Progress, Pennsylvania Services & Businesses

Pennsylvania has approved more than $4.9 million in low-interest financing to support business expansion, manufacturing investment, commercial property improvements, and childcare services across four counties.

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development announced November 5 that five loans were approved through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, commonly known as PIDA.

The financing supports projects in Bedford, Blair, Lancaster, and Lehigh counties. Together, the projects represent approximately $19.3 million in planned investment, with commitments to create 15 full-time jobs and retain another 224 existing positions.

The investments demonstrate how state-backed financing can support businesses with different needs, from acquiring production facilities to expanding services that help working families.

Bedford County: Childcare Center Plans Expansion

The Bedford County Development Association received approval for a $401,760 loan to develop approximately 9,000 square feet within its business center.

The project will provide a larger facility for Burkett’s Watch Me Grow daycare center.

The expansion is designed to increase the center’s capacity from 65 to 100 children, creating 35 additional childcare spaces.

Plans include five classrooms, nine restrooms, a commercial kitchen, offices, storage areas, and outdoor recreation space.

The total project cost is approximately $1 million.

Although the announcement does not identify new employment commitments associated with the childcare expansion, the additional capacity could help local families maintain employment by increasing access to childcare services.

Blair County: Food Manufacturer Invests in Warehouse Property

DelGrosso Foods received approval for a $1.6 million loan to purchase a 78,500-square-foot warehouse at 150 Enterprise Campus Drive in Altoona.

The project has a total estimated cost of $3.2 million.

According to the state, the property purchase will allow the company to replace an existing capital lease payment with a smaller debt-service payment.

DelGrosso Foods has committed to retaining 196 full-time positions over three years.

The announcement does not identify additional jobs associated with this project.

Lancaster County: Sweet Shoppe Business Plans New Production Facility

Hummingbird Launch LLC received approval for a $750,000 loan to acquire property at 209 Hazel Street in Lancaster.

The building will support expanded operations for Stroopies, Inc. and Lancaster Sweet Shoppe LLC.

The project includes increased production capacity, a new Sweet Shoppe café, and accommodations for bus tours and visiting groups.

The total investment is estimated at $2.3 million.

The company has committed to creating three full-time jobs and retaining seven existing positions within three years.

The expansion combines food production with additional retail and visitor-oriented business activity.

Lehigh County: New Bottling and Packaging Facility Planned

MillPress Real Estate Holdings received approval for two loans totaling approximately $2.2 million to support a new facility in Bethlehem.

The project involves acquiring land and developing a 49,920-square-foot building at 1550 Spillman Drive.

The facility will house MillPress Imports LLC and include specialized bottling and packaging equipment.

The planned production line will integrate filling, labeling, sealing, and conveyor operations.

The overall project is valued at approximately $12.8 million.

MillPress Imports has committed to creating 12 full-time jobs and retaining 21 existing positions within three years.

Financing Available for Business Development

PIDA provides low-interest loans and credit facilities for eligible Pennsylvania businesses undertaking qualifying development projects.

Financing may support property acquisition, construction, renovations, equipment purchases, and certain working-capital needs.

The five loans announced November 5 have already been approved for specific projects. They do not represent a newly opened grant application period.

For Pennsylvania business owners considering expansion, the announcement illustrates the types of investments that may qualify for financing through the state’s economic development programs.

The projects also show how relatively modest employment increases ...

Pennsylvania’s state parks generated an estimated $1.2 billion in visitor spending during 2025, supporting businesses and employment in communities throughout the state.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources released the findings October 29, 2026, following a study conducted by researchers at Pennsylvania State University.

The research examined economic activity associated with visits to Pennsylvania’s 125 state parks.

According to the study, visitor spending directly supported 11,712 jobs and generated approximately $457 million in labor income.

The findings provide new information about the economic relationships between outdoor recreation, tourism, and businesses operating near public parks.

Visitor Spending Supports Local Businesses

Pennsylvania’s state parks are free to enter, allowing visitors to access recreational areas without paying admission fees.

However, visitors frequently spend money on goods and services during their trips.

The study found that visitors spent an average of $31.60 per person per day.

Restaurants, gasoline, and groceries were among the leading spending categories.

These purchases support businesses located in communities surrounding state parks.

Other businesses, including lodging providers, outdoor equipment retailers, and recreational service operators, may also serve visitors depending on the destination.

Researchers found that the spending examined in the study occurred within 50 miles of Pennsylvania state parks.

Nearly three-quarters of spending associated with park trips came from Pennsylvania residents.

This indicates that state parks support economic activity generated by both residents and visitors traveling within the state.

Economic Activity Supports Thousands of Jobs

Researchers estimated that visitor spending directly supported 11,712 jobs throughout Pennsylvania.

When additional economic effects were included, the estimated impact increased to 15,687 supported jobs.

The study also estimated that visitor spending contributed approximately $2.1 billion in total economic sales activity.

This broader figure includes direct spending and additional economic activity generated as businesses and workers spend money within the economy.

Researchers estimated that these combined activities generated approximately $770 million in labor income.

The study also calculated approximately $85.3 million in state tax revenue associated with park visitor spending during 2025.

