PITTSBURGH, PA — The Shapiro-Davis Administration has officially opened applications for the Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program, setting the stage for a groundbreaking initiative to support small, minority-owned, and historically disadvantaged businesses across Pennsylvania. Leaders from the state government, including Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Rick Siger, unveiled the program during a press announcement on Monday, emphasizing its potential to transform economic opportunities for underserved communities.
“This program isn’t just about funding—it’s about leveling the playing field,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “My Administration and I are committed to breaking down barriers to progress and helping historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs build generational wealth. Pennsylvania is open for business, and we’re here to ensure small, diverse businesses have the tools to thrive.”
A Lifeline for Small Businesses
The Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program aims to establish Business Assistance Service Centers throughout Pennsylvania. These centers will provide vital resources, including technical assistance, business advisory services, and increased access to capital. Eligible entities—such as non-profits, economic development organizations, and educational institutions—can apply for funding through January 22, 2025. The program’s competitive application process ensures at least one Business Assistance Service Center will be launched in every region of the state.
For years, small businesses owned by minorities and historically disadvantaged groups have faced significant hurdles, including limited access to financial resources and systemic barriers within traditional economic ecosystems. This program intends to help dismantle those blockades. By empowering small, diverse business owners, the state is not just investing in individual entrepreneurs—it is directly fueling economic equity and long-term community growth.
“When we invest in minority communities and help historically disadvantaged businesses in those neighborhoods, we’re not just supporting job creation—we’re building ladders of opportunity,” Lt. Gov. Austin Davis said passionately. “This Administration will never leave any community behind.”
Breaking Barriers and Building Wealth
At its core, this program recognizes that thriving communities are built on diverse, empowered small businesses. It’s a bold declaration that Pennsylvania values entrepreneurs who have too often been overlooked by conventional support systems. To ensure sustainable impact, Business Assistance Service Centers will focus not only on helping businesses start but also providing ongoing support to grow and scale effectively. Services include fostering access to capital and facilitating partnerships with lenders and investors.
Funded through the bipartisan 2024-25 state budget championed by Governor Shapiro, the program represents a stark contrast to outdated economic strategies that have left minority-owned businesses on the margins.
“The Commonwealth must support our small, minority-owned businesses because when they succeed, our communities thrive and Pennsylvania’s economy grows,” said Secretary Rick Siger. His comments underscored the broader societal and economic implications of empowering historically disadvantaged business owners to not only survive but also flourish.
A Ripple Effect Across the State
The implications of this initiative are clear and expansive. By backing historically disadvantaged businesses, Pennsylvania is investing in the revitalization of underserved neighborhoods. Filling vacant storefronts, creating jobs, and breathing new life into local economies are just the starting points. This initiative also addresses the deeper need for economic justice—ensuring that previously sidelined communities have a real stake in the future.
“When we created the Historically Disadvantaged Business Program four years ago, we believed that our investments should be a reflection of our values,” said Senator Vincent Hughes, Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair. “When someone gets the resources to open a barber shop or reclaim a vacant shop for their dream business, it benefits an entire neighborhood. This program has been a lifeline for those left out by traditional funding. I’m proud to see its legacy grow.”
Looking ahead, organizations that successfully establish Business Assistance Service Centers will be eligible for additional funding in spring 2025. These grants are earmarked to further expand their impact by launching micro-grant programs to support start-ups, mitigate operational costs, and empower businesses to scale effectively.
Why It Matters
This program is more than an initiative—it’s a statement of intent. Supporting historically disadvantaged businesses is a direct investment in Pennsylvania’s future. It’s about creating resilient, self-sufficient neighborhoods where opportunity isn’t a privilege reserved for a select few, but a right extended to those willing to work for it. The Shapiro-Davis Administration has made it clear—they’re not just talking about inclusion; they’re acting on it.
The Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program doesn’t just help individual entrepreneurs—it sends a resounding message to all Pennsylvanians. Building a fair and inclusive economy is an achievable goal, and the program provides the roadmap to get there.
By removing long-standing barriers and injecting opportunity into the backbone of the economy—small businesses—this initiative has the power to change lives, neighborhoods, and the state itself. Entrepreneurs across Pennsylvania now have the backing to take bold steps forward, creating jobs, building wealth, and paving the way for a more equitable economy.
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