Infrastructure Development Program (IDP)

Eligibility:

• Municipalities.
• Industrial development authorities and corporations.
• Municipal authorities.
• Redevelopment authorities and local development districts may apply for IDP assistance on behalf of eligible private companies engaged in the following enterprises:
• Agriculture.
• Industrial.
• Manufacturing.
• Research and development.
• Export services or real estate developers who are developing sites for eligible private companies.

Uses:

• Transportation facilities and airports.
• Clearing and preparation of land and environmental remediation.
• Water and sewer systems.
• Energy facilities.
• Parking facilities.
• Storm sewers.
• Bridges and waterways.
• Rail facilities.
• Port facilities. At former industrial sites only:
• Land and building acquisition.
• Construction and renovation by private developers.
• Telecommunications infrastructure.

Amounts:

• Loans and grants up to $1.25 million.
• No more than 20% of the annual appropriation for a single municipality.
• No more than 10% of the annual appropriation will be loaned or granted to applicant for speculative greenfield projects not involving private companies.

Terms:

• Grants for public infrastructure.
• Loans to private businesses at 3% interest rate.
• Up to 15-year term.
• 2:1 private to public match required.
• $25,000 cost per job to be created within five years with a minimum or 10 new full-time equivalent jobs (whichever is greater).

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Loan Program

Eligibility:

• Eligible businesses include for-profit businesses (individual proprietorships, partnerships or corporations). Emphasis is placed on manufacturing and industrial business.

Uses:

• Loan proceeds may be applied for land and building acquisition, machinery and equipment, or working capital.

Amounts:

• $200,000 or 50% of a project whichever is less. Working capital loans are limited to $100,000.

Terms:

• The interest rate on this loan program is below the market rate. The current interest rate is a fixed rate of 2.75% over the life of the loan.
• Repayment duration for real estate is up to 15 years, for machinery and equipment is up to 5 years, and for working capital is up to 3 years.
• Job Creation -One permanent job must be created or retained per $25,000 NEPA dollars loaned within 3 years from the loan closing date.
• Location - The project must be located within the seven Pennsylvania counties of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Citizens Job Bank

Eligibility:

• Machinery and equipment.
• Building acquisition/remodeling.

Uses:

• Machinery/equipment, and building acquisition/remodeling.

Amounts:

• Minimum of $1,000,000.
• Maximum $10,000,000.
• Loans may not exceed 75% of project cost.
• Building acquisition/remodeling loans limited to 75% of appraised value.

Terms:

• Minimum 40 jobs must be created.
• Machinery & Equipment: 5 years; fully amortized.
• Building Acquisition/Remodel: 5 years; amortized on a 10-year schedule.
• 2.5% APR.
• Conditions:
• All loans are subject to credit approval on terms and conditions acceptable to Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania.
• A minimum of one full-time job must be created within 3 years of the completion of the project for each $25,000 borrowed.
• Job creation certification subject to annual audit by Pennsylvania or those contemplating a significant investment in the state.
• Loans can be supplemented with other Department of Community and Economic Development loans or other bank loans.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Community Economic Development Loan Program (CED)

Eligibility:

• Small businesses (100 employees or less) that are located in a DCED designated distressed community or Keystone Opportunity Zone. The following are locally distressed municipalities: Luzerne County - Conyngham township; Freeland borough; Hazle township; Hazleton city; Jeddo borough; West Hazleton borough. Schuylkill County - East Union township; Kline township; McAdoo borough. Carbon County - Banks township; Beaver Meadows borough; Weatherly borough.

Uses:

• Land and building acquisition.
• Building, construction and renovation.
• Machinery and equipment acquisition and installation.
• Working capital.

Amounts:

• Loans up to $100,000 or 50% of total eligible project cost, whichever is less.

Terms:

• 2% interest rate flexible terms.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Export Finance Program (EFP)

Eligibility:

• Small businesses (250 employees or less) exporting goods or services internationally.

Uses:

• Working capital financing.
• Accounts receivable financing.
• Revolving lines of credit.

Amounts:

• Working Capital Loans: Up to $350,000 or 50% of total eligible project costs, whichever is less.
• Accounts Receivable Loans: Up to $350,000 or 85% of eligible project costs.

