$20M Main Street Matters Program Open Through August 31st

Pennsylvania’s $20 million Main Street Matters program is open for applications.

The Main Street Matters (MSM) program is designed to support our downtown cores and surrounding neighborhoods with tools to create healthy, vibrant, and welcoming communities. Funding is available to support revitalization efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, and the increase of safety and security.

Communities may wish to consider designation through the MSM program as a Main Street or Elm Street. Designation is an opportunity for targeted investment and development including the identification of specific needs for investment and/or development and the design and implementation of a strategy to address those needs.

A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants.

Eligibility:

• Units of local government (counties, cities, boroughs, townships, towns, and home rule municipalities)
• Redevelopment and/or housing authorities
• Nonprofit organizations to include economic development organizations, housing corporations, etc.
• Community development corporations
• Business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities

Business Improvement Grants are available to stimulate private business investment and better enable business attraction, retention, and expansion in the defined target area of a downtown or neighborhood.

Grants funds will be awarded to an eligible applicant to support a local program providing microgrants and/or forgivable microloans.

Microgrants may be used by established businesses for capital purchases; structural or interior improvements; hardware, software, and connectivity upgrades; and professional marketing and promotions activities.

Microloans may be used by established or new small businesses for capital purchases; structural or interior improvements; hardware, software, and connectivity upgrades; professional marketing and promotions activities; and operating expenses. Microloans may also be used by businesses for employee salaries and benefits, operations costs including rent or mortgage assistance, utility bills, inventory, consumable supplies, or fees to secure other financing.

Be sure to visit the Main Street Matters Landing page where you will find the funding guidelines, an FAQ, and a button to apply. Main Street Matters – PA Department of Community & Economic Development.

If you have questions about project eligibility, please reach out to DCED staff at 717.787.6245 or dced-msm@pa.gov. Additionally, all applicants are encouraged to notify their DCED Regional Office of their interest in applying.