News You Can Use

BCEDC is sharing this information on the County's new grant program.The new round of the Bucks County grant program is called the Bucks Business Recovery Grant, and will open for applications on Friday, October 29th, 2021 at 8:00am. The application window for this program will run for three weeks, closing Friday, November 19th, 2021 at 5:00pm. The Bucks Business Recovery Grant is funded through the Federal ARP Act of 2021, with a goal to aid local Bucks County Small Businesses to lessen the financial stress that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused. Additional information on how these funds are able to be spent, how applications are reviewed and more are available on our COVID-19 portal under the Economic Resource Portal. Please also be sure to...

For Real estate loans financing eligible land and building costs, borrowers will have the following interest rate options:  For term loans with a regular amortization;Fixed interest rate for the full term of the loan (up to a 15-yr. period), set at the current 10-year treasury yield + 100 basis points.  Based on the current 10-year treasury yield, the fixed rate option is 2.5% for the life of the loan.Fixed interest rate for a seven (7) year period set at the 10-year treasury yield.  After seven years, the rate will reset to the then-current 10-year treasury yield.  Please note, the reset rate is limited to a 200 basis point increase/decrease.  The reset rate is then fixed for the duration of the loan.  Based o...

Bucks County businesses impacted by damages caused by Hurricane Ida, can find helpful information here: www.buckscounty.gov/1339/Hurricane-Ida-Updates. Also, please contact the borough or municipality where your business is located to report damage and concerns. 

SEF has loans at an interest rate of 1% for renewable energy projects. Sustainable Energy Fund is able to provide loans at this rate thanks to Alternative Energy Compliance Payments from electric generation supplier defaults. This offer is for a limited time only and is for loans up to $100,000. Financing through this revolving loan fund is limited and funds will be disbursed on a first come first serve basis.  ACP Loan Criteria and Requirements In order to qualify for this loan, your project must generate renewable energy and be registered with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Alternative Energy Credit Program. Municipalities, nonprofits, and small businesses are eligible to apply. Loan Approval...

Attend a one-hour Zoom information session regarding the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program on September 9, 2021 at 11:00 AM. The session is FREE and so is the program. Invest in your business and take it to the next level. The free, 14-week program was designed by Babson College, the nation's top-ranked entrepreneurship school, and focuses on practical skills that small business owners can implement immediately to help grow their companies, increase revenue, and create jobs. The 8-to-10-hour weekly schedule includes out-of-class activities, assignments, networking events, and business clinics. All participants will create a customized growth plan for their business. We are looking to fill spots for Cohort 26, scheduled for mid-January. The d...

You're invited to participate in Kreischer Miller's semi-annual Center for Private Company Excellence Private Company Pulse Survey. This survey is intended to provide insight into the current sentiment of private company owners and executives, and the outlook for their businesses. The survey only takes about 5 minutes to complete and your participation would be greatly appreciated. Survey deadline is Tuesday, August 3rd. All information collected will remain completely confidential. Results will only be presented in aggregate form. Your company's identity and information will not be revealed in any publication or presentation of the survey results. If you'd like to receive a copy of the survey results once they are compiled, please provide ...

Save the date! Mark your calendars for an informative webinar on the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program on August 16, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Click here to register. Visit Bucks County, in partnership with the County of Bucks, is accepting grant applications for the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program. Beginning in 2008 and funded through a percentage of the County's tax on lodging, the program aims to increase visitation from outside Bucks County resulting in economic impact and supporting jobs. In accordance with Act 18 of 2016, the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program provides grants for projects for tourism marketing, promotion, product development, enhancement of attractions, special events and festivals that drive overnight travel to Bucks Cou...

BCEDC 62nd Annual Reorganization Meeting & Dinner September 29, 2021 NEW LOCATION! Indoor & Outdoor Venue Northampton Valley Country Club
 299 Richboro Road, Richboro, PA 18954
 www.northamptonvalleycountryclub.com

The Rates for the 3rd Quarter of 2021 are: For Real Estate loans financing eligible land and building costs, borrowers will have the following interest rate options: For term loans with a regular amortization: Fixed interest rate for the full term: 2.5%Fixed interest rate for a seven (7) year period: 1.5% For Equipment loans: 2.5% fixed rate for the full term of the loan. Rates are in effect until September 30, 2021, Call TODAY for more information, Jim, 484.352.4175

With many businesses upended and rethinking sales and growth strategies because of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact, the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce a complimentary year-long membership to former Pennridge Chamber of Commerce members, available for the asking through July 31. A regional approach to business could be a successful first step to going global, according to a recent Harvard Business Review report https://hbr.org/2005/12/regional-strategies-for-global-leadership. "Business has changed dramatically. Regions are competing on a global scale with the advent of ecommerce. To have [the entirety] Upper Bucks represented regionally makes the most sense," said Steven Noll, former Pennridge Chamber of Commer...

