News & Alerts

The "At Your Side" Small Business Grant Program

Applications for the “At Your Side” Small Business Grant Program are now open! We’ve teamed up with Brother International to provide a total of $75,000 in funding to brick-and-mortar small businesses in designated Main Street America districts and UrbanMain member corridors as they work to adapt to COVID-19 and prepare for the next phases of reopening across the country, while also helping to revitalize and strengthen older and historic commercial corridors.

Pennsylvania Small Businesses Awarded in Second Round - HartBeat of Main Street Program Grants

Two Pennsylvania small businesses have been awarded grants by the HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program – Grand Illusion Hard Cider, downtown Carlisle, and Lincoln Into Art, downtown Gettysburg.

Gov. Wolf Initiates Transfer of $145 Million in Funds to Support Businesses Adversely Affected by COVID-19 Pandemic

Governor Tom Wolf today announced that he has initiated a transfer of $145 million in funds from the Workers’ Compensation Security Fund at the Pennsylvania Insurance Department to be appropriated by the state legislature into grants for businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Persevere PA Offers Assistance

Please see the attached Persevere PA flyers in English and Spanish.

Spring 2021 VIRTUAL Grant Writing Certificate Program

Join Temple University this spring for the VIRTUAL Grant Writing Certificate Program! We will cover the basics of grant seeking and writing. Let us provide you with the tools to turn a good idea into a great proposal to get your next project off the ground!

Will Coronavirus Be the Death of Cities? Not So Fast

An urban expert on how the pandemic will give us a once-in-a-century opportunity to reinvent our cities, suburbs and rural areas.

2020 Townie Award Winners

Statewide community revitalization projects, programs, and events recognized

Calling all Main Street Programs! Congress needs to hear from you today.

In the weeks and months ahead, it's crucial that we continue to lift our collective voice about the challenges facing small businesses and organizations that support them, and the dire consequences for our Main Streets if more funding is not made available.

eBay Up & Running Grants

This holiday season, eBay is giving back to the small businesses that power America. eBay is awarding more than $500,000 in grants and education resources to help small businesses stay up and running online and secure their future into 2021 and beyond.

Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts Partnership Open Application Guidelines

The PCA is currently soliciting applications for Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts Partners for the following partner regions:

Call for Main Street Small Business Stories

Main Street America is launching a storytelling campaign that will focus on the symbiotic relationship between Main Street programs and their small businesses. To that end, we are looking for stories about both Main Street programs' role in supporting the local economy and specific impacts of the pandemic on small businesses.

Buy Local - Live Local Campaign

Download these free promo materials and unite in our campaign to support locally-owned/downtown businesses.

MCNEES LAUNCHES PROGRAM (LEAP) DESIGNED TO HELP BLACK-OWNED OR BLACK-CONTROLLED BUSINESSES THRIVE

McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC is pleased to announce the Legal Equity Advancement Program (LEAP), which will provide up to five black-owned or black-controlled businesses with up to a year’s worth of pro bono legal services.

Wolf Administration Boosts Downtown Wilkes-Barre Revitalization Efforts through ‘Keystone Communities Main Street’ Designation

Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin announced that Downtown Wilkes-Barre has officially been designated as a Keystone Communities Main Street, allowing for funding that supports targeted investment and development to address community needs.

Designing for Distance

In partnership with Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission, Pennsylvania Downtown Center is pleased to announce a series of small-scale design projects, "Designing For Distance", related to the implementation of social distancing in historic communities.

Announcing the Recipients of the HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program

Congratulations to these Pennsylvania businesses, Old Square Inn in Main Street Mount Joy and The Timeless Cafe in Downtown Lebanon - two recipients of the nationwide HartBeat of Main Street grant program.

Pennsylvania Downtown Center Partners with USDA to Provide Rural Placemaking Technical Assistance

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA has signed cooperative agreements with five organizations to support placemaking technical assistance throughout the United States.

Main Street Advocacy Alert

On behalf of the Main Street Advocacy Team at the National Main Street Center, PDC is sharing this recent update.

Gov. Wolf Announces Additional $96 Million for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

Governor Tom Wolf today announced that an additional $96 million in state grants have been approved for 5,373 Pennsylvania small businesses that were impacted by the business closure order due to the COVID-19 public health crisis.

