Pennsylvania Business and Commerce Grants

This program provides financial assistance ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to small businesses in Pennsylvania that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge, powered by Innovation Works and funded by the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, is an annual competition designed to foster entrepreneurship with a lasting community impact in Southwestern Pennsylvania. This initiative creates cross-sector partnerships to tackle pressing community problems, aligning with a broader mission to promote social innovation through investment, grants, and educational assistance. Since its inception in 2015, the UpPrize Challenge has allocated over $3.1 million to local nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and other participants, demonstrating a commitment to empowering community-driven solutions. The primary beneficiaries of this challenge are nonprofits, businesses, and individuals who are based in and whose startup's impact is within one of the following Pennsylvania counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland. The program specifically targets those who are 18 years or older and have not received $50,000 or more in previous UpPrize cycles. The core impact goal is to launch or expand startups that leverage technology to address social inequities, thereby creating a meaningful and lasting community impact in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The program's priorities and focus areas revolve around technology-driven solutions to social inequities. This is evidenced by the prize structure, which offers combined prize monies and accelerator assistance to the top three finalists to facilitate the launch or expansion of such startups. The challenge encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in areas that can demonstrate tangible benefits to the community through the application of new technologies and creative problem-solving. Expected outcomes include the successful launch or expansion of promising startups, leading to measurable improvements in social equity within the targeted counties. The challenge's structure, which awards significant prize money ($125,000 for first place, $100,000 for second, and $75,000 for third), incentivizes the development of impactful solutions. These investments are intended to translate into direct community benefits, fostering a more equitable and innovative environment in Southwestern Pennsylvania through the practical application of entrepreneurial endeavors.

This program provides funding and support to small businesses in Pennsylvania that are historically disadvantaged, helping them access capital and improve their participation in public contracts.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Schuylkill County affected by the Coronavirus pandemic, helping them recover losses and retain jobs for low- to moderate-income individuals.

This program provides free technical assistance to small Pennsylvania businesses to help them improve their operations and competitiveness by connecting them with expert resources and solutions for specific technical challenges.

This funding opportunity supports licensed dairy processors and brands in the Northeast to initiate or expand co-packing arrangements, scale production, and enhance their product offerings.

This grant provides financial support to small, independently owned businesses in Philadelphia to help them overcome operational challenges and invest in projects that promote growth and stability.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Philadelphia that help low- to moderate-income vendors and small businesses sell their handmade goods at a popular holiday market, providing them with valuable exposure and sales opportunities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Appalachian region for projects that promote economic diversification and workforce development in communities impacted by coal industry job losses.

This program provides $2,000 in funding and consulting services to support creative entrepreneurs in specific Pennsylvania counties, with a focus on BIPOC individuals and those from low-income communities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits focused on community development initiatives in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, particularly in the Northeast, Florida, and Texas.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments and organizations in Northampton and Lehigh Counties for community improvement and economic development projects that enhance quality of life and create jobs.

This grant provides financial support for Penn State undergraduate students to pursue independent summer projects in various fields, fostering creativity and academic exploration.

This funding opportunity supports Black-led and Black-serving nonprofit organizations in the Pittsburgh Region to implement programs that empower and uplift the local Black community through various initiatives.

This grant provides operational support funding to arts and cultural organizations in York County, Pennsylvania, helping them sustain and enhance their year-round programming and community engagement.

This grant provides financial support to Black entrepreneurs who are positively impacting their communities, helping them grow and sustain their businesses.

This program provides funding to Monroe County and its neighboring areas for community development projects that improve quality of life, stimulate local economies, and enhance civic and recreational opportunities, utilizing a portion of gaming revenues.

This grant provides financial support to tourism-related entities in Washington County, Pennsylvania, for projects that enhance visitor experiences or promote tourism to attract visitors from outside the county.

This program provides funding to local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations for revitalization projects that enhance downtown areas and promote vibrant, accessible communities in Pennsylvania.