Features 20.02.24

State to help historically disadvantaged small businesses through new grant program

– From our partners at Neighborhood Community Development Fund –

Gov. Josh Shapiro has continued his efforts to help historically disadvantaged small businesses through a new grant program. Through the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development, and in partnership with the PA CDFI Network, Gov. Shapiro announced the opening of the Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance (HDBA) Grant Program on Monday, Feb. 5. The program provides a total of $10.5 million available in funding for historically disadvantaged businesses.

You are eligible to apply if your business:

  • Is for-profit and is physically based in Pennsylvania.
  • Is at least 51% minority-owned (defined as individuals that identify as African American, Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander).
  • Generates annual gross revenues of less than $1 million.
  • Generates 51% or more of revenues in Pennsylvania.
  • Employs 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
  • Has been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
  • Was in operation on or before March 17, 2020.
  • Is currently in operation (both when applying for and receiving funding).
  • Files a Pennsylvania tax return.
  • Is current on federal, state, and local taxes. 

– Applicants can potentially receive a grant ranging anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000 –

Grants can be used for:

  • Working capital
  • Inventory
  • Equipment, including safety and security equipment
  • Marketing
  • Costs to support the ongoing operation of the business

This is NOT a first come, first served grant program. As long as your grant application is completed by Feb. 23, 2024, your application will be considered.

The program will prioritize small businesses located in:

  • A low-income census tract as defined by the U.S. CDFI Fund (see map here).
  • A municipality that has a crime rate higher than the state average per capita (List of Municipalities here).
  • A municipality that has a crime rate 125% of the state average per capita (List Here).
  • A designated priority commercial area, which includes Neighborhood Business Districts (for Pittsburgh – map here) and Allegheny Together communities for areas in Allegheny County outside of the City of Pittsburgh (List Here).

Applicants will receive notice about funding on or around April 30, 2024. Funds will flow to successful applicants by June 30, 2024.

Apply Now! Click this link for a potential grant opportunity for your small business. 

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