PHFA issues RFP to fund mixed-use development projects

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency today is issuing a Request for Proposals for new construction, or the rehabilitation, of mixed-use projects seeking financial support. Funding will be provided through the Community Revitalization Fund Program. Funding priority will be given to proposals from third-class cities

Businesses for Self-Shot Videos

The National Main Street Center (NMSC) in partnership with Rajiv Chandrasekaran, a vocal advocate for additional small business relief legislation in Congress, are putting together a film profiling small businesses that are on the brink of closure as a result of Covid-19. This is another opportunity for these voices to be heard.

Wolf Administration Launches $2.2 Million Loan Fund Supporting Creative Small Businesses

HARRISBURG, PA – Today, Karl Blischke, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA), announced the launch of the Creative Business Loan Fund, in partnership with Bridgeway Capital and the Community First Fund. The fund will make available $2.2 million in the form of affordable, flexible financing to small, creative businesses across the commonwealth.

$100 Million for Pennsylvania's Nonprofits-Update

We have reason to feel optimistic that our collective voices are being heard and our efforts are being recognized in the Pennsylvania state legislature. Let's not slow down! Instead, please continue to call, write, and email your state representatives and senators with our message.

RFQ for Concept Design Services to Demonstrate Adaptable and New Uses for Downtown Business Districts - Designing for Distance

The Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) is seeking expressions of interest from architecture, landscape architecture, planning, and other interested design professionals who would like to participate in a series of small-scale design projects related to the implementation of social distancing in historic communities.

$100 Million for Pennsylvania's Nonprofits

This is our time to reinvent what the future holds in our communities, as Main Street and Elm Street programs we are working to lead the effort. It is our fear that the true impact we have on our communities will not be felt, nor appreciated, until we have to close our doors, and by then, it will be too late. We ask that you help us keep the doors open, so that we can continue to provide necessary services, by supporting these nonprofit supporting pieces of legislation.

COVID-19 Small Business Grant Recipients

This list is updated weekly, and businesses should be able to expect to access their funding by the following week after posting.

11 Up-and-Coming Cities in Pennsylvania That Deserve a Second Look

These Pennsylvania cities offer an affordable cost of living, amazing job opportunities and an endless list of fun things to do.

DEP Offering Grants to Small Businesses and Farmers

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the availability of $1 million in grant funding to Pennsylvania small businesses and farmers for energy efficiency, pollution prevention, and natural resource protection projects through the Small Business Advantage grant program.

Local leaders, elected officials cut the ribbon on African American history monument

Local leaders, elected officials and community members gathered to cut the ribbon on a new monument on the state Capitol grounds recognizing Harrisburg’s African American history.

Supporting Our Downtowns in Times of Crisis – and Everyday

In times of crisis, there is something each one of us can do to work toward a solution. As individuals, we all have a role -whether it’s helping a neighbor in need, making a contribution to the local food pantry, or supporting and promoting your favorite small businesses.

Roadmap for Recovery and Resilience for Theater

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced theaters around the world to shut their doors and face existential questions about the future. Theaters are asking how to safely reopen and how to responsibly welcome back audiences that may be wary of public gathering.

Neighborhood Assistance Program Now Open!

PA Department of Community and Economic Development has opened the Neighborhood Assistance Program for 2020-2021. The application window is Wednesday, July 1, 2020 – Monday, August 31, 2020.

Certified Local Government Program - Continuing Education Scholarship Opportunity

The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (PA SHPO) is offering up to $15,000 in scholarships to CLGs in Pennsylvania to participate in the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions’ FORUM 2020 ~ At Home, August 3-9, 2020.

COVID-19 Cultural and Museum Preservation Grant Program

The COVID-19 Cultural and Museum Preservation Grant Program provides grants to cultural organizations and museums that experienced a loss of revenue from the closure by the proclamation of disaster emergency by the Governor on March 6, 2020 published at 50 PA.B. 1644 (March 21, 2020), and any renewal of the state of disaster emergency.