Terms:
Working Capital Loans:
• Up to 12-month term.
• Interest rate is 3.75% per annum.
• Accounts Receivable Loans:
• Up to 12-month term.
• Interest rate is 3.75% per annum.
• Receivables under this program must be insured by the Export-Import Bank of the United States or a private insurance company.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund (MELF)

Eligibility:

• Manufacturing.
• Industrial.
• Agricultural processing.
• Direct mining operations.

Uses:

• Machinery and equipment acquisition and upgrading.
• Related engineering and installation costs directly related to the operations or processes.

Amounts:

• Loans up to $500,000 or 50% of the total eligible project costs, whichever is less.
• Brownfield sites and those in an Act 47 municipality, Keystone Opportunity Zone or Advanced Technology projects qualify for 3% interest rate.

Terms:

• Interest rate is currently 2.75%.
• Up to 7-year term, depending upon the useful life of the machinery being financed.
• 10% equity required.
• $25,000 cost per job retained or created.
• Project must be directly related to the manufacturing process.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA)

Eligibility:

• Job Creation Loans: manufacturing, industrial, research and development, agricultural processors, firms establishing a national or regional headquarters, computer/clerical operation centers.
• Job Retention Loans: Above firms that meet certain wage thresholds in that county, Land and building acquisition, Building construction and renovation, Industrial park development, Multi-tenant spec building construction, acquisition and renovation.

Uses:

• Land and building acquisition.
• Building construction and renovation.
• Industrial park development.
• Multi-tenant spec building construction, acquisition and renovation.

Amounts:

• Loans up to $2 million (within Enterprise Zones, Keystone Opportunity Zones, Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zones, Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zones, Federal Enterprise Communities, Federal Empowerment Zones, Act 47 municipalities, advanced technology projects, and Brownfield Sites, $2.25 million).
• No more than 30% to 70% of total eligible project costs, depending upon firm size and unemployment rate.
• Enterprise Zones, Keystone Opportunity Zones, Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zones, Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zones, Federal Enterprise Communities, Federal Empowerment Zones, Act 47 municipalities, advanced technology projects, and Brownfield Sites qualify for 3% interest rate.

Terms:

• Interest rate depends upon local unemployment rate. Our current rate is 3.25%. Refer to list of Participation and Interest Rates - see PDF link below.
• Up to 15-year term on land and buildings.
• No less than a second mortgage on financed assets.
• Disbursement to applicant based upon reimbursable expenses.
• $35,000 cost per job created or retained.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST)

Eligibility:

• Any owner or operator (public or private) of an existing or proposed drinking water or wastewater system.
• Any municipal owner of a storm water conveyance system.

Uses:

• Design, engineering and construction costs associated with publicly and privately owned drinking water distribution, storage and treatment facilities.
• Storm water conveyance and wastewater collection, conveyance and treatment facilities.

Amounts:

• Funding packages in amounts up to $11 million per project for one municipality.
• Up to $20 million for projects that include more than one municipality.
• Up to $2 million for up front (5 year loan) design and engineering.
• Up to 100% of the eligible project costs.
• Average project size is $1.5 million.

Terms:

• Interest rates range from 1% to 5%, depending upon the county/area to be served by the project and the resulting residential user rate.
• Length of repayment is usually 20 years.
• Disbursement made monthly based upon submitted invoicing and reimbursable expenses.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Pollution Prevention Assistance Account (PPAA)

Eligibility:

• A for-profit business enterprise that has no more than 100 full time employees.

Uses:

• Adoption or installation of pollution prevention and/or energy efficient equipment or     processes.

Amounts:

• Loans up to $100,000 or 75% of total eligible project cost, whichever is less.

Terms:

• A fixed interest rate of 2.0%.
• The term of the loan can be up to 10 years or the life of the asset, whichever is less.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Small Business Administration 504 Loan

Eligibility:

• Virtually all types of for-profit small businesses with less than 500 employees (retail, service, wholesale or manufacturing) are eligible for this program.

Uses:

• All project costs can be financed, including acquisition (land and building, land and construction of building, renovations, machinery and equipment) and soft costs such as title insurance, legal, appraisal, environmental and bridge loan fees. Closing costs may be financed.

