The long-awaited  COVID-19 Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program, funded through the Federal Government’s American Rescue Plan, officially opened this week and is only available through Friday, February 23rd.

This is a state program administered by the Pennsylvania CDFI Network, a coalition of 18 Pennsylvania-based community development financial institutions that primarily provide financing options for small businesses. It has multiple components:

  1. Business Grants – Businesses impacted by COVID-19 must apply through the PA CDFI network. Click here to learn more.
  2. Technical Assistance – CDFIs will provide technical assistance that will include a variety of services such as business counseling, financial literacy, business planning, and access to capital. Interested businesses can reach out to their local CDFI.
  3. Business Entrepreneurship and Development Partners – The PA CDFI Network will work with the minority chambers of commerce and the Pennsylvania Professional Image Alliance (PPIA). These organizations will provide outreach and business development through seminars, educational programs, networking, and informal advisory opportunities. Interested small businesses can reach out to approved partner organizations.

For more grants, programs, and resources for your businesses that share grant opportunities from local and national sponsors, click here.  This website is updated on a recurring basis with new application deadlines.