PA CDFI Network Business Assistance Service Centers (BASC) & Microgrants Programs
Supporting historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs through business coaching and technical assistance delivered through a statewide network of Business Assistance Service Centers (BASCs), with microgrant funding provided directly by the Network.
The Pennsylvania CDFI Network in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is delivering statewide support for historically disadvantaged businesses through the Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance (HDBA) Program.
Through more than $14 million in HDBA funding, including a $5.84 million Business Assistance Service Center (BASC) award and an $8.45 million Microgrant award, entrepreneurs across all 67 counties of Pennsylvania can access business assessments, one-on-one counseling, group training, business planning support, professional services, contract procurement, and opportunities to access microgrant funding of up to $20,000, as well as loan capital.
$14.2 Million
Invested
67
Counties Served
No-Cost
Technical Assistance
ACCESS
TO LOAN CAPITAL
Up to $20,000
in Microgrant Funding
Program funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
How the PA CDFI Network BASC Program Works
A step-by-step pathway designed to help businesses access guidance, resources, and funding.
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What is a PA CDFI Network Business Assistance Service Center (BASC)? |
The PA CDFI Business Assistance Service Centers (BASCs) are regional organizations that provide no-cost business support services to entrepreneurs throughout Pennsylvania. BASCs help businesses identify opportunities for growth, access technical assistance, prepare for financing, and connect with resources designed to support long-term success.
The PA CDFI Network BASC Program is a statewide network of seven Business Assistance Service Centers, supported by five Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and five Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs).
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Businesses Participating in the PA CDFI Network BASC Program May Access: |
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Business Assessments |
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One-on-One Business Counseling |
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Business Planning & Strategic Development |
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Financial Management |
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Marketing & Growth Support |
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Loan Readiness & Capital Access |
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Contract Procurement |
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Workshops & Training Programs |
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Referrals to Additional Resources & Service Providers |
The PA CDFI Network BASC Program Pathway
1
The BASC Program Pathway
Connect with the Business Assistance Service Center serving your region to begin the intake process and learn about available resources.
2
Complete a BizScoreline
Assessment
Work with your BASC advisor to complete a comprehensive business assessment that evaluates key areas of business performance and identifies
opportunities for growth.
3
Receive Technical Assistance
Participate in one-on-one coaching, workshops, training programs, and specialized business support services tailored to your needs.
4
Develop a Growth Strategy
Work with advisors to establish goals, address operational challenges, improve business readiness, and prepare for future growth opportunities.
5
Access Capital & Funding Opportunities
Receive guidance on financing options, loan readiness, grant opportunities, and connections to lenders, capital providers, and funding resources.
6
Implement & Grow
Put your growth strategy into action with ongoing support from your BASC and ecosystem partners.
What is BizScoreline?
BizScoreline is a business assessment platform used by participating BASCs to evaluate business performance, identify growth opportunities, and create customized action plans for growth.
The assessment reviews six core areas of business operations:
Operations & Performance
Sales & Customers
Marketing
Financial Management
Human Resources
Technology
The results help business owners and advisors create a customized action plan designed to support long-term business success.
Find Your Business Assistance Service Center
Use the interactive map below to identify the BASC serving your region and connect with a business advisor.
Click a region to view BASC information
Pennsylvania CDFI Network Microgrants Program
Direct grant funding to help historically disadvantaged small businesses start, grow, and thrive.
The Pennsylvania CDFI Network Microgrants Program provides direct grant funding to eligible historically disadvantaged businesses throughout Pennsylvania. Microgrants are designed to help entrepreneurs implement growth strategies, strengthen operations, access new opportunities, and overcome barriers to business success.
Unlike loans, PA CDFI Network microgrants do not require repayment and may be used for a variety of business-related expenses that support business growth, stabilization, and expansion.
Businesses are encouraged to engage with their regional Business Assistance Service Center (BASC) to access technical assistance, business coaching, and guidance throughout the application process.
Grant Awards
Eligible businesses may receive PA CDFI Network microgrant funding ranging from
$7,500 to $20,000
Based on business size, demonstrated need, revenue, and program guidelines.
Equipment & Machinery
Inventory & Supplies
Marketing & Advertising
Website Development & Technology
Professional Services
Licensing & Certification Costs
Insurance Expenses
Working Capital
Commercial Rent & Occupancy Costs
Other eligible business growth expenses
Final eligibility guidance and application requirements will be published with the application launch.
Application Status
Opens July 9th, 2026
The Pennsylvania CDFI Network anticipates opening the application window on July 9th, 2026 and closing on August 10, 2026.
