The First Industries Fund is a loan and loan guarantee program aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania’s tourism and agriculture industries.
Loan Guarantees — Loan guarantees of up to $2.5 million or 50% of the outstanding principal balance, whichever is less, are available for for-profit business enterprises and non-profit organizations engaged in tourism-related activities obtaining a loan from a commercial lending institution or community development financial institution.
Loans — Low-interest loans are available for tourism-related small businesses and certain public/private partnerships under the First Industries Small Business First (SBF) Program for Tourism and Agriculture (see Section IX of the SBF guidelines) and the First Industries Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund (MELF) Program for Tourism and Agriculture (see Section III of the MELF guidelines). Loan amounts of up to $200,000 or 50% of total eligible project costs, whichever is less, are available for land, buildings, machinery and equipment , and up to $100,000 or 50% of total eligible project costs, whichever is less, for working capital.
For the program guidelines and information on how to apply for funding.