November 2024
York County Woman-owned Small Businesses can get grant money from the BLOOM center. They focus on businesses that are downtown or in nearby Hanover. The grants are for women owned businesses, including those of color too. Get details here. https://bloomyork.org/grants/
Philadelphia Pull Up and Pitch is a shark tank like pitch program for minority owned businesses in the city. The small business, or start up selected, will be provided a free grant of up to 10K. It also gives free PR and marketing to the contestants and winner. Register here. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pull-up-pitch-bgv-marketplace-philly-tickets-996260490947?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Altoona Curve Charities is providing grants to non-profits that help youth with health sports, and wellness activities. The Altoona PA non-profit encourages the healthy development and exercise of kids, including those from low-income, disadvantaged areas. Up to $5,000 is provided to each qualified non-profit. Apply here. https://www.milb.com/altoona/community/altoona-curve-charities
September and October 2024
The McKean County Community Foundation is providing grant money to local non-profits. Applicants need to be focused on social issues, economic equality, or help people (or businesses) over come hardships. A number of programs are offered in addition to the grants. Find details here. https://mckeancountyfoundation.org/
June, July 2024 and August 2024
York County BLOOM Grants are available for 2024. The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center is providing qualified minority, women, or vet-owned businesses in York County with up to $1500 to help them grow. The money can be used for capital equipment, supplies and other bills. Apply here. https://bloomyork.org/grants/
Bucks County is providing free grants up to $3,000. the program is known as Build Business in Bucks Grant. The goal of the money is to help people build and develop a business as well as train their employees. Learn more here. https://www.buckscounty.gov/580/Build-Business-in-Bucks
Boost Your Business program in Philadelphia is for historically disadvantaged businesses that are not able to access capital from traditional sources. There will be financial assistance provided in the form of forgivable loans, with some companies able to get as much as $50,000 from the loan. Applicants must be existing businesses with more than 350K in annual revenue, and learn more here. https://www.phila.gov/2024-06-11-city-launches-new-round-of-boost-your-business-program/
April and May 2024
Sports Marketing and Tourism Account Program (SMAT) grant program is for organizations (companies or non-profits) that are involved in brining activities to the state of PA. A company that holds a sporting event, or tourist activity, can apply for a free grant from DCED. Learn more here. https://dced.pa.gov/programs/sports-marketing-and-tourism-program-smat/
February and March 2024
Allegheny County Black owned businesses and entrepreneurs can apply for free grants from the Ascender organization. It is a so called mini-grant program. Up to $5,000 can be provided, but Black-owned businesses need to make a pitch as well. Apply here. https://ascenderpgh.com/black-business-grants/
Philadelphia owned businesses, with a focus on minorities, will get free grants from $2500 to $10,000. the money is from the federal government COVID funds, which is still available in limited qualities. The free money is focused on helping small businesses recover, and it is for minority companies. Apply here. https://pacdfinetwork.org/about/hdbagrants/
Disadvantaged businesses across PA can get free grants of up to $10,000 from the state. The funds will go to people of color, women, LGTBQ+, and veterans. CDFIs across the state will be accepting applications as well. The grants for small businesses are also part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund. Learn more here. https://pacdfinetwork.org/programs/
January 2024
Black Music City is a free grant program for creative people of color in the Philly area. Up to $5,000 is provided to Black creators that highlight music, digital media, history or arts of the Black community. The program is run by local TV and radio stations, including WXPN, WRTI and REC Philly. Learn more and apply. https://www.blackmusiccity.com/apply
Resilient Food Systems is offering USDA Funds to underserved farmers, small businesses, food companies and ranchers. The grants need to be used to strengthen the the food chain or farm, with projects requiring certain criteria. Apply here. https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/at-the-pa-farm-show-governor-shapiro-joins-usda-secretary-vilsack-and-pa-agriculture-secretary-redding-to-announce-26-million-resilient-food-systems-infrastructure-grant-program/
November and December 2023
Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation is offering a free to apply too Destination Sales Grant program. The money can pay for transportation, marketing, and other expenses that help bring tourism/visitors to the area. It is a matching, crowdraising type program for businesses. Learn more on the grants here. https://cumberlandbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sales-Grant-Guidelines_FINAL-1.pdf
York County women owned businesses can get free $1500 grants from the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center. The money can pay for physical improvements, marketing, sales expenses, employees training costs and other approved costs. Women can apply here. https://bloomyork.org/grants/
