Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program (HDBA Grants)

Geographic Scope: Pennsylvania

Focus Areas:

• Historically disadvantaged businesses
• Small business assistance
• Direct financial support for eligible businesses

Overview:
The PA CDFI Network administers a Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program providing grants to eligible historically disadvantaged businesses across Pennsylvania.

Application Timeline:

• Applications submitted through online application window
• Evaluation and preliminary eligibility assessment conducted at close of application window
• Eligible applications prioritized according to program-defined criteria
• Selected applicants contacted via email by Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) Processing Team
• Information Request emails sent on rolling basis weeks after application window closes
• Information Request notifications expected to begin in mid-March and continue until May 31 (based on 2024 cycle)
• Applicants have 10 business days to provide requested documentation and information
• Applications not completed within 10 business days withdrawn from consideration

Important Notes:

• Submitting an application does not guarantee eligibility or funding
• Processing handled by Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) - all sender emails end in "@crfusa.com"

Application Process

1. Submit Online Application
   • Complete and submit application through online application window
   • Identify contact person for the application
2. Preliminary Evaluation
   • PA CDFI Network evaluates applications at close of application window
   • Identifies applications meeting preliminary program eligibility
   • Prioritizes eligible applications according to program-defined criteria
3. Receive Information Request (if selected)
   • Selected applicants contacted via email by Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) Processing Team
   • Sender email address will end in "@crfusa.com"
   • Information Request emails sent on rolling basis weeks after application window closes
   • Expected timeline: Notifications begin mid-March and continue until May 31
4. Submit Documentation
   • Log into grant processing platform
   • Upload required documentation
   • Input additional information as requested
   • Deadline: Must provide requested information and documentation within 10 business days of receiving Information Request email
   • Applications not completed within 10 business days will be withdrawn from consideration
5. Notification of Status
   • If Information Request email is not received, application was not selected for further processing

Important Notes:

• Submitting an application is not an indication of eligibility
• Submitting does not mean application will receive funding
• Contact person will receive email confirmation and anticipated next steps after submission