Pennsylvania First – Grant
🏛 Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
Can you apply?
This grant is for Pennsylvania-based organizations and businesses seeking funding for economic development and job creation projects. Eligible applicants typically include small and mid-sized businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities working to expand employment and commerce within the state. The program supports workforce development, business expansion, market development, and community economic revitalization. Geographic eligibility is limited to Pennsylvania.
Federal funding requires a business or organizational entity structure. Many applicants will need to demonstrate how projects create jobs or address unemployment in their communities. Specific industry focus areas and size thresholds may vary by funding round.
This grant is for Pennsylvania-based organizations and businesses seeking funding for economic development and job creation projects. Eligible applicants typically include small and mid-sized businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities working to expand employment and commerce within the state. The program supports workforce development, business expansion, market development, and community economic revitalization. Geographic eligibility is limited to Pennsylvania.
Federal funding requires a business or organizational entity structure. Many applicants will need to demonstrate how projects create jobs or address unemployment in their communities. Specific industry focus areas and size thresholds may vary by funding round.
Program description
The Pennsylvania First Program was established as a comprehensive funding tool to facilitate increased investment and job creation in the commonwealth and to enable the commonwealth to compete more effectively in the global economy. Grants under this program are processed under the authority of Section 3 of the Act of May 10, 1939 (P.L. 111, No. 51), known as the Commerce Law, which authorizes the Department of Community and Economic Development to undertake ways and means of promoting and encouraging the prosperous development of Pennsylvania business, industry and commerce, of expanding markets and promoting and developing new markets for Pennsylvania products, to encourage the location and development of new business, industry and commerce within the Commonwealth, to aid in restoring employment in communities affected by unemployment, and to assist persons, firms, associations, political subdivisions, corporations, cooperative associations and other organizations in the execution of its duties and functions under the Act.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for Pennsylvania-based organizations and businesses seeking funding for economic development and job creation projects. Eligible applicants typically include small and mid-sized businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities working to expand employment and commerce within the state. The program supports workforce development, business expansion, market development, and community economic revitalization. Geographic eligibility is limited to Pennsylvania.
Federal funding requires a business or organizational entity structure. Many applicants will need to demonstrate how projects create jobs or address unemployment in their communities. Specific industry focus areas and size thresholds may vary by funding round.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Business/organizational registration documents
- Project narrative describing economic development goals
- Job creation and impact projections
- Financial statements or documentation
- References or letters of support
FAQ
Who can apply for Pennsylvania First grants?
Pennsylvania-based businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and economic development organizations can apply. Eligibility may depend on organization type and project focus.
What types of projects does Pennsylvania First fund?
The program supports business expansion, job creation, workforce development, market development, and community economic revitalization in Pennsylvania.
Is there a cost-sharing requirement?
No cost-sharing is required for this program.
How competitive is this grant?
Competitiveness varies by funding round. Strong applications clearly demonstrate job creation impact and economic benefits to Pennsylvania communities.
What is the typical award amount?
Award amounts are not specified in program guidelines. Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development for current funding ranges.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development website to understand current funding priorities and any industry preferences.
- Clearly quantify expected job creation and economic impact in your community.
- Connect your project to broader state economic development goals and competitiveness.
- Document how funding addresses unemployment or supports underserved regions in Pennsylvania.
- Build relationships with local economic development agencies before applying; they may strengthen your application.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack clear job creation metrics or quantifiable economic impact. Projects don't connect to state competitiveness or regional workforce needs. Proposals underestimate application complexity and rush through documentation.
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