Governor Josh Shapiro’s bipartisan budget supports programs to create vibrant downtowns and commercial corridors across PA helping small businesses.
The COVID pandemic hit home to many states how important small business is to their local economies, particularly those located in the downtown areas of towns and cities. Community members frequent local businesses for convenient use of their services and places to come together and socialize.
In support of local communities Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration finalized a bipartisan state budget that benefits Main Streets and Downtowns and supports the business community, specifically small business owners.
“Main streets across our Commonwealth are not only an important part of our small business economy, but they also create community, are gathering places and enhance our quality of life,” said Stephen McKnight, President and CEO, Blair County Alliance for Business and Economic Growth. “We applaud Governor Shapiro’s effort to put our main streets front-and-center through the new Main Street Matters program.”
Governor Shapiro’s 2024-25 Pennsylvania state budget directs $20 million in investment into the new Main Street Matters program. It supports main streets, downtown business districts, small businesses, and local communities across Pennsylvania. This support helps Pennsylvania attract and retain new residents and businesses.
“Main Street Matters will provide them with the resources they need to create vibrant main streets where people want to live, work, visit, and innovate,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger.
State government became aware of communities needing support when it received 117 applications seeking over $24 million in funding for its Keystone Communities grants. The funding programs encourage partnerships between the public and private sectors to support local initiatives for: the growth and stability of neighborhoods and communities, social and economic diversity, and the promotion of a strong quality of life.
The state budget also included $20 million in funding opportunities for small minority-owned businesses in Pennsylvania, among other initiatives across the state promoting business growth and job creation.
These programs build on those offered by Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers that offer a range of educational business programs and services. It includes small business consulting, vetting business ideas, assisting with business plan development, and providing other business resources.
The SBDCs focus on small business concerns that includes helping small business owners find a funding source such as business grants offered by economic development organizations and small business loans offered by a commercial bank.
Pennsylvania’s state government supports initiatives that assist those pursuing their business dreams that benefit the local communities.
