Small Business Grants in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers more than 20 active grant and incentive programs for small businesses, primarily administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
In This Article
Which Pennsylvania grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 12 programs on this page into likely fits and long shots. Nothing personal is asked or stored, and final eligibility is always decided by the granting agency.
Pennsylvania Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Pennsylvania small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
Small Business Advantage Grant
PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
$7,500 - $12,000
Deadline Mar 13, 2026A reimbursement grant for Pennsylvania small businesses with 100 or fewer employees investing in energy efficiency, pollution prevention, or natural resource protection. Covers 50% to 80% of eligible project costs depending on project location and environmental impact.
Status check, The 2025-2026 application period closed on March 13, 2026. Page states applications opened August 1, 2025 and closed March 13, 2026. Project work must be complete by June 30, 2026.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 12, 2026
Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance (HDBA) Grant Program
PA DCED / PA CDFI Network
Up to $15M total (micro-grants)
Deadline Feb 23, 2024A $15 million micro-grant program supporting small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Businesses must be at least 51% owned by African American, Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander individuals.
Status check, Application window closed February 23, 2024. Page states the application process closed effective Friday, February 23, 2024 and directs users to sign up for mailing list for future grant opportunities.
Last verified, Jul 12, 2026
Global Access Program (GAP)
PA DCED Office of International Business Development
Up to $10,000
RollingReimburses up to 75% of eligible export promotion expenses for small to mid-sized Pennsylvania companies. Eligible costs include trade show participation, foreign market sales trips, translation services, and digital marketing with an international focus.
Status check, Program accepts applications on a rolling basis. Applications must be submitted to a Regional Export Network Partner prior to the activity for which funding is sought.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 13, 2026
WEDnetPA Workforce Training Grant
PA DCED
Up to $2,000 per employee ($100,000 max per company)
Rolling (July 1 - June 30 fiscal year)A reimbursement grant for eligible Pennsylvania employers in manufacturing, technology, and other targeted industries to train new and existing employees. Businesses choose their own training topics, trainers, and methods.
Status check, WEDnetPA is active and accepting rolling applications within the July 1 to June 30 fiscal year. No single closing date is stated. The 2025-2026 cycle is open, with inquiries accepted from August 1, 2025 onward per official WEDnetPA funding guide.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 9, 2026
PA SITES Program
PA DCED
Up to $250,000 (planning) or no cap (construction)
RollingA $400 million program providing grants and loans to develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Covers property acquisition, demolition, rehabilitation, and infrastructure development costs.
Status check, PA SITES is open with a rolling application process, reviewed and awarded quarterly. Round 3 awards announced in 2026 with $146.4M total funded. No fixed closing deadline listed in official sources. $400M available per legislative listings.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Ben Franklin Technology Partners
PA DCED / Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority
Varies (seed and early-stage investments)
RollingPennsylvania's flagship innovation program providing seed capital, business mentoring, and technical expertise to technology-based startups and small manufacturers through four regional centers across the state.
Status check, Program actively accepting applications with rolling deadlines. Provides early-stage and growth capital to Pennsylvania startups and manufacturers. No specific deadline stated on main page.
Last verified, Jul 13, 2026
PA State Small Business Credit Initiative (PA-SSBCI)
PA DCED
$5,000 - $100,000 (revolving loans)
Deadline Aug 19, 2022A $246.8 million federally funded initiative providing loans and equity investments to small businesses through local economic development partners. Note: this is a loan and investment program, not a grant.
Status check, Applications were accepted between July 18, 2022 through August 19, 2022. The page states all applications must be electronically submitted by close of business on August 19, 2022.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 13, 2026
Federal Grant Programs
These federal programs are available to small businesses in every state.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA's primary lending program guarantees loans through participating lenders. This is a loan, not a grant. But the terms favor small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing.
Status check, This is a loan program, not a grant. The 7(a) Loan Program provides loan guarantees to lenders for small business loans up to $5 million. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through participating SBA lenders.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Provides small, short-term loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Funds working capital, inventory, supplies, or equipment. Interest rates typically run 8% to 13%. Repayment terms reach up to six years.
