Act 13 of 2012 establishes the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority (the “Authority”) for abandoned mine drainage, abatement, and treatment. Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) is one of the largest sources of stream impairment in Pennsylvania. Billions of gallons of AMD impair over 5,500 miles of streams within the Commonwealth.
Programs, Grants & Incentives
A-Z Active programs
The Alternative and Clean Energy Program (ACE) provides financial assistance in the form of grant and loan funds that will be used by eligible applicants for the utilization, development and construction of alternative and clean energy projects in Pennsylvania. The program is administered jointly by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).
Act 13 of 2012 establishes the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority (the “Authority”) to be used fund statewide initiatives to establish baseline water quality data on private water supplies.
Overview Program provides tax credits to owners of agricultural assets who sell or rent agricultural assets to beginning farmers. The program is administered in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Revenue. Uses An owner of agricultural assets is eligible for allocation of a tax credit equal to: 5% of the lesser […]
Overview The Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority COVID-19 Venture Loan Program (BCVL) is a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania initiative intended to address the financing needs of technology-oriented businesses by increasing the amount of risk capital available. The BCVL operates pursuant to the statutory authority of the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (“BFTDA”). The goal of the […]
Overview Grants to help groups or consortia of Pennsylvania companies position themselves at the cutting edge of emerging technologies and establish a competitive advantage through the use of advanced e-business systems. Eligibility Not-for-profit organizations; Community groups.
Overview The Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority Venture Investment Program (VIP) is a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania initiative intended to address the financing needs of technology-oriented businesses by increasing the amount of risk capital available. The VIP operates pursuant to the statutory authority of the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (“BFTDA”). The goal of the VIP […]
Overview Provides funds to businesses through the four Ben Franklin Technology Partners for access to capital, business expertise, technology commercialization services to advance the development of new technologies and for the generation, conservation, and transportation of alternative and clean energy. Uses Direct company investments, business and technical support, technology and entrepreneurial infrastructure, and administrative expenses. […]
Overview Provides mezzanine capital for developers for real estate assets in small to mid-sized Pennsylvania communities. Uses Real estate development in small to mid-sized PA communities. Eligibility Industrial Commercial and multi-use projects Funding Loan amount cannot exceed the amount of equity in the project. Purpose of Funding Infrastructure Site Development – Business Terms Term of […]
Overview Empowers communities to attract growing and expanding businesses by helping them build an inventory of ready sites. Uses All site development activities that are required to make a site shovel-ready. This program is for speculative projects only. Funds cannot be used for projects that are primarily residential or recreational. Sites must be previously utilized […]
Overview Installment loans, lines of credit and technical assistance for minority business enterprises, women-owned business enterprises and small businesses. Uses Cash flow (working capital) – Including most business operation and expansion expenses; Equipment – includes acquisition, delivery, installation, and renovation of new and used equipment; leasehold improvements; and acquisition of owner-occupied real estate. When necessary, […]
Overview The COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) will allocate $145 million in funding assistance to the hospitality industry businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program requires counties to establish grant programs for eligible businesses. Uses Grant funds provided to counties will be awarded to eligible businesses as defined in Act 1 of […]
COVID-19 PA Hazard Grant Awardees Overview The COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grant Program was established to help employers provide hazard pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Hazard pay is intended to keep front-line employees working in sectors that are vital to every Pennsylvanians’ existence. The program will help employers provide […]
COVID-19 Small Business Grant Recipients Overview The COVID-19 public health crisis has impacted every Pennsylvanian in every community. The recently enacted state budget includes $2.6 billion in federal stimulus funds through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). Within this allocation, the Department of Community and Economic Development has been allocated $225 million […]
Applications are open now through July 24, 2020. Overview 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 […]
The COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program is now closed. Overview The COVID-19 Working Capital Access (CWCA) Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) and provides critical working capital financing to small businesses located within the Commonwealth that are adversely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. All CWCA loan applications must be submitted through […]