Amounts:

• Minimum total project cost is $200,000.
• A maximum of 40% or $1,000,000 of project costs can be obtained.

Terms:

• Real Estate: 20 years with a fixed rate of interest.
• Machinery & Equipment: 10 years with a fixed rate of interest.
• 50% of project costs come from private institutions.
• 10% equity required.
• Personal guarantee required from individuals with 20% or more ownership.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Small Business First (SBF)

Eligibility:
Small businesses (100 employees or less) which are in:
• Manufacturing.
• Research and Development.
• Construction.
• Child Daycare.
• Industrial.
• Agricultural processors.
• Mining enterprises.
• Export-related, advanced technology and computer-related services.
• Hotels, motels or restaurants.
• Environmental compliance/pollution prevention.
• Municipal or commercial recyclers.
• Defense-related.

Uses:

• Land and building acquisition and construction.
• Machinery and equipment purchases and upgrades.
• Working capital.
• Environmental compliance/pollution prevention.

Amounts:

• Loans up to $200,000 or 50% of total eligible project costs, whichever is less.
• Maximum loan amount for working capital is $100,000 or 50% of total eligible project costs, whichever is less.

Terms:

• 2.75% interest rate.
• $25,000 cost per job retained or created.
• Up to 15-year term for land and building.
• Up to 10-year term for machinery and equipment.
• Up to 3-year term for working capital.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Underground Storage Tank Upgrade Loan Program (USTLP)

Eligibility:

• Business owners of regulated underground storage tanks to meet Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) upgrade requirements.

Uses:
Tank removal or closure if replacing tanks, including:
• Upgrade of existing tanks.
• Leak detection devices.
• Cost of new tanks.
• Piping.
• Dispensers.
• Engineering design and permitting costs associated with upgrading.
• All construction and installation costs directly associated with upgrading.

Amounts:

• $500,000 or 75% of the total eligible cost, whichever is less.

Terms:

• 10 years maximum term.
• The interest rate is fixed for the term of the loan and shall equal the interest rate for a 5- year U.S. Treasury note as determined by the Department.
• 2% loan commitment fee due at loan commitment.
• 10% of the total eligible project cost must be cash equity. The remaining 15% may be bank or vendor financed.
• All loans will be guaranteed by the principals of the borrower.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Pennsylvania Minority Business Development Authority (PMBDA)

Eligibility:

• Businesses owned and operated by ethnic minorities.

Uses:

• Land and building acquisition.
• Building construction and renovation.
• Machinery and equipment acquisition and installation.
• Working capital.

Amounts:

• Manufacturing, industrial, high-tech, international trade or franchise companies:
• Loans up to $500,000 (within Enterprise Zone, $750,000) or 75% of total eligible project costs, whichever is less. Retail or commercial firms:
• Loans up to $250,000 (within Enterprise Zone, $350,000) or 75% of total eligible project costs, whichever is less.

Terms:

• 50% of prime interest rate, but no less than 4%.
• Up to 15-year term for land and buildings.
• Up to 10-year term for machinery and equipment.
• Up to 3-year term for working capital.
• 25% private-sector match required.
• May subordinate lien position.
• Disbursement at closing.
• $15,000 cost per job created.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Hazleton Area Industrial Development Authority

Eligibility:

• Manufacturers, healthcare organizations, transportation facilities, solid waste disposal, and mass sewage facilities.

Uses:

• Land acquisition, construction, machinery/equipment, working capital and related soft costs.

Amounts:

• Maximum amount $10,000,000.

Terms:

• 1 job per $50,000 borrowed.
• Terms can be offered up to 30 years.
• Must obtain a letter of Credit.
• Fees may be up to 2%.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Luzerne County Industrial Development Authority

Eligibility:

• Manufacturing. 501 (C) (3) corporations. Water and sewer utility facilities.

Uses:

• For fixed assets such as property acquisition, construction, renovation, the purchase of machinery and equipment and certain related costs.

Amounts:

• Not to exceed $10 million in a calendar year.

