COVID-19 Relief PA Statewide Small Business Assistance

Download the Application Instructions for a comprehensive handbook on the grant program guidelines and application process. Check out the FAQ for answers to frequently asked questions or learn about Bridgeway’s Application Assistance Partners that stand ready to help. From facts to FAQs, we’ve got you covered.

For support in accessing your login or questions about your application in the portal, please contact Lendistry for technical support.

• Email: pacdfinetwork@lendistry.com
• Phone: 866-897-9336
• Monday – Friday from 8 AM – 8 PM EST

We have developed partnerships for application assistance with SBDCs and consultants to help small business owners navigate the application process. Contact a TA Partner that serves your area.

Application Tips:

• The application portal works best on Google Chrome browser.
• The grant program prohibits small business owners from submitting duplicate applications or applications through multiple CDFIs. Submitting multiple applications will delay the processing of your application and will reduce your chance of approval. Please only submit one application with one participating CDFI.
• You can edit or update your application through your account login, including uploading documents and confirming if your documents and application are received.
• You will receive confirmation emails and updates from Lendistry. Please check your spam and include pacdfinetwork@lendistry.com on your email account’s safe sender list.

PRIMARY PRIORITY WILL BE GIVING TO:

• Historically disadvantaged businesses are defined as businesses that are 51% or more owned and operated by people identifying as African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander (based on the US CDFI Fund definition of individuals historically lacking access to financial services.)
• Businesses owned and operated by low and moderate-income business owners. Low and moderate-income business owners are defined as those with a total household income of 80% or less than the county Median Family Income, based on the US Census Bureau’s 2018 American Community Survey (2018 ACS) or HUD 80% of Median Household Income.
• Businesses located in rural communities and disadvantaged areas defined as U.S. CDFI Fund Investment Areas including those located in communities experiencing higher than average poverty rates, lower-income (less than 80% of area median), higher than average unemployment rates and/or high population loss.
• Certain industry sectors including retail, food and hospitality, health and wellness, personal care (beauty/nail salons, spas, and barbershops), and child care and adult daycare.
• The program will ensure that grant funds are awarded to small businesses located across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

SECONDARY PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO:

• Women-owned businesses
• Businesses operating in communities participating in one of the following designated revitalization programs including, an active Main Street.
  Program or Elm Street Program, a town in the Trail Town Program™, a town located in the PA Wilds™, or designated commercial corridors in Philadelphia, and Neighborhood Business Districts in Pittsburgh.

TO BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY, A BUSINESS MUST:

• Be physically located, certified to do business, and generate at least 51% of their revenues in Pennsylvania; and
• Have annual revenue of $1 million or less prior to the impact of COVID-19; and
• Have 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees prior to February 15, 2020; and
• Have been in operation as of February 15, 2020
• Eligible businesses may be structured as C-corporations, S-corporations, limited liability corporations, sole proprietors, independent contractors or self-employed individuals

THE FOLLOWING ENTITIES ARE INELIGIBLE TO APPLY:

• Businesses that are not physically based in Pennsylvania
• Businesses that are in active default (not on a payment plan) with taxes or fees owed to the federal government or Commonwealth
• Businesses engaged in any activity that is illegal under Federal, state, or local law
• Non-Profits, Churches and other religious institutions
• Financial businesses primarily engaged in the business of lending, such as banks, finance companies, and factors
• Real estate companies and investors. Real estate businesses in which the majority (>51%) of their income is rental income
• Life insurance companies
• Private clubs and businesses which limit the number of memberships for reasons other than capacity
• Government-owned entities or elected official offices
• Businesses primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities

Other ineligible entities are specified in the application instructions. See the application instructions for guidance on criminal history.

The amount of grant funding ranges from $5,000 to $50,000. Businesses are eligible based on their annual revenues as documented in their most recent tax return.

SPACE

The following items will be needed to apply. Additional items may be specified later:

• Proof of Business Registration with PA Department of State, as applicable:
  • Articles of Incorporation for corporations and LLCs; or
  • Fictitious Name Registration/“Doing Business As” for Sole Proprietors; or
  • Business License if applicable
• Bank Account Information

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