Frequently Asked Questions

Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program (HDBA)

The guidelines don't appear to specify a minimum or maximum request for Business Assistance Service Center funding. Is there a suggestion?

Budgets and requests for funding should reflect an honest evaluation of the anticipated costs to fully deliver the required services. It should cover an 18-month period of time.

Does the service area for my Business Assistance Service Center application need to cover an entire DCED region?

While that is our goal and intent, we will consider applications covering large regional territories. DCED is committed to at least one service center per DCED region and intends to have coverage across the entire state.

I represent an eligible nonprofit community development or economic development organization. How do I best demonstrate three years of operating experience?

A good start is Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws showing the dates of organization and adoption. Meeting minutes (or hyperlinks to minutes on a website), financial documentation, etc. can also be used to demonstrate this experience. If we need more evidence, we’ll ask.

I am a business owner - how do I apply?

Individuals or businesses are not eligible to apply to DCED for this program. Educational institutions and community and economic development nonprofit organizations may apply to DCED at this time to support the creation of or expansion into a Business Assistance Service Center. Centers will be available to provide services to all businesses meeting the definition of Historically Disadvantaged Businesses within the program guidelines.

If you are an individual or business owner currently seeking assistance, please review the many options for assistance at dced.pa.gov or contact DCED customer service at 866.466.3972 so we may potentially direct you to other programming or services available to assist now.

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