve recycling education and material collection efforts.

This funding opportunity provides matching funds to Pennsylvania dairy farms seeking to invest in innovative technologies that improve efficiency, production, and sustainability.

This funding opportunity supports businesses and organizations in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, to enhance tourism through projects that improve visitor experiences and encourage overnight stays.