Terms:

• N/A.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority (PEDFA) - Taxable

Eligibility:

• All types of businesses needing access to low-cost capital.

Uses:

• Land and building acquisition.
• Building renovation and new construction.
• Machinery and equipment acquisition and installation.
• Designated infrastructure.
• Refinancing.
• Working capital.

Amounts:

• Loans no less than $400,000.
• Up to 100% of project costs

Terms:

• Since the program's inception in 1990, weekly taxable variable rates have averaged 61% of the prime rate.
• Weekly variable interest rate tied to market for taxable bonds.
• Term is based upon negotiated letter of credit.
• Borrower generally must secure letter of credit from bank.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority (PEDFA) - Tax-Exempt

Eligibility:

• Manufacturing.
• Nonprofit.
• Energy.
• Solid waste disposal.
• Wastewater Treatment.
• Transportation facilities.
• Assisted Living/Housing.

Uses:

• Land and building acquisition.
• Building renovation and new construction
• Machinery and equipment acquisition and installation
• Designated infrastructure
• Tax-exempt bond refinancing

Amounts:

• Loans no less than $400,000 and no more than $10 million for manufacturers.
• No upper limit for other projects
• Up to 100% of project costs

Terms:

• Since the program's inception in 1990, weekly tax-exempt variable rates have averaged 46% of the prime rate.
• Weekly variable interest rate tied to market for tax-exempt bonds.
• Up to 30-year term
• Borrower generally must secure letter of credit from bank

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Pennsylvania Capital Access Program (PennCAP)

Eligibility:

• Borrowers should contact the participating banks to discuss their eligibility. A borrower must have a branch of a participating bank in their local area in order to receive a PennCAP loan through that bank.

Participating Banks:

• Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank.
• PNC Bank, N.A.
• AmeriServ Financial.
• Sovereign Bank.

Uses:

• Land.
• Building.
• Equipment.
• Working capital.

Amounts:

• Guaranteed loans up to $500,000.

Terms:

• Rates and terms negotiated with participating bank PEDFA bond program provides guarantee for bank loan.
• PEDFA bond program provides guarantee for bank loan.
• Term loan or line of credit.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Small Business Administration 7(a) Loan Guarantee

Eligibility:

• Based on the average number of employees during the preceding 12 months or on sales averaged over the previous three years.

Uses:

• Land purchases, construction, expansion or renovation of facilities, machinery & equipment, finance receivables, working capital, refinancing, seasonal line of credit.

Amounts:

• SBA can guarantee up to 85% on a loan up to $150,000, and 75% on a loan of more than $150,000. The maximum guarantee is $1,000,000, with a few exceptions.

Terms:

• 5 – 10 years for working capital and up to 25 for fixed assets.
• Interest rates are pegged no more than 2.25% over prime rate for loans less than 7 years and 2.75% for loans 7 years or longer. Rates may be higher for loans less than $50,000.
• Personal guarantees are required.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

USDA Rural Development Loan Guarantee

Eligibility:

• Assistance is available to virtually any legally organized entity, including a cooperative, corporation, partnership, trust or other profit or nonprofit entity, Indian tribe or federally recognized tribal group, municipality, county, or other political subdivision of a State.
• Business applies through federal or state chartered banks, credit unions, savings & loan associations.

Uses:

• Loan proceeds may be used for working capital, machinery and equipment, buildings and real estate, and certain types of debt refinancing.

Amounts:

• Maximum $25 million.
• Maximum of 10 percent of program funding is available to value-added cooperative organizations for loans above $25 million to a maximum aggregate of $40 million.

Terms:

• Lender and borrower negotiate terms.
• Interest rate tied to published rate that may change no more often than quarterly.
• Guarantee requires 20% equity investment.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Pennsylvania Minority Business Development Authority (PMBDA)

Eligibility:

• Businesses owned and operated by ethnic minorities.

Uses:

• Land and building acquisition.
• Building construction and renovation.
• Machinery and equipment acquisition and installation.
• Working capital.

Amounts:

• Manufacturing, industrial, high-tech, international trade or franchise companies:
• Loans up to $500,000 (within Enterprise Zone, $750,000) or 75% of total eligible project costs, whichever is less. Retail or commercial firms:
• Loans up to $250,000 (within Enterprise Zone, $350,000) or 75% of total eligible project costs, whichever is less.

