Agency: DCED / Certified Economic Development Organizations

PIDA provides low-interest loans and lines of credit for eligible businesses that commit to creating and retaining full-time jobs. The loans can be used for land and building acquisition, construction, machinery and equipment, and working capital. Interest rates are typically well below market, often tied to the 10-year Treasury yield, making PIDA a critical tool for capital-intensive expansion projects.

Agency: BFTP Network (4 Regional Centers)

For 40 years, Ben Franklin Technology Partners has been the gold standard for state-based tech innovation. The network provides capital (debt/equity hybrids), business expertise, and network connections to early-stage startups. Beyond funding, the validation of a Ben Franklin investment often catalyzes private venture capital interest.

Agency: DCED

The KIZ program is a vital liquidity source for pre-revenue or early-stage tech companies. It offers tax credits based on the increase in a company's gross revenues. Crucially, these credits are sellable. A startup with no tax bill can sell their $100,000 credit to another PA taxpayer (typically for 90-95 cents on the dollar), providing immediate non-dilutive cash flow.