The Clarion County Economic Development Corporation is excited to share that we are working to create a Business Improvement Microgrant program! To fund this program, we are pursuing grant dollars through PA DCED’s new Main Street Matters program.

Business Improvement Microgrants are available to stimulate private business investment and better enable business attraction, retention, and expansion in the defined target area of Clarion, Knox, East Brady, Foxburg, and New Bethlehem. Microgrants may be used by established businesses for capital purchases, structural or interior improvements, hardware, software, and connectivity upgrades, and professional marketing and promotions activities. A dollar-for-dollar match is required for the business improvement microgrant up to $5,000. This is a reimbursement program, and funds will only be disbursed after a project’s completion and approval from CCEDC, unless an agreement has been made between the stakeholder and CCEDC at the time of project selections.

Microgrant funds may not be used for salaries/benefits, operations costs including rent or mortgage, utility bills, inventory, consumable supplies, or fees to secure other financing. Labor provided by the owner of the property and/or proprietor of the business is not an eligible cost for microgrants or forgivable microloans.

For the state to award us funding, we require letters of interest from interested business owners. Below are two ways that you can complete the form.  Either complete our online form or print a physical copy and send to our office (scan/email, mail, drop-off).

Interest forms are due this Friday, November 8th by the end of the day.”