Black Music City is providing as much as 125K to Black owned businesses, artists, musicians, podcasters and others. The applicants need to be involved in supporting Philadelphia’s Black music and cultural heritage. The applicants also need to be African American and have an existing operation in place. Learn more about the grants here. https://www.blackmusiccity.com/apply
August 2023 and September 2023
McKean County non-profit organizations can apply for free grants from the Women’s Giving Circle of McKean County. The non-profits need to focus on growing them community, addressing economic inequality or rights of women or other causes beneficial to the community. Learn about the foundation grants here. https://mckeancountyfoundation.org/
Cumberland County is using American Rescue Act Funds to provide free grants to businesses impacted by COVID, with some money allocated to women, veterans, LGTBQ+, and minority owned small businesses. CAEDC, or Economic Development, is overseeing the program. Learn more about the grants here and how to apply. https://cumberlandbusiness.com/financing-incentives-2/grant-programs/
York Education Empowerment Enhancement Grant Program, or 3E, is providing up to $5,000 grants, with a focus on women and businesses owned by disabled people or minorities. The money is targeted for certain costs, including education, coaching job training of employees and similar activities. The funds are helping people at a MWBE grow and get new skills. Learn more here. https://www.yorkcity.org/city-services/departments/economic-and-community-development/bureau-of-economic-development/business-grants-and-loans/
Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program is for small businesses and Entrepreneurs. Applicants, including for grant money, need to be from the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, and Huntingdon. The business needs to be around creative industries. A major focus is on people of color, LGTBQ+, women and disadvantaged. Examples of businesses include Film, Digital Game, Marketing and others. Apply here. https://centre-foundation.org/granting-programs/pennsylvania-council-on-the-arts-partnership/creative-entrepreneur-accelerator-program/
July 2023
Small businesses in Philadelphia that were impacted by the I-95 shutdown can apply for low-interest loans. The main program is the Economic Injury Disaster Loans, but there are also SBAL Microloans, 504 Funds, and Section 7(a) Loans, including for minority and women owned companies. Learn more here. https://www.phila.gov/2023-07-05-financial-assistance-for-businesses-impacted-by-the-i-95-temporary-closure-in-northeast-philadelphia/
May and June 2023
Philadelphia businesses owned by people of color, that need funds to pay for property, can get loans from the Enterprise Center. the program is known as Due Diligence Revolving Advance Pool, and it pays for closing costs, fees, some money towards down payments on business property and other expenses. Get details on the Philly loans here. https://www.theenterprisecenter.com/about-us/press-room/enterprise-center-help-minority-owned-businesses-due-diligence-costs
York County small businesses can apply for financial help from the BLOOM Grant Program. There is grant money for Small Businesses Based in Boroughs, which is a city/town in York County. The non-profit processing applications is the York County Economic Alliance, a a majority of the funds go to women and minority owned small businesses. Apply here. https://bloomyork.org/
Comcast is providing up to 100 $5,000 grants to small businesses in the Philadelphia MSA. There is free financial help as well as a technology makeover, business consultation services, educational resources, ad space, creative production and more. A major focus is on disadvantaged companies, such as MWBE companies in the region. Learn more here. https://philadelphia.comcast.com/2023/05/09/comcast-rise-to-award-100-small-businesses-in-philadelphia-with-grant-packages-that-include-a-monetary-grant-marketing-and-technology-resources-and-more/
Erie County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission is providing free grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to small, minority owned businesses. The money is for Black, Indigenous or businesses owned by people of color. Additional small business help is provided too. https://diverseerie.org/
Philadelphia Office of Business Services has several different small business grant programs. they include the Energy Innovation Lab, Growth Funds and more. There are incubators, free coaching, MWBE hardship grants including for business owners with bad credit and more. Apply here for the Philadelphia grants. https://www.phila.gov/2023-04-20-latest-grants-programs-and-resources-for-small-businesses/
Startup and early state companies in Philly can apply for grant money from the JVS Philadelphia Fund for Women Entrepreneurs. The business needs to have been operating for at least 2 years and have a path to profitability. Professional services and women owned businesses selling products will get help. Apply here. https://www.jvsphilafund.com/apply
April 2023
York PA businesses with under 10 employees and 500K in revenue, that are owned by a women, minority, or a person with a disability, can apply for grants. The program is known as 3G, and it is for businesses in the city. Applicants need to have a presence in the city of York PA, and learn more on the grants here. https://www.yorkcity.org/city-services/departments/economic-and-community-development/bureau-of-economic-development/business-grants-and-loans/