Terms:

• 50% of prime interest rate, but no less than 4%.
• Up to 15-year term for land and buildings.
• Up to 10-year term for machinery and equipment.
• Up to 3-year term for working capital.
• 25% private-sector match required.
• May subordinate lien position.
• Disbursement at closing.
• $15,000 cost per job created.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Educational Improvement Tax Credit

Eligibility:

• Businesses authorized to do business in PA who are subject to one or more of the following taxes:
• Corporate Net Income Tax.
• Capital Stock Franchise Tax.
• Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax.
• Title Insurance Companies Shares Tax.
• Insurance Premiums Tax.
• Mutual Thrift Institution Tax.

Uses:

• Tax credits may be applied against the tax liability of a business for the tax year in which the contribution was made.

Amounts:

• Tax credits equal to 75% of its contribution up to a maximum of $100,000 per taxable year.
• Can be increased to 90% of the contribution, if business agrees to provide same amount for two consecutive tax years.

Terms:

• Applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis by day submitted.
• Must provide proof to DCED that the contribution has been made within 90 days of the notification letter.
• Tax credit not used in the tax year the contribution was made may not be carried forward or carried back and is not refundable or transferable.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Research and Development Tax Credits

Eligibility:

• Businesses qualifying for the federal R and D tax credit and making R and D investments in PA.

Uses:

• Applied research and development expenditures.

Amounts:

• 10% tax credit for new R and D expense increases over the base period (prorated to not exceed + $15 million annual cap for all businesses).
• Up to 20% of total pool set aside for small businesses.

Terms:

• Applicable to CNI, CSFT and PIT tax liability.
• Unused credits may be carried over for up to 15 succeeding taxable years.
• Credit usage is limited to 50% of tax liability in any year.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Job Creation Tax Credits (JCTC)

Eligibility:

• Approved businesses that agree to create new jobs in the Commonwealth within three years.

Uses:

• Tax credits used to offset various business tax liabilities.

Amounts:

• $1,000-per-job tax credit to approved businesses that agree to create jobs within three years.
• 25% of the tax credits allocated each year must go to businesses with less than 100 employees.

Terms:

• Tax credits may not be utilized by a business until the jobs are actually created.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Keystone Opportunity Zones (KOZ)

Eligibility:

• Businesses or residents located or conducting activity within a KOZ designated property.

Uses:

• Provides certain state and local tax abatements and exemptions to qualified businesses, residents and property owners.

Amounts:

• Projects in KOZ are given priority consideration for assistance under various community and economic building initiatives.
• Applications for assistance should be clearly marked KOZ activity when appropriate.

Terms:

• Qualified businesses, residents or property owners must be current with all state and local taxes and building codes in order to receive benefits and/or annual certification.
• Existing PA business relocating to a zone must meet one of two provisions increase full-time employment by 20% (based on operations being moved) within one year, or make a capital investment in the property equivalent to 10% of gross revenues from prior year.
• Length of program varies per sub zone ending in 2008, 2010, or 2013.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (BFTDA) - Company Grant

Eligibility:

• For profit businesses.
• Must fall within SIC or NAICS codes.
• Venture Capital Funds.

Uses:

• Company/product expansion.
• Venture Capital Funds investing in Pennsylvania companies.

Amounts:

• Variable.

Terms:

• Financial return to BFTDA.
• BFTDA investment not to exceed 20% of total investment.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (BFTDA) - Challenge Grant

Eligibility:

• Start-up or existing companies.
• Advanced technology.
• Research and development.

Uses:

• Research and development.
• Technology transfer.
• Joint research and development between private companies and universities.
• Technology training/entrepreneurial infrastructure.

Amounts:

• Typically range from $5,000 to $250,000 (Varies somewhat between Centers and project type).

Terms:

• Loan, sometimes convertible to equity position.
• Royalty/payback.
• Grants for non-research and development.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (BFTDA) - Technology Development Grant

Eligibility:

• Not-for-profit organizations.
• Community groups.

Uses:

• Technology development and/or advancement in the community.

