If you’re looking for a small business grant and you’re based in the Keystone State, you’re in luck. There are many grant programs to choose from. Here are just a few to get you started:
Small Business Advantage Grant
The Pennsylvania Small Business Advantage Grant provides reimbursement grants ranging from 50% to 80% of eligible project costs to Pennsylvania small businesses to improve energy efficiency or reduce pollution or waste. Funds can be used to upgrade or replace equipment or supplies, improve processes, or reduce runoff into affected waterways. Maximum grant award amounts vary from $5,000 to up to $8,000, based on the environmental impact of the project and whether the project location is in an Environmental Justice Area within Pennsylvania.
US Grants – Pennsylvania
US Grants is a one-stop portal to find and apply for government grants, stimulus packages and funding opportunities from local, state and federal government agencies. Available Pennsylvania small business grants include funding initiatives for organizations that operate in the fields of tech, health, research, sciences, agriculture, the environment, etc.
MORE: Grants for farmers.
Grantwatch Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Grantwatch operates a directory of current grant opportunities, although not all may be specific to Pennsylvania-based organizations. Up to 2,000 grants may be available at any one time, with award values and qualifying criteria varying by category and mission goal.
MORE: Grants for women, black women, disabled business owners, minorities and veterans.
Pennsylvania Global Access Program (GAP) Grant
The PA Global Access Program (GAP) is designed to enhance the capability of small to mid-sized Pennsylvania companies to increase their 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 PA companies. Awards can reimburse up to 75% of eligible expenses associated with specific export promotion activities. This program is part-funded by the US Small Business Administration.
Philadelphia’s Fair Chance Hiring Initiative (FCHI)
The City of Philadelphia offers the Fair Chance Hiring Initiative (FCHI) – a program that supports local businesses by referring Philadelphia job seekers returning from incarceration for open positions and providing financial incentives to businesses in the form of wage reimbursements and employment retention grants.
Approved employers are eligible to receive the following benefits:
- Candidate referrals of qualifying job seekers for open positions from partner organizations
- $6.00 per hour wage reimbursement for qualifying hours worked up to 960 hours within 180 calendar days of employment
- One-time $500 employment retention grant for each FCHI employee that completes the new hire period
- Best practice information on hiring and retaining returning citizens
- Help with supporting qualifying employees during new hire period
MORE: Grants for felons
Pennsylvania State Small Business Credit Initiative (PA-SSBCI)
The PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) oversees the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) in Pennsylvania. Although they do not offer small business grants, the PA-SSBCI does offer other financing programs to support small businesses:
- Loans for small businesses
- Equity investments in existing and emerging technologies
- Loans for venture capital general partners of diverse status to invest in PA small businesses
To find available financing in your area, visit the SSBCI Program Administrator landing page and search by county or funding type.
Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
Need professional help to start or expand your business? Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) are a nationally accredited program that provides educational training, business resources, and experienced no-cost, confidential consulting to small business owners and entrepreneurs. The Pennsylvania SBDC offers a statewide network of centers dedicated to supporting small businesses.
Commonwealth Financing Authority
Ideal for technology companies seeking capital, the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) offers funding opportunities designed specifically for innovation-driven enterprises. These initiatives aim to propel technology businesses forward, providing them with the resources necessary to make impactful advances in their respective fields.