Montgomery County PA Minority, Women, and Veteran- Owned Businesses can apply for a small business grant. The money is from APRA government funds. There are funds for restaurants, the Streamlined Grant program, and other funds. There is also a focus on immigrant and/or businesses owned by people with a disability. Learn more here. https://www.montcopa.org/4263/Small-Business-Grant-Program-Focused-on-
February and March 2023
Ascender has a grant program for Black-owned small businesses in Allegheny County. Start-ups can apply too. The non-profit is providing up to $2000 per grant to businesses that are selected from a pitch content. Applicant need to submit a 2 minute pitch, have under $200,000 in annual revenue and meet other application criteria. Apply here. https://ascenderpgh.com/black-business-grants/
City of Altoona is providing free grants of up to $25,000 as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. The government funds are businesses with a physical location to help them “revitalize” their property. Another focus is on low-income, disadvantaged small businesses with some grants for MWBE and veterans. Apply here and get details. https://www.altoonapa.gov/getmedia/3dd47d10-f203-4ded-83e1-075b2919d7c7/ARPA-2023-Small-Business-Grant-Application-and-Guidelines-(2).pdf
November and December 2022
Erie County stART Up Creative Business Development Grant Application is providing $5000 grants to qualified entrepreneurs to help them start a business. The funds are aimed at “creative” industries and companies. This will be funds to help service company, with a focus on creative/innovative/cutting edge start ups. Get help with marketing, equipment, IT support and more. Apply here. https://www.executivepulse.net/ECRDAMessageStartupGrant.html
Mercer County businesses can apply for low-cost loans from the Shenango Valley Enterprise Zone. Small businesses need to be investing in the region, hiring, and part of the zone. Some funds will be allocated to disadvantaged businesses, such as veteran-owned, women or minority, and others. Find details on the zone here. http://www.svezc.com/
Central Pennsylvania area majority women-owned businesses can apply for the WBCO BLOOM Grant Application. Funds are offered by the YCEA’s Women’s Business Center as well as the The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center. The financial assistance provided will range from $500 to $1500 per qualified business. The money can pay for business expanision, advertising and other operation costs. Learn more here. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXfaR0xFdntu0PMCCQPbTyDP0caR1RNTmPdh513cyPNrhKpg/viewform
Black artists in the Philadelphia area can apply for free $1500 to $5000 grants from the Black Music City project. The financial assistance will help artists, creative people, musicians and others that are in a “creative” industry. It can be a small business or individual. Apply here. https://www.blackmusiccity.com/apply
Your County PA small businesses can apply for free grants from Susquehanna SCORE or York County. Only current or former SCORE clients can apply, and the business needs to have less than 10 employees. The funds are combined with free coaching, mentoring, in person or online workshops and more. There are only a couple grants offered, and apply here. https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Susquehanna-SCORE-2023-Next-Step-Grant—York-County-Businesses-Only.html
September 2022
Erie County small, BIPOC owned businesses can apply to the Small Business Fund., which provides low-cost, some interest free loans. The fund was created in partnership with Greater Erie Economic Development Corporation, Community Foundation, the Erie County Redevelopment Authority and other local corporations. The money is focused on helping businesses that will develop, enhance and create jobs in the region, such as commercial real estate, storefronts and the like. Learn more here. https://diverseerie.org/business-development/
Community First Fund, a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), is offering support to minority owned entrepreneurs in the Philadelphia area as well as SE Pennsylvania. Truist is offering funds as part of the Community First Fund’s Economic Justice Fund (EJFund). There will be low cost (or interest free loans), business coaching, workshops, classes, and other services for disadvantaged businesses, focused on veteran, minority, and veterans among others. Get details here. https://communityfirstfund.org/news/truist-grant/
July 2022 and August 2022
The state government has created the State Small Business Credit Initiative. Small businesses, with some allocated to women, minorities, and veterans, can apply for (1) equity investments or (2) low cost or maybe interest free loans. The funds will be allocated locally across Pennsylvania, and any small business owner who is interest in applying to contact their local county or city economic development partner agency. Find details here. https://dced.pa.gov/programs-funding/federal-funding-opportunities/pennsylvania-state-small-business-credit-initiative-pa-ssbci/
York (city and county) small businesses can apply for the Bloom Grant Program. A non-profit, working with the county, is providing the funds. It is a micro-grant program that a focus on businesses in downtown York as well as women, veteran, and minority owned businesses. There is also technical help, guidance, and other support provided at the same time as the micro-grants. Learn more here. https://www.downtownyorkpa.com/blog/2022/7/10/the-bloom-business-empowerment-center-and-downtown-inc-are-pleased-to-present-the-2022-downtown-york-bloom-grant-program