The approval process for EITC/OSTC participating businesses is underway with approval letters to be distributed throughout the month of September. There have been two COVID-19 amendments to the programs for this year which are outlined below. Read More Act 15 of 2020 has amended the required contribution dates of both the EITC & OSTC […]
Overview Article Act 84 of 2016 (Article XVII-D, the Entertainment Production Tax Credit) authorizes the issuances of Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program to expand the Concert Rehearsal and Tours in Pennsylvania. Uses Recipients of an Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program may use the tax credit to offset their Pennsylvania state liability or sell, assign, or transfer the […]
Overview Article Act 84 of 2016 (Article XVII-D, the Entertainment Production Tax Credit) authorizes the issuance of Film Production Tax Credits in an effort to expand Pennsylvania’s film industry. Uses Recipients of a Film Production Tax Credit my use the tax credit to offset their Pennsylvania state tax liability or sell, assign, or transfer the […]
Overview The First Industries Fund (FIF) is a program aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania’s agriculture and tourism industries through loan guarantees. The program is administered by the Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA). Uses Land and building acquisition and construction, machinery and equipment purchases and upgrades, […]
Overview Act 13 of 2012 establishes the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority (the “Authority”) for funding statewide initiatives to assist with flood mitigation projects. Uses Projects authorized by a flood protection authority, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) or the U.S. Department […]
Overview The Global Access Program (GAP) is designed to enhance the capability of small to mid-sized Pennsylvania companies to increase export sales. GAP is administered by the Pennsylvania Office of International Business Development (OIBD) and provides up to $10,000 per award period to qualifying Pennsylvania companies to reimburse up to 75% of eligible expenses associated […]
Overview Act 13 of 2012 establishes the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority (the “Authority”) for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP). Uses Projects which involve development, rehabilitation and improvements to public […]
Overview The High Performance Building Program (HPB) provides financial assistance in the forms of grants and loan funds to underwrite the cost premiums associated with the design and construction or major renovation of high performance buildings in the state. The program is administered jointly by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Department of […]
Overview The Historic Preservation Tax Credit (HPTC) provides tax credits to qualified taxpayers who will be completing the restoration of a qualified historic structure into an-income producing property. All projects must include a qualified rehabilitation plan that is approved by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) as being consistent with the standards for rehabilitation […]
Overview The Hospital Emergency Loan Program (HELP) was established to provide critical working capital bridge financing to hospitals located within the Commonwealth that are adversely impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The loan funds are intended to provide a short-term financing solution for hospitals until federal grant funding through the Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economic […]
Overview Grant and low-interest loan financing to perform environmental site assessment and remediation work at former industrial sites. Uses Phase I, II and III environmental assessments; Remediation of hazardous substances Eligibility Public entities Private nonprofit economic development entities Companies involved in reuse of former industrial land Entities that did not cause or contribute to environmental […]
Overview A multi-year grant program that will provide grants to certain issuers of debt in order to assist with the payment of debt service. Uses Payment of debt service incurred by the authority relating to debt issued for the project. Eligibility Authorities that issue debt for Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Authorities Convention center authorities, including […]
2020 KIZ Tax Credit Award Recipients Overview An incentive program that provides tax credits to for-profit companies less than eight years old operating within specific targeted industries within the boundaries of a Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ). With a total pool of up to $15 million in tax credits available to KIZ companies annually, the KIZ tax […]
Overview Provides certain state and local tax abatement to businesses and residents locating in designated zones. Uses Businesses, property owners and residents that are located in a KOZ, KOEZ/KOIZ are eligible to receive significant state and local tax benefits. Eligibility Qualified businesses, property owners and residents. Qualified means you satisfactorily meet the necessary criteria listed […]
Overview The Keystone Special Development Zone (KSDZ) program was established for the purpose of providing incentives to for-profit businesses that locate and operate in designated geographic zones. Pennsylvania continues to have a surplus of abandoned, deteriorated commercial and industrial sites in need of revitalization. The KSDZ program is an incentive-based tax credit program to foster […]
Life Sciences Greenhouse of Central PA
Overview LSG Investments is helping create the future of patient care – and Pennsylvania’s economy. Our funding and targeted business advice help startup life science companies bring life-changing technologies to market.