Expected LaunchJuly 9th, 2026
Grant Awards$7,500 – $20,000
Service AreaAll 67 Pennsylvania Counties
Eligibility & Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about who may qualify for funding, how the application process works, and what to expect when applications open.
Who Qualifies for a PA CDFI Network Microgrant?
To be eligible, businesses must:
Be a for-profit business operating in Pennsylvania
Be at least 51% owned or controlled by one or more historically disadvantaged individuals who are Pennsylvania residents
Have fewer than 100 full-time employees
Generate at least 51% of revenues within Pennsylvania
File a Pennsylvania tax return
Be actively operating at the time grant funds are awarded
Be able to provide documentation verifying eligibility
What Is a Historically Disadvantaged Business?
Applicants will be asked to provide information about their circumstances or conditions that created one or more disadvantages for the applicants or their businesses.
Program Priorities
The PA CDFI Network Microgrants Program gives priority consideration to businesses that:
Are current or former borrowers or clients of participating CDFIs
Generated less than $1 million in revenue during 2025
Were established within the past 24 months
Are located in a low-income census tract
Operate in counties with limited access to CDFI financing
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding can my business receive?
Grant awards range from $7,500 to $20,000 based on annual business revenue.
Do microgrants need to be repaid?
No. PA CDFI Network microgrants are grants and do not require repayment. However, grant recipients must comply with all program requirements and reporting obligations. Grant awards may also be considered taxable income and recipients may receive a Form 1099.
What can microgrant funds be used for?
- Business licensing and filing fees
- Diverse business certifications
- Inventory
- Marketing and website development
- Technology expenses
- Insurance
- Rent and operating expenses
- Working capital
- Equipment purchases
- Procurement and certification activities
- Other approved business operating expenses
What expenses are not eligible?
Microgrant funds may not be used for:
- Repayment of existing debt
- Payroll taxes
- Previously paid interest or finance charges
- Political activities
- Religious activities
- Lobbying services
- Fines, penalties, or legal settlements
Can startups apply?
Yes. In fact, businesses established within the previous 24 months are one of the program priority categories. Businesses must still meet all eligibility requirements and be actively operating at the time funding is awarded.
Do I need to work with a BASC before applying?
No. Businesses may apply directly when the application opens. However, businesses that are current or former participating CDFI clients receive priority consideration during the review process. BASCs can also provide valuable technical assistance and application completion.
What documents will I need?
Businesses selected for further review should expect to provide documentation such as:
- Federal tax returns
- Pennsylvania tax documentation
- Government-issued photo identification
- Ownership information
- Business formation documentation
- EIN or Social Security Number (as applicable)
- Proposed use of grant funds
Additional documentation may be required during the application review process.
When will applications open?
Applications will be accepted starting July 9, 2026. The deadline to apply is August 10, 2026. Businesses are encouraged to join the mailing list and connect with their CDFI to receive updates.
What counties are eligible?
The Pennsylvania CDFI Network Microgrants Program serves eligible businesses located throughout all 67 counties of Pennsylvania.
I own multiple businesses. Can I apply for more than one microgrant?
No. Business owners are eligible to receive only one microgrant through the Pennsylvania CDFI Network Microgrants Program and may not receive separate grants for multiple businesses they own.
I previously received funding through another PA CDFI Network program. Am I still eligible?
Yes. Previous recipients of grants administered by the Pennsylvania CDFI Network may still be eligible to receive one microgrant, provided all other program requirements are met.
How are grant recipients selected?
Applications will be scored based on program priorities established by the Pennsylvania CDFI Network. Priority consideration may be given to businesses that:
- Are current or former borrowers or clients of a participating CDFI
- Have annual revenue under $1 million
- Were established within the past 24 months
- Are located in low-income census tracts
- Operate in counties with limited access to CDFI financing
If multiple applicants receive the same score and funding is limited, a random tie-breaker process may be used.
Will everyone who applies receive a microgrant?
No. The Pennsylvania CDFI Network anticipates significant demand for the program and available funding is limited. Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding. Applications will be reviewed and prioritized according to program guidelines.
How long will I have to provide additional information if I am selected for further review?
Businesses selected to move forward for microgrant consideration will be asked to submit additional documentation (used for Due Diligence review). Those applicants will generally have two weeks to provide requested documentation. Applicants that do not respond within the required timeframe may be withdrawn from consideration.
Can I receive a microgrant if I am currently on a tax payment plan?
Possibly. Businesses with outstanding federal or state tax obligations may still be eligible if they can demonstrate that a repayment plan is in place and that they are current on those payments.
Still Have Questions?
Connect with your regional BASC for assistance or join the mailing list to receive future program updates.