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The Commonwealth provides financial assistance in the form of grants for projects that have substantial economic impact, such as the creation of a significant number of new jobs. The type of business and use of the funds are factors of eligibility. A private match may be required. WEDCO will assist with the application process, and work with appropriate agencies and economic development professionals, to devise the best financial plan for your projects success.
Program information is provided by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Contact WEDCO to learn how and where to apply, or visit DCEDs website for specific program guidelines.
For a summary of our most commonly used financing programs, download WEDCOs Financial Guide.
Opportunity Grant Program
Grant funds to create or preserve jobs within the Commonwealth.
First Industries Fund Agriculture Planning Grant
Grant for predevelopment activities and feasibility studies associated with an agriculture project.
First Industries Fund Tourism Planning Grant
Grant to fund predevelopment activities and feasibility studies associated with a tourism project.
Infrastructure Development Program (IDP)
Grant and low-interest loan financing for public and private infrastructure improvements.
Industrial Sites Reuse Program (ISRP)
Grant and low-interest loan financing to perform environmental site assessment and remediation work at former industrial sites.
Rail Freight Assistance
Grants to build or repair rail lines or spurs.
OPPORTUNITY GRANT PROGRAM
Eligibility
Firms, or IDCs and municipalities on behalf of firms, that will create or preserve a significant number of jobs within the Commonwealth
Manufacturing
Industrial
Research and development
Agricultural processors
Export services
Firms establishing a national or regional headquarters
Eligible Uses
Machinery and equipment
Working capital
Job training
Infrastructure
Land and building improvements
Environmental assessment and remediation
Acquisition of land, buildings and right-of-ways
Site preparation, demolition and clearance
Amounts
No minimum or maximum amounts
Terms
Projects must offer substantial economic impact, either for the Commonwealth as a whole or for the locality or region in which the company will locate or expand its current operations
4:1 private match required
Job creation/preservation requirements
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FIRST INDUSTRIES FUND AGRICULTURE
Eligible Applicants
For profit or nonprofit entities as engaged in agriculture and agricultural-related activities as determined by the Commonwealth Financing Authority
Eligible Uses of Funds
Predevelopment activities and feasibility studies associated with an agriculture project
Fund Limits
Maximum grant amount, $250,000
Total amount of planning grant funds that may be awarded for agriculture or tourism projects, $10 million
Requirements
Project must meet at least one of 5 specified criteria
Any reports prepared will be provided to the Commonwealth Financing Authority and made available to the public
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FIRST INDUSTRIES FUND TOURISM
Eligible Applicants
For-profit or nonprofit entities engaged in tourism activities as determined by the Commonwealth Financing Authority
Eligible Uses of Funds
Predevelopment activities and feasibility studies associated with a tourism project
Fund Limits
Maximum grant amount, $250,000
Total amount of grant funds that may be awarded for agriculture or tourism projects, $10 million
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INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (IDP)
Eligibility
Municipalities
Industrial development authorities and corporations
Municipal authorities
Redevelopment authorities and local development districts may apply for IDP assistance on behalf of eligible private companies engaged in the following enterprises:
Agriculture
Industrial
Manufacturing
Research and development
Export services or real estate developers who are developing sites for eligible private companies
Eligible Uses
Transportation facilities and airports
Clearing and preparation of land and environmental remediation
Water and sewer systems
Energy facilities
Parking facilities
Storm sewers
Bridges and waterways
Rail facilities
Port facilities
At former industrial sites only:
Land and building acquisition
Construction and renovation by private developers
Telecommunications infrastructure
Amounts
Loans and grants up to $1.25 million
No more than 20% of the annual appropriation for a single municipality
No more than 10% of the annual appropriation will be loaned or granted to applicant for speculative greenfield projects not involving private companies
Terms
Grants for public infrastructure
Loans to private businesses at 3% interest rate
Up to 15-year term
2:1 private to public match required
$25,000 cost per job to be created within five years with a minimum or 10 new full-time equivalent jobs (whichever is greater)
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INDUSTRIAL SITES REUSE PROGRAM (ISRP)
Eligibility
Public entities, private nonprofit economic development entities, and companies involved in reuse of former industrial land
Entities that did not cause or contribute to environmental contamination
Eligible Uses
Phase I, II and III environmental assessments
Remediation of hazardous substances
Amounts
Grants and loans up to $200,000 for environmental assessments
Grants and loans up to $1 million for remediation
Terms
Interest rates of 2%
Terms up to 5 years for assessments and 15 years for remediation projects
A 25% match is required for grant and loan projects
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RAIL FREIGHT ASSISTANCE
Eligibility
Railroads
Rail freight users
Eligible Uses
Rail freight maintenance and construction
Amounts
Up to $750,000 or no greater than 75% of total cost, whichever is less, for maintenance projects
Up to $100,000 or no greater than 50%, whichever is less, for construction projects
Terms
Local match: 25% for maintenance, 50% for construction
Agreement to maintain active rail operations for 5 years
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