Welcome to the RISE (Regional Investment for Small Enterprise) grant application being administered by NEPA Alliance on behalf of the HDBA program through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The RISE Grant Program is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible small businesses to support business growth, strengthen operations, promote economic resilience, create and retain jobs, and expand opportunities for long-term success.
Through the RISE program, eligible businesses may receive a reimbursable grant award of up to $10,000 subject to program requirements and eligible funding. Application period is from November 1-30, 2026. Grant awards are based on eligibility and demonstrated need/use, not the order in which applications are received. Questions about the grant can be directed to Stephen Ursich at sursich@nepa-alliance.org.
Eligible Use of Funds include items such as:
- Business registration
- Licensing and certification fees
- Equipment and machinery
- Marketing and advertising
- Website development and technology
- Inventory and supplies
- Working capital
- Professional services
- Insurance expenses
Ineligible Use of Funds includes items such as:
- Debt repayment
- Payroll taxes
- Interest or finance charges
- Political, Lobbying, or religious activities
- Fines, penalties, or legal settlements
To start an application, please review the following Eligibility Criteria. Applicants must:
- Be a for-profit business located in one of the following Pennsylvania counties: Columbia, Lackawanna, Lycoming, Luzerne, Montour, Pike and Wayne
- Be owned and controlled (51% or more) by one or more Pennsylvania residents
- Have fewer than 100 full-time employees
- File a Pennsylvania tax return
- Be in good standing with federal, state, and local taxes with no outstanding liens or judgments