Amounts:

• Variable.

Terms:

• Grants directed through a qualified Economic Development Organization.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (BFTDA) - University Grant

Eligibility:

• Colleges or universities.
• Non-profit organization partnering with colleges/universities.

Uses:

• Research and development.
• Technology transfer.
• Approved course of study.

Amounts:

• Variable.
• One to five years.

Terms:

• Conforms with university criteria.
• Supporting large-scale projects identified within Research Agenda.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Industrial Sites Reuse Program (ISRP)

Eligibility:

• Public entities, private nonprofit economic development entities and companies involved in reuse of former industrial land.
• Entities that did not cause or contribute to environmental contamination.

Uses:

• Phase I, II and III environmental assessments.
• Remediation of hazardous substances.

Amounts:

• Grants and loans up to $200,000 for environmental assessments.
• Grants and loans up to $1 million for remediation.

Terms:

• Interest rates of 2%.
• Terms up to 5 years for assessments and 15 years for remediation projects.
• A 25% match is required for grant and loan projects.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Infrastructure Development Program (IDP)

Eligibility:

• Municipalities.
• Industrial development authorities and corporations.
• Municipal authorities.
• Redevelopment authorities and local development districts may apply for IDP assistance on behalf of eligible private companies engaged in the following enterprises:
• Agriculture.
• Industrial.
• Manufacturing.
• Research and development.
• Export services or real estate developers who are developing sites for eligible private companies.

Uses:

• Transportation facilities and airports.
• Clearing and preparation of land and environmental remediation.
• Water and sewer systems.
• Energy facilities.
• Parking facilities.
• Storm sewers.
• Bridges and waterways.
• Rail facilities.
• Port facilities. At former industrial sites only:
• Land and building acquisition.
• Construction and renovation by private developers.
• Telecommunications infrastructure.

Amounts:

• Loans and grants up to $1.25 million.
• No more than 20% of the annual appropriation for a single municipality.
• No more than 10% of the annual appropriation will be loaned or granted to applicant for speculative greenfield projects not involving private companies.

Terms:

• Grants for public infrastructure.
• Loans to private businesses at 3% interest rate.
• Up to 15-year term.
• 2:1 private to public match required.
• $25,000 cost per job to be created within five years with a minimum or 10 new full-time equivalent jobs (whichever is greater).

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Opportunity Grant Program (OGP)

Eligibility:

• Firms, or IDCs and municipalities on behalf of firms, that will create or preserve a significant number of jobs within the Commonwealth.
• Manufacturing.
• Industrial.
• Research and development.
• Agricultural processors.
• Export services.
• Firms establishing a national or regional headquarters.

Uses:

• Machinery and equipment.
• Working capital.
• Job training.
• Infrastructure.
• Land and building improvements.
• Environmental assessment and remediation.
• Acquisition of land, buildings and right-of-ways.
• Site preparation, demolition and clearance.

Amounts:

• No minimum or maximum amounts.

Terms:

• Projects must offer substantial economic impact, either for the Commonwealth as a whole or for the locality or region in which the company will locate or expand its current operations.
• 4:1 private match required.
• Job creation/preservation requirements.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Rail Freight Assistance

Eligibility:

• Railroads.
• Rail freight users.

Uses:

• Rail freight maintenance and construction.

Amounts:

• Up to $750,000 or no greater than 75% of total cost, whichever is less, for maintenance projects.
• Up to $100,000 or no greater than 50%, whichever is less, for construction projects.

Terms:

• Local match: 25% for maintenance, 50% for construction.
• Agreement to maintain active rail operations for 5 years.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Job Creation Tax Credits (JCTC)

Eligibility:

• Approved businesses that agree to create new jobs in the Commonwealth within three years.

Uses:

• Tax credits used to offset various business tax liabilities.

Amounts:

• $1,000-per-job tax credit to approved businesses that agree to create jobs within three years.
• 25% of the tax credits allocated each year must go to businesses with less than 100 employees.