Overview The Manufacturing PA – Industrial Resource Center (IRC) program helps manufacturers compete more effectively through the adoption of modern manufacturing philosophies, techniques, and technologies. The program supports a network of Centers that serve as resources for technology implementation in every region of the Commonwealth and serves the state’s small and medium-sized manufacturing industries. Uses […]
Manufacturing PA Innovation Projects Overview The Manufacturing PA Innovation Program leverages the internationally acclaimed science and engineering talent and discovery capacity of all Pennsylvania’s institutions of higher education to help ensure that Pennsylvania remains a national and international leader in manufacturing and achieves the full economic potential for good well-paying manufacturing jobs. Uses PMIP grant […]
Overview The Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant program will not duplicate existing programs such as WEDNet and Next Generation Industry Partnerships but is designed to help companies identify and train a skilled workforce while creating a workplace culture that allows the workforce to advance and the company to grow and compete in a competitive, global economy […]
Overview Program provides tax credits to taxpayers who increase their annual taxable payroll by $1,000,000 through the creation of new full-time jobs. Uses Tax credit awards shall be equal to 5% of the taxpayers increase in annual taxable payroll, if increased by at least $1,000,000 above a pre-determined base year amount. Eligibility Those eligible to […]
Overview The Marketing to Attract Tourists Program provides funding to support and development international tourism, sports marketing, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions. Uses A primary goal of the program is to promote overnight stays. Applicants should, as part of the project narrative, explain how their project will meet this goal. Eligibility Non-profit organizations with a […]
Overview The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. Applications for the Multimodal Transportation Fund will be accepted between April 22 and July 31, 2021. All applications and all required supplemental information must be electronically […]
Overview An incentive program that provides tax credits to businesses or private companies investing in rehabilitating, expanding, or improving buildings or land located within designated enterprise zones. Uses Real property improvements such as rehab, expansion or physical improvements to buildings or land resulting in jobs created or retained. Eligibility Any private company with an investment […]
The Neighborhood Assistance Program 2020-2021 Approved Projects Overview Tax credit program to encourage businesses to invest in projects which improve distressed areas. Uses Neighborhood Assistance Program A project must serve distressed areas or support neighborhood conservation. Projects must fall under one of the following categories: affordable housing programs, community services, crime prevention, education, job training […]
Overview Loans to venture capital partnerships to invest in growth-stage PA companies. Uses Investment in young job-producing companies; Investments must be made in underserved areas of PA, defined as outside the Phila. MSA and those with populations below 1 million. Eligibility Venture Capital Investment Firms Funding To be determined by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Purpose […]
Overview The Next Generation Farmer Loan Program uses federal tax-exempt financing to reduce a farmer’s interest rate for capital purchases, such as the purchase of farm land or agricultural machinery and equipment. Uses Agricultural land Agricultural improvements Depreciable property Eligibility Permanent Pennsylvania resident who are at least 18 at the time of the loan application […]
The approval process for EITC/OSTC participating businesses is underway with approval letters to be distributed throughout the month of September. There have been two COVID-19 amendments to the programs for this year which are outlined below. Read More Act 15 of 2020 has amended the required contribution dates of both the EITC & OSTC […]
Overview Act 13 of 2012 establishes the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for funding orphan or abandoned well plugging projects using the Orphan or Abandoned Well Plugging Program (OAWP). Pennsylvania has hundreds of thousands of oil and gas wells drilled since 1859. This program provides a mechanism to plug […]
Overview The Life Sciences Greenhouses are models of effectiveness and efficiency. They capture the innovation potential of the life sciences industry and nurture that potential with critical early-stage funding and sector-specific business expertise. Pennsylvanians benefit directly as new companies are formed, jobs are created, additional capital is attracted to the commonwealth, and life-saving technologies reach […]
Overview Loan guarantee through participating banks to be used to support a wide variety of business purposes. Uses Land, building, equipment, working capital Eligibility Loan guarantee through participating banks for all businesses with capital needs (AgChoice Farm Credit funds only agricultural projects) Funding Guaranteed loans up to $500,000 Terms Rates and terms negotiated with participating […]
Overview Debt financing for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) Uses Community and economic development loans that support job creation Eligibility Debt financing for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) Public funds (25 percent) matched with private sector funds (75 percent) to create a loan pool for eligible CDFIs State accredited community development financial institution CDFI must […]
Overview The Pennsylvania Dairy Investment Program was established under Act 38 of 2019 for research and development, organic transition, value-added processing, and marketing grants in support of Pennsylvania’s Dairy Industry. The program is administered jointly by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the PA Department of Agriculture (PDA), under the direction of […]
Overview Tax-exempt bonds, both in pooled transactions and stand-alone transactions, may be used to finance land, building, equipment, working capital and (in some cases) refinancings. Uses land and building acquisition building renovation and new construction machinery and equipment acquisition and installation designated infrastructure refinancing (of bonds that were also tax-exempt initially) working capital Eligibility All […]
Overview Taxable bonds, both in pooled transactions and stand-alone transactions, may be used to finance land, building, equipment, working capital and refinancings. Uses land and building acquisition building renovation and new construction machinery and equipment acquisition and installation designated infrastructure refinancing working capital Eligibility All types of businesses and projects needing access to low-cost capital […]