April, May and June 2022
Artists in Philadelphia can apply for free $5000 grants from the Velocity Fund. The Andy Warhol Foundation and the Philadelphia Contemporary partner together on the financial assistance programs. Some grant money will be allocated to women, LGTBQ+ and minority-owned businesses – even immigrants. Any type o artist can apply, including design, painters, woodworking, ceramic, performers, Graphic designers, fashion, videographers and others. Learn more on the grants for artists here. https://velocityfund.org/
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia area businesses can apply for Comcast Rise. The cable/internet provider is providing up to $10,000 to dozens of small businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, Latino, and Asian American people and/or female owned. The businesses must be operating for one year or more and be independently owned (among other criteria). It is a multi-year programs as well and Comcast will help with marketing, internet access, publicity for the business and more. Apply for free grants here. https://www.comcastrise.com/rise-apply/
Elk County small businesses can apply for free grants from the America Rescue Plan, which is a COVID relief program. Up to $5,000 can be borrowed by each business, with a major focus on women, minority, and veteran owned small businesses. The money can be used to purchase technology, working capital, and pay for other business investment. Learn more here. https://co.elk.pa.us/images/Commissioners/ARPA_Aid_to_Small_Business_3-22.pdf
Harrisburg area businesses owned by people of color (Black, Latino, Asian, etc.) can apply for a program at the Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab. It is a free training, counseling, an accelerator type program that also gives information on financial help. Some grants may be offered from a competition. The program is run in partnership with M&T Bank as well as the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. Find details here. https://mtbank.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9NwMYV1V6AUk8M6
Centre County United Way Women’s Leadership Group (WLG) is providing free grants to non-profits or small businesses that focus on the great good of the community, that are focused on women and children. The assistance is for organizations that have some form of social cause around family or child development. Find details on the grants. https://www.ccunitedway.org/womens-leadership-group
March and April 2022
The City of Pittsburgh is providing minority, women, and veteran owned businesses free grants to help them start and/or grow their business through the Urban Development Authority of Pittsburgh. There are two financial assistance programs offered for local businesses. One is the Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Developer Equity Fund and the pother is the URA Ventures program. There may be very low interest rate (or interest free loans) as well as free grants from both of the programs. Start ups, small businesses, sole-proprietors and others may get help. Learn more or apply here https://investpgh.org/?page_id=1053 or look here for more details https://www.ura.org/pages/mbrglf.
January 2022
JVS Philadelphia Fund for Women is providing free grants of up to $50,000 into existing businesses that need capital to “fuel” their growth and take it to the next level. The financial aid, as well as other support, is for women owned businesses that have a strong pathway to growing into a meaningful organization. Von Seldeneck as well as Ben Franklin Technology Partners are partnering on this funding source from female owned businesses. Apply here. https://www.jvsphilafund.com/
November 2021
York County businesses can apply for free government grants. The financial aid program is known as YoCo Strong Restart Grants. The goal is to help businesses that have had reduced sales, closures, or other impacts from COVID. Get help with online sales, solving inventory issues, and other costs of the pandemic. Apply here. https://yocostrong.org/
August 2021
Up to $60,000 is being provided to LGBTQIA+, Veteran, women, or minority owned businesses in Pennsylvania. The Job Creators Quest Grant from Founders First is the name of the financial assistance program. The funds can be used to help pay bills, hire employees or staff, keep their “doors open” post COVID and more. Get details here. https://foundersfirstcdc.org/pa-nj/
Businesses that are and commit to hiring in Philadelphia City or County, that are owned by Black, Latino, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, Person of Color, Military Veteran, or female businesses in Philadelphia can apply for free grants from the Founders Fund. Anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 will be provided by the program. The goal is to help small businesses hiring new employees and expand. Learn more. https://foundersfirstcdc.org/pa-nj/
July 2021
Child and day care centers in Pittsburgh can apply for forgivable loans. The Urban Redevelopment Authority is giving out up to $20,000 per approved provider, with women and minority owned child care centers giving priority. A major reason is to help get daycare open so that the local economy can get back on track and people can return to work post COVID. Applications can be processed at Invest PGH, a local non-profit. Apply here. https://investpgh.org/?page_id=278