Terms:

• Tax credits may not be utilized by a business until the jobs are actually created.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Customized Job Training (CJT)

Eligibility:

• Manufacturing.
• Industrial
• Agricultural enterprises
• Research and development
• Advanced technology
• Business service firms (no point of sale/retail)

Uses:

• Instructional costs.
• Supplies
• Consumable materials
• Contracted services
• Relevant travel costs for local education agency project coordinators

Amounts:

• Grants up to 75% of the eligible costs for new job creation, retention, upgrade training.

Terms:

• Must be for actual training.
• Trainees must be residents of PA and be employed in PA.
• Participating trainees must earn more than 150% of current minimum wage.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Luzerne County Workforce Investment Agency -- On-the-Job Training (OJT)

Eligibility:

• Private and public sector employers and employees.
• All dislocated workers
• Underemployed
• Income guideline

Uses:

• Job search and placement.
• Skills assessment and evaluation
• Counseling
• Training services for individuals and companies
• Supportive services
• Labor market information

Amounts:

• Up to 50% of wage rate for employees while in training on on-the-job training programs.
• Up to actual costs of classroom training, training/related and support services.
• Employers are reimbursable up to a maximum of $5,000 per new employee.

Terms:

• Reimbursement varies by local workforce investment area.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Guaranteed Free Training Program

Eligibility:

• Manufacturing businesses.
• Technology-based businesses
• Information technology
• PA businesses other than point of sale/retail

Uses:

• Basic skill:
• Basic and entry level skills training
• Participating trainees must earn more than 150% of current minimum wage Information technology:
• Advanced Information technology training
• Introductory level training, such as word processing, etc. is not eligible
• Trainees must earn at least 150% of current minimum wage
• Training must be for existing information technology employees

Amounts:

• Basic: Up to $450 per trainee and $100,000 per company.
• Information technology: Up to $700 per trainee and $50,000 per company

Terms:

• Trainees must be residents of PA and be employed in PA.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Workforce Leadership Grants (WFL)

Eligibility:

• Varies depending on the two purposes.

Uses:

• To develop and implement 2+2+2 secondary and post-secondary education programs.
• To start a community college or expand these services into underserved areas.

Amounts:

• Up to $300,000 for 2+2+2 grant.
• Up to $100,000 for expansion of an existing program
• Up to $100,000 for community college services

Terms:

• 2+2+2 grants require strong business participating, articulation agreements and program guarantees. Refer to Workforce Leadership Grant Guidelines - 2+2+2 Educational Program - see linkset 1 below.
• Community college services must be expanded into underserved regions of the state. Refer to Workforce Leadership Grants - Community College Planning and Service Expansion Grants - see linkset 2 below.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Small Business First Fund - EDA Program

Eligibility:

• For-profit manufacturing, industrial, and export services-related businesses, and advanced technology businesses. Businesses must be involved in advanced technology, exporting, or be adversely affected by reductions in national defense spending to be eligible for EDA financing.

Uses:

• Land and building acquisition. Construction or renovation. Machinery and equipment. Working capital.

Amounts:

• $200,000 or 50% of project costs, whatever is less. Working capital loans are limited to $100,000 or 50% of total project costs. Defense loans are eligible up to 80% of total project costs.

Terms:

• 5% fixed, or 4% fixed for defense related businesses. Repayment period will be 10 years for real estate, 5 years for machinery and equipment, and 3 years for working capital. One job must be created or retained per $25,000 loaned. Project must be located in Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Schuylkill and Wayne Counties. For defense related businesses: Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, and Wayne Counties.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

City of Hazleton Façade Improvement Program

Eligibility:

• Commercial property owners.
• Tenants of commercial property may be eligible.

Uses:

• Facades, fabric awning, exterior cleaning, paint, design assistance, roofing/siding, energy conservation, signage, lighting and poles, landscapes, streetscapes, sidewalk restoration.

Amounts:

• Maximum up to $15,000, or 50% of project costs; whichever is less.

Terms:

• 0% interest - 50% of project costs with maximum of $10,000. For projects costing under $10,000 term is balloon payment on first two anniversaries.
• 3% interest - 50% of project cost with maximum of $15,000. For projects costing over $10,000 term is for five (5) years.
• Lien on building for property owners and personal guarantee for tennants required.
• For more information, please contact City of Hazleton, Carol DeStefano, 570-459-4967 cdestef@hazletoncity.org or Lena Kotansky, 570-459-4947; lenak@hazletoncity.org.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

Luzerne County Business Development Loan Program

Eligibility:
Manufacturing, commercial and industrial.

