COVID-19 ARPA Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program (HDBA)

American Rescue Plan ACT (ARPA) funding to historically disadvantaged business

The PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) oversees the Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program (HDBA) in Pennsylvania. To ensure equitable access across the state, DCED has contracted with the PA Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Network. The funding will support several components of assistance that will be administered by the Networks’ members and other partner organizations.

The program will promote business startup, stabilization, and the expansion of Historically Disadvantaged Businesses through the following components:

  1. Business Grants – The Pennsylvania CDFI Network will provide grants to historically disadvantaged business that had an adverse economic impact related to COVID-19 economic reductions or increase operational costs.
    1. To be eligible, historically disadvantaged businesses must meet the following criteria:
      1. The program aims at supporting socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own at least 51% interest and control management on daily operations and meet the definition of “target population” as defined by the U.S Department of Treasury, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, outlined in the code of federal regulations at 12 CFA 1805.201(b)(3)(iii).
      2. Businesses must be operational on or before March 17, 2020.
      3. Paid all required federal and state tax obligations.
    2. Eligible businesses can apply for grants starting February 5, 2024 through February 23, 2024. Businesses must apply through the PA CDFI Network online applications system.
  2. Technical Assistance – Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) will provide technical assistance and business counseling that will include a variety of services such as business counseling, financial literacy, business planning, and access to capital.
    1. Beginning February 5, 2024, interested small businesses can reach out to their local CDFI that serves their county.
  3. Business Entrepreneurship and Development Partners – The PA CDFI Network will work with the minority chambers of commerce located in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Professional Image Alliance (PPIA), and technology firms that connect with historically disadvantaged businesses. These organizations will provide outreach and business development through seminars, educational programs, networking, and informal advisory opportunities.
    1. Beginning February 5, 2024, interested small businesses can reach out to the PA CDFI Network’s approved partner organizations.
Contact Us

Any questions about the program or applications should be directed to the CDFIs and partners listed above. For any other other assistance, please reach out to ra-dchdbap@pa.gov.

Back To Top