Status check, The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders. No application deadline specified. Program appears to be ongoing and available through SBA-approved intermediaries.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Twelve federal agencies take part. Phase I awards fund proof of concept. Phase II supports full development.
Status check, SBIR/STTR is an ongoing rolling program. Phase I awards $50,000-$275,000 over 6-12 months. Phase II awards $750,000-$1.8 million over 24 months. No single deadline shown; applicants apply through participating agencies.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Grants for rural small businesses and communities in areas under 50,000 people. Covers technical assistance, training, and business planning. Awarded to public bodies, tribes, and nonprofits.
Status check, The USDA RBDG program is currently listed as closed. The most recent cycle deadlines were June 15, 2026 for SECD applications and June 30, 2026 for remaining applications, both of which have passed.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Federal programs for minority-owned businesses seeking capital, contracts, or market access. MBDA Business Centers sit across the country. They offer consulting, procurement help, and financing referrals.
Status check, MBDA operates ongoing business center services but competitive grant windows are time-limited and targeted at organizations not individual businesses. The only identified grant (WEP) closed February 2025. No currently open general MBDA small business grant found.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Get Grant-Ready
Before you apply, most Pennsylvania grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most Pennsylvania grant programs require applicants to be a registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. If you haven't formed yet, that's the first step.
$39 + state fee. Includes registered agent, business address, and more.
Get your EIN
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and required on nearly every grant application. You can apply online and receive it immediately.
Open a business bank account
Grant funds need to go into a dedicated business account, not your personal checking. Most agencies will ask for your banking details on the application.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Grants by Business Type
Targeted programs for specific business owners in Pennsylvania.
Minority-owned Business Grants
Pennsylvania's HDBA Grant Program specifically supports businesses at least 51% owned by African American, Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander individuals. The state also certifies diverse businesses for procurement advantages.
- ›Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Grant Program
- ›PA CDFI Network
Women-owned Business Grants
Women-owned businesses in Pennsylvania can access micro-grant programs through the HDBA initiative and receive technical assistance through the Women's Opportunities Resource Center (WORC). Pennsylvania SBDC also offers consulting tailored to women entrepreneurs.
- ›Women's Opportunities Resource Center (WORC)
- ›Pennsylvania SBDC
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Tech startups and small manufacturers can access seed capital and business mentoring through Ben Franklin Technology Partners, which operates four regional centers across all 67 Pennsylvania counties. The Pennsylvania SBDC also offers SBIR/STTR consulting.
- ›Ben Franklin Technology Partners
- ›Pennsylvania SBDC
Rural Business Grants
Rural Pennsylvania businesses benefit from several programs including USDA Rural Development initiatives and the PA SSBCI Revolving Loan Fund, which prioritizes economically distressed and rural communities.
- ›USDA Rural Development PA
- ›PA CDFI Network SSBCI-RLF
Tips for Applying in Pennsylvania
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Submit applications through Pennsylvania's Electronic Single Application (ESA) system at grants.pa.gov. Paper applications are generally not accepted for DCED-administered programs.
- 2Contact your local Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO) before applying. The state partners with regional lenders in all 67 counties who can help package your application.
- 3For WEDnetPA training grants, training must start and be completed within the fiscal year (July 1 through June 30), and participation is limited to two consecutive years or three out of any five-year period.
- 4Connect with your nearest Pennsylvania SBDC for free, confidential consulting. The network has 15 centers and 49 outreach locations across the state to help with business planning and grant applications.
- 5For the Small Business Advantage Grant, apply early. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and close once all funds are committed.
State Economic Development Agency
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
DCED fosters opportunities for Pennsylvania businesses to grow and communities to thrive by administering grants, loans, tax credits, and technical assistance programs.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in Pennsylvania can take weeks or months to process. These options can bridge the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Senior Finance & Banking Editor
Richard is the veteran anchor of the site's financial content. Raised in the Midwest and starting his career in Chicago's commercial banking sector, he spent over a decade underwriting small business loans before moving into financial journalism. He doesn't get swept up in startup hype; he cares about unit economics, APYs, and fee structures.
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Grant programs change frequently. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts listed here may be outdated. Always verify information directly with the granting agency before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
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