Practical Preservation Podcast Featuring Julie Fitzpatrick and Mary Tate of PA Downtown Center

Julie Fitzpatrick and Mary Tate were just featured as guest speakers on Practical Preservation Podcast, with hosts Danielle and Jonathan Keperling!

SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance Program Reopened to All Eligible Small Businesses and Non-Profits Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic

WASHINGTON – To further meet the needs of U.S. small businesses and non-profits, the U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19 today.

COVID 19 – County Relief Block Grant Program

Attention all Main Street and Elm Street programs, and other community revitalization organizations and partners of community revitalization programs – Please contact your county commissioners to inform them of how your organization has been impacted by the current COVID-19 crisis!

PA Small Business Grants

Helping pennsylvania small businesses impacted by COVID-19. APPLICATION INFO COMING SOON

Small Businesses Assistance Program Guidelines Now Available

To all Main Street and Elm Street programs, and other community revitalization organizations and partners of community revitalization programs – please distribute this information to your local businesses and encourage them to contact their local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI’s) and apply for this funding!

Gov. Wolf Announces $225 Million Grant Program for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

Harrisburg, PA — Governor Tom Wolf today announced a $225 million statewide grant program to support small businesses that were impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis and subsequent business closure order.

Blight Remediation Program - Open Now!

Applications will be accepted between 06/01/2020 and 07/31/2020. All applications and required supplemental information must be received by 5 pm on 07/31/2020

Think Small: Supporting Businesses in Your Community

Borough News - June 2020 Issue

The Community Development Block Grant - CARES (CDBG-CV)

The Community Development Block Grant – CARES (CDBG-CV) Application and Guidelines are available for review.

Pennsylvania Downtown Center offers limited COVID-related technical assistance

PDC is offering complimentary remote community development advice and technical assistance statewide for COVID-19-related issues from now through June 30, 2020.

Insurance Department Warns of Risks, Increased Liability with Non-Compliance of Business Closure Orders

Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman today reminded businesses of the importance of complying with Governor Tom Wolf and Department of Health Secretary Rachel Levine’s orders – for counties in both the red and yellow phases.

Introducing PolicyMap COVID-19 Quick Maps

Do you have questions about COVID-19 risks and spread in your community? Do you need to better understand where vulnerable populations live in order to ensure equitable responses? Get answers with our new public edition (BETA) COVID-19 Quick Maps with data ranging from trends in county level cases and deaths to neighborhood level estimates of underlying health condition.

The Food Trust's Food Bucks Network

Special Promotion: Spend $2/Get $2 - This month, in response to the COVID-19 crisis, SNAP participants can bring home more fresh produce: For every $2 you spend at our farmers markets using your EBT card, you'll get $2 in Food Bucks to use on more fruits and veggies!

Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania

Updated Information on COVID-19 and Eviction Protections for Renters and Homeowners

SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

The SBA will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders on Monday, April 27, 2020 at 10:30am EDT.

USDA Farmers To Families Food Box

As part of the Coronavirus Farm Assistance Program Secretary Perdue announced on April 17 that the USDA is exercising authority under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to purchase and distribute up to $3 billion of agricultural products to those in need.

Emergency Solutions Grant – CARES Act (ESG-CV)

The Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED), has received notice of the award of the first allocation of Emergency Solutions Grant program funds appropriated under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) - ESG-CV funds.

Gov. Wolf Signs Senate Bill 841 to Provide Flexibility to Local Governments and Businesses

Governor Tom Wolf signed Senate Bill 841 today that helps local communities and businesses respond to the COVID-19 emergency and protect the public. The bill provides flexibility on property tax deadlines, allows remote public meetings and notarization of documents so online vehicle sales can resume.

Main Street America finds up to 7.5 million small businesses in danger of closing permanently

More than 60 percent of surveyed small businesses in Pennsylvania at risk of closure in five months

Fraud Alert!

PDC has been informed by our contacts at PA Small Business Development Centers that no one should need to pay for services to apply for SBA loans.

A Note From PDC's Executive Director

We hope everyone is staying healthy and safe in this crazy mixed-up time. We understand that things are still changing, and we are all learning how to respond in the best way possible to be of assistance to our local businesses and non-profit partners.

