Spark Wilkes-Barre Grant Program

The Spark Wilkes-Barre Grant Program was designed to generate economic development activity in the region by facilitating the growth of new companies and relocation of existing businesses to the City of Wilkes-Barre. The program provided financial incentives corresponding with completion of free business development curriculum modules.

Geographic Scope: City of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Focus Areas:

• Supporting entrepreneurs and startup businesses
• Facilitating business relocation to Wilkes-Barre
• Providing rent and parking fee assistance in year one of lease

Funding Source: City of Wilkes-Barre's American Rescue Plan Act's Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds

Administration: Administered by the Greater Wilkes-Barre Industrial Fund, powered by the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce and the City of Wilkes-Barre

Three Funding Tiers

Level 1: Startup - Incubator Tenant

• Definition: Entrepreneurs or startup businesses in existence for six months or less
• Requirements:
  • Initial consultation with Wilkes University SBDC (570-408-4340)
  • Complete business development training program (if recommended)
  • Enroll in Wilkes-Barre Connect Program
  • Minimum 24-month lease with participating location
  • Copy of Wilkes-Barre City business privilege/mercantile license
  • Completion of quarterly impact survey
• Use: Rent in year one of lease or employee parking fees only

Level 2: New Business - Brick & Mortar

• Definition: New businesses or startups (six months or less) opening a brick & mortar location
• Requirements:
  • Initial consultation with Wilkes University SBDC (570-408-4340)
  • Complete business development training program (if recommended)
  • Enroll in Wilkes-Barre Connect Program
  • Minimum 24-month lease with participating location
  • Copy of Wilkes-Barre City business privilege/mercantile license
  • Completion of quarterly impact survey
• Use: Rent/mortgage or acquisition in year one of lease or employee parking fees

Level 3: Existing Business Brick & Mortar Relocation

• Definition: Existing businesses located outside Wilkes-Barre relocating to the city
• Requirements:
  • Certificate of Good Standing (Commonwealth of PA)
  • Employee verification
  • Minimum 36-month lease with participating location
  • Copy of Wilkes-Barre City business privilege/mercantile license
  • Completion of quarterly impact survey
• Use: Rent/mortgage or acquisition in year one of lease

Compliance: Funds subject to program agreement; may be revoked if grantee fails to comply with requirements

• Phone: 570-823-2101
• Address: 8 West Market Street, Suite 1120, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
• Email: info@wyomingvalleychamber.org