New Main Street Matters program launched to aid Pa. businesses

A new $20 million Main Street Matters program supporting main streets, downtown business districts, small businesses, and local communities across Pennsylvania was announced Tuesday. 

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced the opening of the program, which was created by Gov. Josh Shapiro. Main Street Matters funding is available for community revitalization efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, and increased safety and security. Applications for Main Street Matters funding will be accepted through Nov. 15. 

“Pennsylvania’s downtowns and Main Streets are often windows into our past, but Governor Shapiro and I know they can be economic engines for our future,” Davis said in a statement. “Our ‘Main Street Matters’ program will invest in rebuilding Pennsylvania’s commercial business districts and revitalizing our communities to become places where businesses can grow, and families can thrive.” 

Main Street Matters will be administered by the DCED. Eligible applicants for the program include counties, cities, boroughs, townships, towns, and home rule municipalities; redevelopment and/or housing authorities; nonprofit organizations including economic development organizations and housing corporations; community development corporations; and business, neighborhood, and downtown improvement districts and authorities. 

“The $20 million for the new Main Street Matters program is one of many bold, meaningful investments in the Governor’s bipartisan budget aimed at making Pennsylvania more competitive, growing our economy, and strengthening our communities,” said Siger. “Main Street Matters will make downtowns more vibrant, help businesses thrive, and enable our main streets to achieve their full potential as economic hubs.” 

Program grants vary depending upon the application category. Funding can be used for community planning grants, façade grants, business improvement grants, district development grants, accessible housing grants.  

Funding is part of the 2024-25 bipartisan that seeks to make Pennsylvania more competitive economically. In addition to Main Street Matters, the budget includes the following: 

• $500 million for site development, including $400 million for the PA SITES (Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites) program. 

• $20 million in state funding for small minority-owned businesses in Pennsylvania. 

• $15 million for tourism marketing to boost the commonwealth’s economy, attract more visitors, and support family-sustaining jobs.