An update to the PDC network regarding COVID-19

First of all, our hope is that you and your families are safe and healthy, and that you continue to be so. As the situation evolves, we will make every attempt to respond appropriately. But, at the moment, we are closely monitoring the recommendations from the Governor’s Office, the PA Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control for regular updates.

Thrush Completes Downtown Revitalization Academy

Ellen Ruby, left, executive director of Lewisburg (Pa.) Downtown Partnership, and Sam Thrush, president of Downtown Chambersburg (Pa.) Inc., display the certificates they earned for completing the Community Revitalization Academy at the Pennsylvania Downtown Center’s office in Harrisburg. The academy is a series of five, two-day workshops designed for first-year Main Street and Elm Street managers, as well as other revitalization professionals.

PREVENTING SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST AND SAVING LIVES

Downtown Camp Hill board of directors came together to fund the First Save Station to be installed in the State. The AED device is being installed on an outside wall at a downtown business.

Request for Proposals - Downtown Honesdale Revitalization Consultant

GHP is seeking a qualified consultant to develop a Downtown Honesdale Revitalization Plan (DHRP). The project is funded through Local Share Account – Monroe County, Department of Community & Economic Development for the commercial district within the Borough of Honesdale, Wayne County.

Where Women Made History

Help us discover 1,000 places where American women have left their mark.

The Winners of the Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champion Innovation Contest Are...

Congratulations to PA's Bradford Main Street program for "Cookie Crawl" and to Downtown Carlisle for their "Love Local" campaign - two of the 16 Main Street programs to win in the National Main Street Champion Innovation Contest.

Reading to host statewide downtown improvement conference

Officials say it's an opportunity to showcase examples of community revitalization in the city and Berks County.

Punxsutawney PRIDE showcase transformation sketches at meeting

PUNXSUTAWNEY — At a “vision update” meeting this week, Punxsutawney PRIDE showcased transformation sketches of what downtown could be with select improvements.

Ebensburg Borough gains new recognition on National Register of Historic Places

EBENSBURG – Ebensburg Borough is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. According to a press release from the borough, the historic district nomination was recently approved by the National Park Service for the list, which is the nation’s official index of properties that are recognized for their significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and/or culture.

OMI leads effort to bring a theater back to Downtown Oxford

Oxford leaders see an entertainment venue as an important piece to the ongoing revitalization efforts.

Check out the new businesses and historic restorations fueling Wilkinsburg’s renaissance

When Tracey Evans looks at the Wilkinsburg Train Station, she doesn’t see it in its current, dilapidated state. She pictures what once was, and what soon will be.

Erie Hit ‘Rock Bottom.’ The Former Factory Hub Thinks It Has a Way Out.

Pennsylvania city aims to plow $150 million from mix of public, private sources to rebuild blighted downtown; ‘We might not have another chance’

Streetscape project in Bradford a boost for economic development

You could argue that looks aren’t everything — but in Bradford, one of the northern gateways to The Pennsylvania Wilds, local leaders are taking major steps to improve the façade of the downtown while preserving the historic architecture that so many small towns within the Wilds adore.

Working toward ‘a better Plymouth’

PLYMOUTH — Residents, business owners and council members met on Monday night at the Wyoming Valley West high school cafeteria for the second of five planned meetings to discuss the revitalization of Plymouth in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center.

Dean’s Way Dedication Planned for Cherry Street Mural Corridor

The Cherry Street Mural Corridor is a collection of public art created over the past 6 years. During this time, individual artists and hundreds of community volunteers have worked together with property owners to create this unique outdoor gallery.

City of Sharon Maps Its Revitalization

Sharon is following the four-point approach of the Main Street America program – Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion and Organization – “a model that’s worked time and time again in communities,” Phillips says. The city will work with a consultant from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center to develop a five-year plan, then apply to the national Main Street organization for recognition of its plan.

Upcoming New Manager Training - CANCELLED

New Manager Training scheduled for September 30 & October 1 has been cancelled.

New Survey: Independent Businesses See Major Threats in Amazon, Corporate Concentration

The results of the 2019 Independent Business Survey from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance demonstrate the strength and resiliency of small, independent businesses. They also speak to the forces independents see as significant threats and roadblocks to their businesses: a playing field made uneven by policies that favor their bigger competitors, highly concentrated markets for key supplies and services, and difficulty securing capital, among other barriers.