Overview Pennsylvania First (PA First) is a comprehensive funding tool to facilitate increased investment and job creation within the commonwealth. Uses Machinery/equipment; Job training; Infrastructure; Land and building improvements; Environmental assessment/remediation; Acquisition of land, buildings, right-of-ways; Working capital; Site preparation. Eligibility Businesses, Municipalities, Municipal Authorities, Redevelopment Authorities, Industrial Development Authorities or Corporations, Local Development Districts. […]
Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority Overview The PIDA provides low-interest loans and lines of credit for eligible businesses that commit to creating and retaining full-time jobs and for the development of industrial parks and multi-tenant facilities. Loan applications are packaged and underwritten by a network of certified economic development organizations (CEDOs) that partner with PIDA to […]
Overview Low-interest loans for the design, engineering, right-of-way and repair, reconstruction and construction of public highways, bridges, public and private airports and railroads and public transportation systems. Uses Roadway and bridge construction and repair, traffic signals, roadway drainage improvements, airport runways, hangars and equipment, railroad track, equipment and signals, and public transportation capital facilities and […]
Overview PENNVEST provides low-interest loans and grants for new construction or for improvements to publicly or privately-owned drinking water, storm water or sewage treatment facilities, as well as non-point source pollution prevention best management practices. PENNVEST also provides loan funding to remediate brownfields sites, as well as loan funding to individual homeowners for repair or […]
Overview The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Technology Alliance (PITA) is a collaboration of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Center for Advanced Technology for Large Structural Systems (ATLSS) at Lehigh University, and the Institute for Complex Engineered Systems at Carnegie Mellon University. The mission of the PITA program is to assist the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and companies within […]
Overview Pennsylvania Military Community Enhancement Commission (PMCEC) funds may be used to support and enhance the military value of a military installation or organization. See program guidelines for eligible activities. Uses PMCEC Grant funds may be used to support and enhance the military value of an installation or organization. See program guidelines for eligible activities. […]
Overview PMBDA program provides low-interest loan to businesses owned and operated by ethnic minorities. Uses Land and building acquisitions; Building construction and renovations; Machinery and equipment costs including acquisition and installation; Working capital Costs. Eligibility Any businesses owned and operated by ethnic minorities, except non-franchised restaurants. Funding PMBDA can finance up to 90% of the […]
Overview PMBDA-RLFCP program provides a source of funds with extended payment terms to successful Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Community-based Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) to make low-interest loans to businesses owned and operated by ethnic minorities. Uses Funds to CDFIs and RLFs organizations are to be used to make smaller loans to benefit minority […]
Overview Low-cost loans to enterprises with job-creating projects located within the state’s federally-designated EB5 regional center. The federal EB5 investor program grants eligible foreign investors the opportunity to obtain an EB5 visa if they commit to invest funds in job-producing development projects in the United States. Funds may be used to finance new construction, the acquisition […]
Overview The Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) helps Pennsylvania companies improve their competitiveness, by providing a limited amount of free technical assistance to resolve specific technical questions or needs, while it facilitates connections to other relevant information, resources and/or programs. PennTAP is a statewide network of geographically-dispersed technical specialists with expertise in a variety of […]
Overview The Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE) provides grants to construct the last few miles of natural gas distribution lines to business parks, existing manufacturing and industrial enterprises, which will result in the creation of new economic base jobs in the commonwealth while providing access to natural gas for residents. Uses Funds may be used for […]
Overview The Powdered Metals Program provides training programs for the existing workforce supported through Penn State and the regional community education councils. The program makes use of the facilities in the schools within the north central Pennsylvania region, such as the metalworking facility at St. Marys High School and the laboratory at the Penn State […]
Overview The Pre-Apprentice and Apprenticeship Grant Program (Apprenticeship Program) is a statewide program which offers assistance to registered apprenticeship programs. The program’s goal is to increase apprenticeship availability to Pennsylvania employers to assist them with their talent recruitment and development. Uses Funding will be provided to eligible applicants for the purpose of reaching the goal […]
Overview The Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP) is designed to encourage regional coordination in economic development efforts, yielding superior customer service to the business community and a comprehensive, efficient statewide economic delivery strategy. Learn more about the ten PREP regions. Uses PREP will provide grants to consortia of economic development service providers that may […]
Overview The Private Dam Financial Assurance Program was established under the Private Dam Financial Assurance Program Act (PDFAP Act) to provide financial assurance assistance to owners of regulated private dams to meet proof of financial responsibility required under Section 11 of the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act. The PDFAP Act also has a provision to […]
Overview The Qualified Manufacturing Innovation and Reinvestment Deduction was established to encourage increased investment and job creation through manufacturing in Pennsylvania Uses Qualified businesses are eligible to deduct five percent of their private capital investment from their corporate net income tax liability if they invest more than $100 million in the creation of new or […]
Overview Grants to build or repair rail lines or spurs. Uses Rail Freight: Maintenance; construction Funding Up to $750,000 or no greater than 75% of total cost, whichever is less, for maintenance projects; Up to $100,000 or no greater than 50%, whichever is less, for construction projects Eligibility Railroads; Rail freight users Terms Local match: […]
The RIM grant program is designed to support the marketing initiatives of regional alliances that adopt DCED’s industry-focused economic development model as part of a comprehensive business expansion and investment attraction initiative.
