Pennsylvania State Small Business Credit Initiative (PA-SSBCI)

About this programme

The Pennsylvania State Small Business Credit Initiative (PA-SSBCI) deploys federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding as loans and equity investments for small businesses across the state. The Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) oversees the program and, to ensure equitable access statewide, has contracted with economic development partners at the regional and local level to administer the loan and equity programs.

Rather than lending directly to businesses, DCED works through three distinct components, each with its own administrator and mechanics: local Program Administrators for straightforward small business loans, regional Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTPs) and Life Sciences Greenhouses (LSGs) for equity investment, and the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (BFTDA) for loans to venture capital general partners investing in Pennsylvania businesses.

How it works

Small Business Loans are delivered through approved SSBCI Program Administrators, local or regional economic development organizations; each organization sets its own loan terms, so terms vary by administrator and county. DCED publishes the full administrator list, searchable by county, including a downloadable Excel version.

Equity Investments target existing and emerging technology companies with seed and later-stage capital, offered through the regional Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTPs) and Life Sciences Greenhouses (LSGs); local contact information for each is on the same Program Administrator landing page.

The Diverse Leaders Venture Program provides loans to venture capital general partners of diverse status, matched by private funding, to create investments in small businesses led by individuals of diverse status who need support to expand and create jobs. DCED defines 'diverse status' broadly, not limited to race or ethnicity, and including factors such as geographic location or socioeconomic status. It is administered by DCED under the direction of the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (BFTDA), whose board meets four times a year (January, April, July, and October, dates subject to change), with proposals vetted and finalized a month ahead of each meeting.

Under the Diverse Leaders track, DCED loans to the fund rather than joining as a traditional limited partner; a sample loan term sheet outlining the Commonwealth's participation is included in Section II of the program guidelines.

Who can apply

Eligibility and specific loan terms for the Small Business Loans track depend on which SSBCI Program Administrator covers the applicant's county or region.

The equity track is aimed at existing and emerging technology companies, delivered through Ben Franklin Technology Partners or the Life Sciences Greenhouses.

For the Diverse Leaders Venture Program, the venture capital firm itself must show a demonstrated ability to raise at least $10 million, keep the Commonwealth's program dollars to no more than 20% of the fund's committed capital, have the resources and intent to invest in Pennsylvania-located companies, target technology-related or high-growth sectors (such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, or information technology), and be prepared to pay a 1% origination fee on any committed award.

How to apply

1. For a small business loan, visit the SSBCI Program Administrator landing page and search by county or funding type to find the organization serving your area, then apply and confirm terms directly with that local administrator.
2. For the equity track, apply through the relevant regional Ben Franklin Technology Partners office or Life Sciences Greenhouse listed on the same landing page.
3. For the Diverse Leaders Venture Program, applications may be filed at any time in the fiscal year, subject to funding availability and BFTDA Board approval. Initial applications need a Private Placement Memorandum (if available) and written responses to the Fund Questionnaire (Appendix A), submitted to dcedventureinvest@pa.gov, or by mail to DCED's BFTDA Venture Investment Program in Harrisburg if email is unavailable.
4. Direct general questions about PA-SSBCI to ra-dcpassbci@pa.gov.

Documents you’ll typically need

• Private Placement Memorandum, if available (Diverse Leaders Venture Program)
• Fund Questionnaire, Appendix A (Diverse Leaders Venture Program)
• Fund Questionnaire, Appendix B; Litigation Questionnaire, Appendix C (as requested)
• Quarterly Venture Capital Investment Metrics Report, Appendix D1, and PA Activity Report, Appendix D2 (ongoing reporting)

Frequently asked

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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.