Uses:

• Land and/or building acquisition; construction/renovation; the purchase of machinery and equipment; and professional and financial fees.
• Manufacturing is eligible for working capital.

Amounts:

• Maximum of $1,000,000.

Terms:

• Terms are 5,7,10 or 15 years.
• Rates are determined by term which range between 4% and 7%.
• 1 job for every $35,000 borrowed.
• Requires bank participation.
• Retention may be considered.
• Will finance up to 50% of project costs.
• 51% of jobs created must be for low/moderate income families.
• Construction activities must comply with Davis-Bacon Act.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

NEPA Alliance Rural Development Microloan Program

Eligibility:
Entrepreneurs, business start-ups and existing small businesses.

Uses:

• Acquisition, construction and renovation of real property. Machinery and equipment. Working capital.

Amounts:

• Loans will not exceed $20,000, or 90% of project costs.

Terms:

• The current interest rate is 8.75% fixed throughout the term.
• The repayment duration is 5 years for construction/renovation/acquisition, 3.-5 years for machinery and equipment, and 2-3 years for working capital.
• One new job is required for every $15,000 in loan assistance; self-employment is included.
• Entrepreneurs and start-up businesses are required to submit a fully completed business plan with the loan application.
• Must be in Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne Counties.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

NEPIRC - Machinery Technology Loan Fund (MTLF)

Eligibility:
Firm must be a manufacturer producing a tangible product within the 20-39 SICS range.

Uses:

• Loan proceeds may be used for capital equipment and working capital.

Amounts:

• Maximum: $50,000 for working capital or $100,000 for machinery & equipment.
• For start-ups: $25,000 for working capital or $50,000 for machinery & equipment.

Terms:

• For equipment 3 to 7 years, or the life of the asset, whichever is less. Working capital will have a repayment period of three years.
• 1% commitment fee.
• Interest rate will be four (4) points below the New York Prime Lending Rate quoted in the Wall Street Journal, but at no time less than four percent (4%).
• Must be in: Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Tioga and Wyoming County.
• The number and types of jobs created or retained will be a major factor in evaluating a loan package.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

NEPA Alliance Loan Program

Eligibility:

• Eligible businesses include for-profit businesses (individual proprietorships, partnerships or corporations). Emphasis is placed on manufacturing and industrial business.

Uses:

• Land and building acquisition. Building construction. Machinery and equipment. Working capital.

Amounts:

• The maximum amount that can be applied for is $150,000 or 50% of project costs (whichever is less).

Terms:

• The current interest rate is a fixed rate of 4% over the life of the loan.
• Repayment Terms - The repayment duration for real estate is up to 15 years, machinery and equipment up to 5 years, and working capital up to 3 years. Loan Program Requirements:
• Job Creation - One permanent job must be created per $25,000 NEPA dollars loaned within 3 years from the loan closing date.
• Location - The project must be located within the five Pennsylvania counties of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Schuylkill and Wayne.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com

NEPA Alliance Microloan Program

Eligibility:

• Entrepreneurs, business start-ups and existing small businesses with less than 25 employees are the targets of this loan program.

Uses:

• Loan proceeds may be applied to machinery and equipment or working capital.

Amounts:

• $5,000 to $25,000. Average loan size is expected to be $10,000.

Terms:

• The interest rate on this loan program is 8.75%.
• The repayment duration for machinery and equipment is 3-5 years and working capital 2-3 years.
• All applicants are required to submit a fully completed and documented Business Plan with any loan application. Small Business Development Centers at the University of Scranton/Wilkes University are available to assist in the development of a business plan at no cost to the individual business.
• Location - The project must be located within the seven Pennsylvania counties of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne.
• Collateral and personal guarantees, as well as assignment of Life Insurance, are required.
• 1% commitment fee and legal costs.

For more information please contact CAN DO, Inc. at 570.455.1508, or email Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@hazletoncando.com or Charles Wanyo at cwanyo@hazletoncando.com