Overview The Renewable Energy Program (REP) provides financial assistance in the forms of grant and loan funds to promote the use of alternative energy in Pennsylvania. The program is administered jointly by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority […]
Overview Allows companies holding qualifying Research and Development Tax Credits to apply for approval to sell those tax credits and assign them to the buyer(s). How to Apply for R&D Credit Award File an application with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Applications for credit must be submitted on the new online application system. Additional Information […]
The program will accept applications, as outlined in the Program Guidelines, between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM on Tuesday, October 13. Overview The Rural Jobs and Investment Tax Credit Program (“Program”) is an investment tool designed to offer rural business owners access to capital for business development in rural areas. The capital is sourced to […]
Overview Loan Guarantees for working capital for 2-7 yr old manufacturing, biotech and technology-oriented companies Uses Preference will be given to guarantees for working capital. Land, building, machinery and equipment are also eligible. Eligibility Banks that do business within Pennsylvania Funding For first two years, 50 percent of outstanding principal up to $1 million. After first […]
Overview Act 13 of 2012 establishes the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority (the “Authority”) for statewide initiatives for complying with the Act of January 24, 1966 (1965 P. L. 1535, No. 537), known as the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act. Uses Costs associated with the planning work required under Act […]
Small Diverse Business Capital Access Program Overview The Small Diverse Business Capital Access Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) and provides low-interest loans and lines of credit to small diverse businesses that commit to creating and retaining full-time jobs within the Commonwealth. Loan applications are packaged and underwritten by a network […]
Overview The Solar Energy Program (SEP) provides financial assistance in the form of grant and loan funds to promote the use of solar energy in Pennsylvania. The program is administered jointly by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority […]
Science Program and Research Coach (SPARC)
SPARC offers hands-on biomedical science outreach programs and learning activities for students and communities within our service region.
Overview Promotes and stimulates the general economic welfare of various regions and communities in the Commonwealth and assists in the development, redevelopment and revitalization of Brownfield and Greenfield sites in accordance with the TIF Act. The program provides credit enhancement for TIF projects to improve market access and lower capital costs through the use of […]
Overview Article Act 84 of 2016 (Article XVII-D, the Entertainment Production Tax Credit) authorizes the issuances of Video Game Production Tax Credit to expand the video gaming production in Pennsylvania. Uses Recipients of an Video Game Production Tax Credit may use the tax credit to offset their Pennsylvania state liability or sell, assign, or transfer […]
Overview Program provides tax credits to business firms who provide contributions to waterfront development organizations who are undertaking a waterfront development project. The program encourages private investment in waterfront property that creates public access to the water, increases property values, restores ecology and catalyzes further financial investment and job creation. The application period for businesses […]
Overview Act 13 of 2012 establishes the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for watershed restoration and protection projects. The overall goal of the Watershed Restoration and Protection Program (WRPP) is to restore, and maintain restored stream reaches impaired by the uncontrolled discharge of nonpoint source polluted runoff, and ultimately […]
Created by the Department of Community & Economic Development and made available through the Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania – WEDnetPA – the program provides qualified employers training funds for new and existing employees.