Grants, Loans, and Incentives

There are many financial assistance opportunities for starting a business, improving a current business, or developing properties in Etna.

Local

Click the title of the program to learn more and apply.

Grants

EEDC Facade Grant
Etna businesses are eligible for dollar-for-dollar matching grant of up to $3,500 for improvements to the facade of their building.  Applications for this grant are currently closed.  Check back for the dates of our next round of applications!
EEDC Sign Grant
Etna business owners can apply for up to $1200 for a new, lighted sign.  There are also options to apply for just the sign or lettered awning (up to $700)  or just the signage lighting (up to $500).  Preference is given to businesses in our central business district and EEDC members.

Loans

River Towns Revolving Loan Fund
Etna businesses are eligible to apply for low-interest loans ranging from $5,000-$20,000 through the River Towns Revolving Loan Fund.  This loan can cover land costs, building costs, machinery and equipment costs, and working capital.
Hebrew Free Loan Association of Pittsburgh
The Hebrew Free Loan Association offers interest-free microloans of up to $10,000 to small businesses.  In the past, HFLA has given larger amounts in special cases, such as natural disaster emergencies.  Loans may not be used for working capital.
Kiva Interest-Free Crowdfunding Loan
Kiva is a worldwide crowdfunding platform that connects small businesses with interest-free loans of up to $10,000.
Local Banks Offering the SBA 7(a) Loan Guarantee
Many local banks participate in the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)'s Loan Guarantee program, providing access to capital for credit-worthy small businesses.  Click here to see the list of participating small business lenders in the Pittsburgh Area, then contact the bank(s) you are interested in for a consultation. 
Neighborhood Allies LISC Loan
Neighborhood Allies and their national parter, LISC, offer a variety of loan products at a fixed interest rate for community development projects.
Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) Revolving Loan Fund
The SPC offers a revolving loan fund making loans of up to $300,000 or 50% of project costs to small businesses.  The loans have low fixed rates and can be used for land and building, machinery and equipment, or working capital.  
Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) Industry-Specific Loan Programs
The SPC offers loan programs for specific industries such as agriculture or tourism.  For more information, visit their website.
Progress Fund Small Business Loan
The Progress Fund is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides financing from $20,000 to $1M to people who are starting, expanding, or buying a small business.  Funds can be used to purchase property, restore and rehabilitate buildings, purchase inventory or equipment, buy the assets of an existing business, or for working capital.  The Progress Fund accepts "non-traditional" forms of capital and has recently funded many breweries, distilleries, and wineries.
Bridgeway Capital Loan
Bridgeway Capital offers many different types of loans for businesses who want to launch, expand, develop real estate, provide access to nutritious food, or accelerate their craft business.
Honeycomb Credit Crowdfunding Loan
Honeycomb is a crowdfunding tool that helps customers from your local community invest up to $50,000 in your business.  

Technical Assistance

Chatham University Women's Business Center Technical Assistance
FREE Face-to-face, online, and phone business counseling sessions for female aspiring and growing business owners!  Technical assistance is available in the areas of management, digital marketing, accounting, exporting, legal, HR, and diversity certifications.
University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center Technical Assistance
The Pitt SBDC offers free training events and one-on-one consulting services to help start, grow, and sustain your business.  Topics include business plan development, financial analysis, pre-venture planning, marketing, business regulations and licenses, franchising. HR management, loan assistance and operational planning.
Duquesne University Small Business Development Center Technical Assistance
The Duquesne SBDC offers free training events and one-on-one consulting services to help start, grow, and sustain your business.  This SBDC specializes in interntional business operations.
Diversity Business Resource Center Incubator and Technical Assistance
The Diversity Business Resource center offers free one on one counseling, business incubation, and shared work space for minority, woman, and veteran enterprises seeking to start, grow, or sustain their business.  Their technical assistance 

County

Click the title of the program to learn more and apply.

Allegheny County Small Business Loan (ASBL) Program
Allegheny County provides small businesses with low interest financing for land development, building improvements, machinery and equipment acquisition, and infrastructure development.  The ASBL can fund up to 40% of project costs.  Click the link below for more information on eligibility.
Allegheny Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (MWDBE) Working Capital Loan Program
Is your business at least 51% owned by a minorty, female, and/or socially or economically disadvantaged person?  If so, you may quality to certify your business as an MWDBE.  This free certification qualifies you for technical assistance, working capital gap financing, and other benefits.  Application infromation for MWDBE working capital loans is linked below.

State

Click the title of the program to learn more and apply.

Business Opportunities Fund (BOF)
The BOF Program connects small businesses with access to lines of credit and loans through Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).  There are no minimum or maximum loan sizes and loans may be used for a number of purposes including working capital.
Capital Access Program (PennCAP) Small Business Loan Guarantee
PennCAP is a loan guarantee program through participating banks.  Funds may be used for working capital, land, building, and/or equipment.
Historic Preservation Tax Credit (HPTC)
The HPTC provides tax credits to qualified tax payers who will be completing the restoration of a qualified historic structure.
Minority Business Development Authority (PMBDA) Loan
PMBDA offers low-interest loans to businesses owned and operated by ethnic minorities.
Small Diverse Business Capital Access Program (SDBCA)
The SDBCA provides low-interest loans and lines of credit to small diverse businesses that commit to creating and retaining full-time jobs within PA.  Small diverse businesses have fewer than 100 employees and are minority, female, veteran, and/or service-disabled veteran-owned.  Funding amounts are determined based on the proposed project, number of jobs to be created, and the availability of matching funds.
Workforce and Economic Development Network of PA (WEDnetPA) Training Grants
WEDnetPA provides funding for either essential skills training or advanced technology training for your employees.  

Federal

Click the title of the program to learn more and apply.

Opportunity Zone Tax Credit
In 2018, the federal government designated Etna as a federal Opportunity Zone.  Investments made in qualified funds in Etna will be allowed to defer or eliminate federal taxes on capital gains.  This is a new program and the IRS is going to publish more details about the program in the fall of 2018.  For now, more information about Opportunity Zones can be found here.