The IRS offers information to help small businesses understand and meet their tax responsibilities. This webinar will help small business owners understand: • Small Business Tax – Learn how to navigate federal taxes.• IRS Resources for Small Business - You need to know the basics so your business can run smoothly.• Mistakes to Avoid - Learn tips on how to help keep your small business out of tax trouble. This is a FREE webinar! Presenter: Leslie ChambersSenior Stakeholder Liaison, Internal Revenue Service Leslie Chambers is a Senior Stakeholder Liaison with the Internal Revenue Service. She represents the IRS at educational and taxpayer outreach events working with tax professionals, industry associations, small business owners, as well as ...

The program will be administered by the SBA. BCEDC will not be involved in the program. Economic relief prioritized for underserved communities SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman today announced key details on application requirements, eligibility, and a program guide for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RFF). The restaurant industry has been among the hardest-hit sectors during the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To help bring jobs back and revive the industry, the American Rescue Plan, signed into law by President Joe Biden, established the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA will administer the funds to the hardest-hit small restaurants. ...

1. The SBA will begin accepting SVOG applications on April 8. The SBA has launched a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal in anticipation of opening grant applications for the critical economic relief program on Thursday, April 8. 2. Register for the national SVOG webinar on March 30; submit questions by March 29. Prior to the SVOG applications opening on April 8, the SBA will host a national informational webinar to highlight the application process for potential eligible entities from 2:30 to 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 30. Potential applicants can suggest topics they'd like to see covered via e-mail to SVOGrant@sba.gov by 12 p.m. ET on Monday, March 29. The SBA will make every effort to address the quest...

Open to all Bucks businesses from all industries. April 29, 2021 9:00 am -11:00 am, Virtual Form Discussion Topics: Marketing, Business Diversification, Professional Development, Financial Assistance, Vaccines, Workforce Development, HumanResources Forum Objectives: Networking, Industry Communication, Brainstorming, Information Sharing, Support, Planning for the Future, Coordination Download Event Flyer Register Here

The Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant Program supports new and innovative training programs focusing on developing the skill sets of entry-level workers to better meet the needs of manufacturers with job openings. By collaboratively working with local manufacturers, the program works to identify and teach essential skills for existing and/or future workers, engage youth, and build awareness of the career opportunities that exist in the manufacturing industry.DCED is currently accepting grant applications. Applicants may request up to $200,000 to support the creation of short-term work readiness or job placement programs in manufacturing. Priority is given to programs for populations facing barriers to employment as defined by the Wo...

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under Act 1 of 2021 (SB 109), created an initiative known as the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP). Act 1 allocated $145 million in funding assistance to hospitality industry businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bucks County's allocations is $7.1 million. The Bucks County Economic Development Corporation (BCEDC) and the County of Bucks are working in partnership with the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority (BCRDA) and the Visit Bucks County (VBC) to administer, review and communicate information regarding the state funded Covid-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP). CHIRP Grant Applications will be accepted from midnight March 15th through April 2nd, 11:59...

In order to reach the smallest businesses, SBA will offer Paycheck Protection Program loans to businesses with fewer than 20 employees and sole proprietors only from Wednesday, February 24 through Wednesday, March 10, 2021. President Biden has also announced additional program changes to make access to PPP loans more equitable. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): 1. Find a lender: Get matched with a lenderSearch for lenders in your area 2. Identify a loan: First Draw PPP Loans: If you have not received a PPP loan before, First Draw PPP Loans are available to you.Second Draw PPP Loans: If you have previously received a PPP loan, certain businesses are eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan. Information from source via https://www.sba.gov/pa...

BCEDC will be administering the Hospitality Industry Recovery Program. BCEDC and the County of Bucks are working on the details of the process. The application window will open on March 15th. As designated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania the following NAICS codes will be eligible to apply accommodation subsector (721) or Food Services and Drinking Places subsector (722). If you are eligible and would like information when available, please sign up for more information. 

The PPL Foundation today announced the launch of the Powering a Brighter Future scholarship program to advance diversity, equity and inclusion and attract more women and minorities to careers that will help shape our energy future. The new program aims to award $1 million in scholarships over the next decade to qualifying individuals pursuing careers in engineering, information technology, and tech and trade roles. "As PPL works to advance a more sustainable energy future for all customers, we believe it's important that the people fueling that innovation, driving change, creating new customer programs and building tomorrow's energy infrastructure reflect the diversity of those we serve," said Ryan Hill, president of the PPL Foundation. "To...