2019 Townie Award Winners

Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) recently presented ten (10) awards during the organization’s annual statewide Townie Awards gala.

PA Lt. Governor visits Downtown Shenandoah Inc. innovation center site

Pennsylvania's Lieutenant Governor, John Fetterman, was in town Friday, meeting with Downtown Shenandoah, Inc., state, and local officials, and business leaders to learn about the revitalization organization's plans for an innovation and event center on North Main Street.

Pennsylvania Downtown Center Awards Best Performing Programs

Pennsylvania Downtown Center has named its best performing Main Street programs of 2019. This award recognizes those programs that have demonstrated an “across the board” capacity to generate new jobs, new businesses, public and private investment and volunteer hours during 2018.

2019 Conference Session Presentations

Presentations are available for download now!

Flip This Town: Episode #218

Recorded live at the Main Street Now Conference in Seattle, Ron and Kristi welcome Bill Fontana, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. Tune in as they explore the incredible things happening in downtowns across Pennsylvania, and Bill's insights on what's next for Main Street.

Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Announces New Funding Opportunity for Creative Placekeeping Projects

The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) announced the launch of Pennsylvania Creative Communities, a new initiative to support vibrant communities across the commonwealth.

$15M for Keystone Communities Program

PA Downtown Center requests $15 Million for the Keystone Communities Program Line Item in the DCED budget, before supplemental appropriations.

What If All Community Development Started with Local Arts and Culture?

Dee Briggs was expecting to do a routine demolition when she bought the vacant house next to her art studio in Wilkinsburg, Pa.

Day in the Life: Small but mighty in Easton

This summer, Keystone Edge is hitting the road to share the stories of people across Pennsylvania working in economic and community development. As you’ll discover, this exciting field involves so much more than just sitting behind a desk — it requires engaging the community, forging connections, and tackling new challenges on a daily basis. The “Day In the Life” series is created in partnership with the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association and Team Pennsylvania.

PDC Staff News

Congratulations to PDC's Assistant Director, Julie Fitzpatrick! In July 2019 Julie will transition into the Executive Director position.

Governor Wolf Approves Support for 22 Community Revitalization Projects Throughout Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced the approval of funding through the Keystone Communities program to support 22 community revitalization projects across the commonwealth.

Downtown Allentown wins Global Award for Excellence

The “Downtown Allentown Revitalization District (including PPL Center Arena Block & City Center Allentown)” was one of 13 real estate development projects worldwide to win the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) 2017-2018 Global Award for Excellence, which is widely recognized as the land use industry’s most prestigious award.

PBS39 | FOCUS - Season 5, Episode 2

We focus on community and economic development. The United Nations eyes Bethlehem, PA as a world heritage site; one of the Lehigh Valley's busiest commuter corridors marks a special milestone; and partners aim to restore a downtown Allentown neighborhood one building at a time.

PA Downtown Center Gala

Were you there? Are you here? Thank you Susquehanna Style for sharing in our celebration with style scene.

Kennet Square Bursting At The Seams With Unprecedented Growth

“The development activity in this town, and the interest in this town, is immense,” said Rusty Drumheller, the borough’s codes enforcement officer. Drumheller said many people have come to his office expressing an interest in Kennett Square.

Restored Historic Spa Rejuvenates Both Its Guests and Nearby Bedford, Pennsylvania

The eight mineral springs of Bedford, Pennsylvania have been a mecca of rejuvenation for over two centuries…and for thousands of years before that, when one includes the original Native American residents.

Governor Wolf Visits West Reading

Governor Wolf was there to see revitalization projects funded by the state Department of Community and Economic Development in collaboration with the West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation's Main Street program and the Elm Street program.

Governor Wolf tours revitalized Scranton neighborhood

“The state can’t, shouldn’t do everything,” the governor said. “This is really a community activity, but if the state can help and be supportive through things like the tax credits, like the Elm Street Program or the Main Street Program, we ought to be doing that. It’s really helpful to all of us to see success stories like this.”

News & Alerts

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