About this programme
Ben Franklin Technology Partners is a Pennsylvania state-funded investment network founded in 1982, delivered through four independent regional partners that together cover the whole state: Central & Northern PA (CNP), Southeastern PA, Northeastern PA, and Innovation Works (Southwestern PA). It operates as an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.
The Central & Northern PA partner serves a 32-county footprint and funds two groups: technology-based startups, and existing small manufacturers. It is explicitly not a small business grant program — it makes investments that must be matched with the applicant's own capital and are repaid through a payback process once the company's engagement with Ben Franklin ends, with the repaid funds recycled into future investments.
Across the statewide network, Ben Franklin has invested in more than 4,500 technology companies since 1982, generating roughly $25 billion in economic impact and about 148,000 jobs in Pennsylvania. The stated mission is fostering an innovation economy that creates high-paying, sustainable jobs in the state.
This record covers the Central & Northern PA (CNP) regional partner specifically. Companies outside CNP's 32-county footprint should look to the regional partner covering their part of Pennsylvania instead.
How it works
Tech startups can receive up to $500,000 in funding, delivered through a series of investments as the company grows rather than as a single lump sum.
Existing manufacturers can receive up to $250,000.
Investment decisions and disbursements happen on a quarterly basis (four times a year), tied to board review cycles.
The applicant must match Ben Franklin's investment with its own capital — the exact match ratio is discussed during the process rather than fixed on the funding page.
Funds are repaid through a payback process that begins once the company's engagement with Ben Franklin ends; repayments recycle into funding for future portfolio companies.
Funds can support hiring and employee retention, business growth, software development, prototype development and beta testing, sales and marketing, market development, and trade show participation.
Funds cannot be used for land, buildings, machinery, equipment, or inventory.
Who can apply
The business must be located within Ben Franklin CNP's 32-county Central & Northern Pennsylvania footprint.
The applicant must be a technology-based startup, or an existing small manufacturer.
The applicant must be willing and able to match Ben Franklin's investment with its own capital.
A central screening question is job creation: the program's stated primary mission is creating good-paying jobs in Pennsylvania, so applicants should be able to speak to the jobs their growth would create or retain in the state.
How to apply
- Phase 1 — Introduction: submit a brief contact form describing the company and its funding needs; a Ben Franklin representative discusses the project, explains the match requirement and investment strategy, and answers questions.
- Phase 2 — Due diligence: an initial team meeting assesses fit, and representatives help determine whether the opportunity suits Ben Franklin funding or whether other resources would serve the company better.
- Phase 3 — Presentation: the company presents its vision via videoconference; Ben Franklin conducts market research and assists with pro-forma financial projections; positive feedback leads to a formal application submitted for board review.
- Phase 4 — Approval: the board decision is typically communicated the same day as review; approved projects receive a contract setting out the fund disbursement schedule.
- The official page states the full process, from initial meeting to receiving a check, usually takes 3-6 months.
Documents you’ll typically need
- A summary of what the company is developing, the problem it solves, and the market it serves — the official page states a full business plan is not required at the outset, but this summary is described as 'a big help'.
- Pro-forma financial projections, developed with Ben Franklin's assistance during the Presentation phase ahead of board submission.
Frequently asked
Is Ben Franklin Technology Partners funding a grant?
No. The CNP page states explicitly this is not a small business grant. It is an investment that the applicant must match with its own capital, and it is repaid through a payback process once the company's engagement with Ben Franklin ends.
How much can a company receive?
Technology startups can receive up to $500,000, delivered as a series of investments as the company grows. Existing small manufacturers can receive up to $250,000. Both figures are ceilings, not guaranteed amounts.
What can the funding be used for?
Hiring and employee retention, business growth, software development, prototype development and beta testing, sales and marketing, market development, and trade show participation. It cannot be used for land, buildings, machinery, equipment, or inventory.
Which companies qualify?
Technology-based startups and existing small manufacturers located within Ben Franklin CNP's 32-county Central & Northern Pennsylvania footprint, willing to match the investment with their own capital.
How long does the process take?
The official page states that from the initial meeting to receiving a check, the process usually takes 3-6 months, across four phases: Introduction, Due Diligence, Presentation, and Approval.
Do I need a full business plan to apply?
No. The official page says a full-blown business plan is not required, but a summary of what you're developing, the problem it solves, and the market it serves is described as a big help at the introduction stage.
What if my company is outside the Central & Northern PA region?
Ben Franklin Technology Partners operates through four independent regional partners covering all of Pennsylvania: Central & Northern PA (this record), Southeastern PA, Northeastern PA, and Innovation Works serving Southwestern PA. Companies outside the CNP footprint should apply through the partner covering their region.
Reviewed 2026-08-16. Programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.