These figures represent economic estimates rather than direct government payments to businesses.

State Parks Generate Economic Activity Beyond Operating Budgets

The research found that Pennsylvania’s state parks generated approximately $16.05 in economic impact for every dollar invested by the Commonwealth.

That compares with $12.41 reported in an earlier study.

The latest research included surveys of more than 4,000 park visitors and updated economic modeling methods.

Because the studies used different methodologies, the figures should not be interpreted as a precise measure of annual economic growth.

Instead, they illustrate the estimated economic activity associated with public investment in state parks.

Park Improvements Continue Throughout Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has committed more than $238 million since January 2023 toward improvements involving state parks and forests.

Recent projects include a $7.5 million visitor center at Marsh Creek State Park in Chester County and a $6 million infrastructure project at Delaware Canal State Park in Bucks County.

Additional investments involve visitor facilities, campground improvements, accessibility, and recreational infrastructure.

These projects are separate from the visitor spending figures reported in the economic study.

What the Findings Mean for Small Businesses

The research highlights the relationship between outdoor recreation and commercial activity in nearby communities.

Businesses located near popular parks may serve customers purchasing meals, fuel, groceries, accommodations, and recreational services.

However, the statewide findings do not establish specific revenue amounts for individual businesses or communities.

The economic effects will vary depending on park visitation, available services, and local business activity.

For Pennsylvania communities, the study provides additional evidence that public recreational destinations contribute to employment and commercial ...

Businesses in six southwestern Pennsylvania counties may now qualify for federal disaster financing following severe storms and flash flooding that occurred September 12–20, 2026.

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency announced October 27 that the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved a disaster declaration providing access to low-interest loans for qualifying businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters.

The declaration covers Washington County and the surrounding counties of Allegheny, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, and Westmoreland.

Eligible businesses may apply for financing to address physical damage or qualifying economic losses associated with the disaster.

Business Loans Can Reach $2 Million

The SBA Disaster Loan Program provides financing to help businesses recover from qualifying disasters.

Businesses and most private nonprofit organizations may apply for loans of up to $2 million to address eligible disaster losses not fully covered by insurance.

The financing may help qualifying borrowers repair or replace damaged business property and recover from other covered physical losses.

The program also includes Economic Injury Disaster Loans, commonly called EIDLs.

These loans are intended to help eligible small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations address substantial economic injury resulting from the disaster.

Economic injury financing can help qualifying organizations meet financial obligations and operating expenses they would have been able to cover if the disaster had not occurred.

These are repayable loans, not grants.

Individual loan amounts and repayment terms depend on eligibility, documented losses, and the SBA’s review process.

Two Important Application Deadlines

The SBA has established separate application deadlines for physical damage and economic injury.

Applications for physical disaster damage must be submitted by December 22, 2026.

Applications for economic injury disaster loans must be submitted by July 23, 2027.

Businesses should determine which assistance category applies to their circumstances before submitting an application.

The SBA offers repayment terms of up to 30 years, with individual terms determined according to the borrower’s financial situation and ability to repay.

Approval is not automatic.

Businesses must provide documentation supporting their losses and satisfy applicable lending requirements.

Six Counties Included

The disaster declaration covers Washington, Allegheny, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, and Westmoreland counties.

However, operating within one of these counties does not automatically qualify a business for financing.

Applicants must demonstrate eligible losses associated with the September 12–20 storms.

Businesses that experienced interruptions, property damage, or other qualifying economic effects should review the official SBA requirements.

Local Assistance Center Opens October 28

The SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in South Strabane Township on October 28.

The center will operate at the South Strabane Township Administration Building, located at 550 Washington Road in Washington, Pennsylvania.

Business owners can visit the center for assistance understanding loan requirements and preparing applications.

Visiting the center is not required.

Applications can also be submitted through the SBA’s disaster assistance process.

The outreach center is scheduled to close permanently on November 10.

Business owners can request additional information from the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955.

For qualifying businesses across southwestern Pennsylvania, the newly approved disaster declaration provides access to financing intended to support recovery from September’s flooding.

Creative entrepreneurs throughout Pennsylvania have an opportunity to apply for business development grants through an updated state program offering financial assistance and professional support.

The Pennsylvania Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program is accepting applications for its 2026–2027 funding cycle, with two grant categories offering awards of up to $4,000 and $17,000.

Applications opened October 1 and will remain available through December 31, 2026.

The program supports qualifying for-profit creative businesses seeking to expand operations, reach new customers, improve financial stability, or contribute to their communities.

Two Grant Opportunities Available

The updated program provides two funding categories designed for businesses at different stages of development.

The Growth Grant offers up to $4,000 to qualifying creative businesses with annual gross revenue between $10,000 and $2 million.

This funding is intended to support business development activities that improve long-term sustainability and financial resilience.

The Impact Grant offers up to $17,000 to established creative businesses with annual gross revenue between $50,000 and $2 million.

Impact Grant applicants must demonstrate how their proposed investment will support business growth while producing meaningful benefits for their communities.

Potential community benefits include creating jobs, expanding business activity in underserved neighborhoods, or bringing commercial activity to underutilized properties.

