Eligible educational institutions, community-based nonprofits, and economic development organizations can apply for funding through January 22, 2025, to develop business support service centers that will provide technical assistance and support services. support to help businesses grow and prosper.
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s bipartisan 2024-25 budget includes funding for diverse small businesses that have historically been denied access to social or economic opportunities, including minority-owned businesses, through the relief program to historically disadvantaged businesses.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Today, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced the Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program is open and accepting applications for funding from established nonprofit organizations, economic development organizations, and educational institutions to establish business support service centers throughout Pennsylvania to support and Empower our small, diverse businesses. Applications will be accepted until January 22, 2025.
Since day one, Governor Josh Shapiro and his administration have advocated for opening new doors of opportunity for minority-owned businesses across the Commonwealth. The governor’s bipartisanship Budget 2024-25 includes funding for the Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program to support a variety of historically disadvantaged businesses, including minority-owned businesses, throughout the Commonwealth.
“I advocated for this funding because when small businesses succeed, they create opportunities for Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “My administration and I are committed to removing barriers to progress and helping historically disadvantaged business owners and entrepreneurs build generational wealth. Pennsylvania is open for business, and we’re making sure small, diverse businesses have the support they need to realize their dreams and grow our economy.
The Business Assistance Service Centers to be established under the Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program will provide technical assistance and business support services to increase access to capital, promote economic empowerment and increase the number of small, diversified businesses.
“When we invest in minority communities and help historically disadvantaged businesses in these neighborhoods, we’re not just supporting job creation: we’re building ladders of opportunity,” said Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. “The Shapiro-Davis administration will never leave any community behind. »
The Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program will use a competitive application process to determine funding allocations to at least one eligible organization in each region of the Commonwealth. Educational institutions, community non-profit organizations and non-profit economic development organizations with recognized experience and expertise in business and economic development can apply for funding.
“The Shapiro-Davis Administration is committed to ensuring that every entrepreneur and small business in our Commonwealth has an equal opportunity to succeed,” said Secretary Rick Siger. “The Commonwealth must support our minority-owned small businesses, because when they succeed, our communities thrive and Pennsylvania’s economy grows.”
“When we created the Historically Disadvantaged Business Program four years ago, we believed our investments should reflect our priorities,” said Sen. Vincent Hughes, Senate Democratic Appropriations Chairman. “When we give someone the support or tools to open a hair salon or take over a vacant storefront in the neighborhood, it’s important for everyone that the small business is serving. Since its inception, the Historically Disadvantaged Business Program has provided real resources to businesses that are often overlooked by more traditional programs. I am pleased that this support for these businesses continues.
Eligible organizations will be able to apply for additional funding from the Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program in spring 2025 to create local microgrant programs to further assist historically disadvantaged businesses with start-up and other costs, or to expand or develop their businesses.
Application guidelines are available online.
The 2024-25 bipartisan budget addresses the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s top priorities to make Pennsylvania more economically competitive. In addition to the $20 million for the Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program, it also includes:
- 500 million dollars for the development of the site, including $400 million for AP SITES (Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Improve Sites)
- 20 million dollars for the The main street matters program to support small businesses and trade corridors that form the backbone of our Commonwealth’s communities
- $15 million for tourism marketing to boost our economy, attract more visitors and support good-paying jobs – building on the Governor’s launch The Great American Getaway brand to encourage tens of millions of people within hours of driving to visit Pennsylvania
Learn more about Pennsylvania’s first project Economic development strategy in two decades and how Governor Shapiro’s budget create economic opportunities for all Pennsylvanians.
For more information about the Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program and DCED, visit DCED websiteand make sure you stay up to date with all the news from our agency on Facebook, XAnd LinkedIn.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Governor’s Office, ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov717.783.1116
Justin Backover, DCED, dcedpress@pa.gov717.418.4014