June 2021
Women and Minority owned businesses in Erie County Pennsylvania can apply for the Diversity Loan Program. The financial aid program is run by the Erie County Redevelopment Authority. It is a micro-loan that is paid out to qualified businesses, and the funds will have a low, competitive interest rate. Applicants can’t have legal issues, there will be credit checks done as well as other criteria need to be met. Read more here. https://www.ecrda.net/services/access-to-capital/
February and March 2021
South Philly based Latino, immigrant, and Mexican owned businesses can get help from South Philly Mexican Businesses COVID-19 Relief Fund. The service combines crowdfunding, financial help, referrals and partnership. The aim is to have Mexican and Latino businesses band together to support the community. There is also financial aid from the GoFund me account. Learn more here. https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/mexican-business-relief
The COVID-19 Relief Pennsylvania Statewide Small Business Assistance program provides free government grants of $5000 to $50,000 to small to mid-sized businesses that have by impacted by the pandemic. A priority is on women, minority, and businesses owned by someone who is disabled or a veteran. Others can apply though. A partner of the program is the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in Pennsylvania, as they also focus on helping black and minority owned businesses get the capital they need. The amount of the free government grant is based on the businesses revenue. Apply here. https://www.reinvestment.com/pasmallbusinessgrants/
Women and minority owned gyms and restaurants that are located within the limits of the city of Philadelphia can apply for the COVID-19 Restaurant and Gym Relief Grant Program. The financial assistance is for businesses with under two million dollars in revenue, that are located in lower income or distressed areas, and that have been impacted by racial violence and/or COVID. Learn more. https://www.phila.gov/2021-01-22-philadelphia-covid-19-restaurant-and-gym-relief-program/
September 2020
Women owned restaurants in Pennsylvania can apply for grants of up to $2500 that are being issued from the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association along with the Pennsylvania Conference for Women as well as Barbie Marshall. The funds are only for up 70 different restaurant owners. The funds can be for any female owned restaurant, including black, Latino, and others. Find a list of female and minority owned restaurants. Grants can be for rent, bills, employees salaries or other costs. Find more details here. https://www.paconferenceforwomen.org/
Allegheny County non-profits, whether minority owned or not, can apply for grants from the Pittsburgh Foundation. The assistance is only for non-profits/charities. The funds can be used to help battle poverty, and part of this can be technology for minority owned businesses, workshops on entrepreneurship classes, information about online businesses, housing, and more. All are free grants, and apply here. https://pittsburghfoundation.org/
Berks County Board of Commissioners has up to $6 million dollars to provide financial aid to small businesses. Up to $50,000 per applicant will be issued in the form of free government grants. Preference is given to businesses as well as entrepreneurs owned by the disabled, people of color, veterans, women, Black owners and individuals. the money can pay for operating costs, sales, inventory, rent and other bills. Businesses, including minorities and female owned, can apply here. https://rebuildberks.com/funding/
August 2020
YCEA of York County is offering grants up to $35,000. The emergency funding is for small businesses in York Pennsylvania. The funds are for sole-proprietors as well as companies of fewer than 50 employees. The York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) is ensuring some of the free funds go to minorities (Black, Latino, Asian) as well as female owned companies. Apply here http://yocostrong.org/ or dial 717-718-7845.
Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) of Pittsburgh and PNC Bank are partnering together on 3 different programs. There are funds being given to minority and inner city businesses and entrepreneurs. The assistance is for CDFI, the Catapult: Startup to Storefront program as well as the Recovery Loan Fund. A focus is on low- and moderate-income areas of the city. The millions of dollars can help child care providers, restaurants, online companies, and other small businesses or sole-proprietors in the Pittsburgh area. More information is here. https://www.ura.org
Pittsburgh area businesses and entrepreneurs can get free grants or low interest rate loans. PNC Banks and the Urban Redevelopment Authority are offering up to $10 million dollars to businesses. The Catapult: Startup To Storefront Program is for women and minority entrepreneurs as well as start ups. There is also Black, Latino, and Asian assistance from the Emergency And Recovery Loan Fund as well as the Businesses and Nonprofits In Underserved Neighborhoods program. https://www.ura.org/
The Pennsylvania 30 Day Fund is a patchwork of financial aid or bridge loans. About half of the loans go to minority businesses. The loans are forgivable if conditions are meaning, meaning they turn into grants. Banks and lenders in Pennsylvania are participating as well. https://pa30dayfund.com/
By Jon McNamara