Both grant categories are competitive.

Which Businesses Qualify?

The program covers a broad range of creative industries.

Eligible businesses may include advertising agencies, graphic designers, photographers, architects, artists, publishers, filmmakers, musicians, content creators, and digital game developers.

Other qualifying businesses include craft producers, fashion designers, entertainment companies, and certain creative service providers.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have lived in Pennsylvania for at least one year.

They must also have operated their businesses in Pennsylvania for at least one year.

Eligible business structures include sole proprietorships, limited liability companies, partnerships, and corporations.

Applicants must provide documentation supporting their business operations and reported revenue.

Businesses without the required operating history or minimum revenue are not eligible for this funding cycle.

What Can Grant Money Cover?

Funding can support qualifying expenses associated with business growth.

Examples include marketing, promotional activities, professional development, research, equipment purchases, technology improvements, and participation in trade shows.

Certain studio, rehearsal, and retail space expenses may also qualify when they support approved development activities rather than routine operating costs.

Grant funds cannot be used to cover ordinary payroll, regular business expenses, political activities, or unrelated expenditures.

Unlike reimbursement-only programs, approved recipients receive funding before completing their eligible project expenses, subject to required documentation and program conditions.

Business Coaching Is Also Available

The program includes professional development resources.

Impact Grant recipients must participate in a two-month business development cohort that includes virtual group sessions and individual coaching.

Growth Grant recipients may access optional technical assistance.

The program is administered statewide by Bridgeway Capital in collaboration with Pennsylvania Creative Industries.

Applicants can also seek free assistance from Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers when preparing their applications.

Applications Close December 31

Businesses may apply for both grant categories when they meet the requirements, but they can receive only one award during the funding cycle.

Applications are submitted through the Keystone Creatives website.

The deadline is December 31, 2026, at 9 p.m. Eastern Time.

Applicants are expected to receive funding decisions around March 1, 2027.

For eligible Pennsylvania creative businesses, the program offers financial assistance intended to support expansion, business development, and community investment.

ennsylvania businesses and property owners will receive additional protections when hiring public insurance adjusters under legislation approved by Governor Josh Shapiro.

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department announced the changes October 23, 2026, following the approval of House Bill 1972, now Act 77 of 2026.

The legislation establishes limits on public adjuster fees, strengthens licensing requirements, and introduces additional protections intended to prevent conflicts of interest during insurance claims.

The changes are particularly relevant to businesses and property owners recovering from fires, storms, flooding, and other covered property losses.

New Law Establishes Fee Limits

One of the legislation’s most significant provisions involves limits on compensation charged by public adjusters.

Under the new law, public adjuster fees will be capped at 10% for catastrophic claim settlements and 20% for other qualifying insurance claim settlements.

These limits apply to public adjusters hired to represent policyholders during the claims process.

Public adjusters are different from insurance company employees who investigate claims on behalf of insurers.

A business owner might hire a public adjuster after experiencing substantial property damage to help document losses, prepare a claim, and negotiate with an insurance company.

The new fee limits are intended to establish clearer boundaries around the compensation charged for those services.

Additional Contract Protections Introduced

The legislation also changes requirements governing contracts between public adjusters and their customers.

Public adjusters will be required to provide clearer disclosures explaining their services, compensation, and contractual responsibilities.

The law expands cancellation rights, allowing policyholders additional time to reconsider certain agreements signed after a loss.

It also restricts contract provisions that could improperly direct insurance payments away from the policyholder.

These changes are intended to make agreements easier to understand before a customer commits to professional claims assistance.

For business owners, reviewing the compensation structure and contractual terms remains an important part of hiring an adjuster.

Stronger Licensing and Conflict-of-Interest Rules

The legislation increases oversight of public adjusters operating in Pennsylvania.

Insurance companies will be required to verify that individuals acting as public adjusters are properly licensed and report suspected unlicensed activity.

The law also strengthens restrictions involving financial interests in property repairs and reconstruction.

Public adjusters will be prohibited from maintaining certain financial interests in repair or restoration work associated with claims they handle.

These provisions are designed to separate the responsibility of negotiating an insurance settlement from financial incentives associated with performing the resulting repairs.

Additional licensing and bonding requirements will also apply.

What Business Owners Should Know

Commercial property owners may encounter public adjusters after events involving damage to buildings, equipment, inventory, or other insured property.

Before hiring an adjuster, businesses should verify licensing information, review the proposed fee arrangement, and understand what services are included.

Owners should also confirm whether their insurance policy provides coverage for the specific loss.

Hiring a public adjuster does not guarantee that an insurance company will approve a claim or increase its settlement offer.

Businesses with complicated claims may also need assistance from attorneys, accountants, contractors, or other qualified professionals.

Changes Take Effect in 2027

Act 77 was approved October 22, 2026, and provides for an effective date 180 days after enactment, in April 2027.

Businesses and public adjusters should review the final legislation and implementation guidance before assuming the new requirements apply to an existing contract.

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department provides assistance to consumers and businesses with insurance questions and complaints.

For Pennsylvania business owners, the legislation establishes additional protections intended to make the public adjusting process more transparent and limit certain fees associated with recovering from ...