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    Funding for Creative Small Businesses and Creative Entrepreneurs

    Creative Business Loan Fund

    The Creative Business Loan Fund provides $2.6 million in the form of affordable, flexible financing for small, creative businesses across the commonwealth. Loan amounts vary, ranging from a few thousand dollars to an average loan size of $110,000. Larger requests are considered. 

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    Program Overview

    The Creative Business Loan Fund is made possible through the PCA's partnership with Bridgeway Capital, Rising Tide Community Loan Fund, and Community First Fund, three community development financial institutions (CDFIs) located across Pennsylvania. This fund provides $2.6 million in the form of affordable, flexible financing to small, creative businesses across the commonwealth.

    Inspiration for creation of this fund stemmed from the PCA's awareness of a growing need for financial support for creative small businesses, which are important drivers of employment and economic vibrancy. Creative, for-profit businesses add to the state's economic activity and, if supported, will be positioned to play a critical role in helping Pennsylvania's cities and towns recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic.

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    Learn More

    2024-2025 PCA Creative Business Loan Fund RFP (PDF)

    Eligible Uses

    Eligible uses for Creative Business Loans include:

    • Working capital;
    • Equipment purchases;
    • Renovations to retail,
    • Production, or office space; and,
    • In limited cases, building acquisitions.

    What is a creative business?

    Under the program's definition, creative businesses include craft manufacturers, arts schools, architecture, design and fabrication firms, media companies, and visual and performing arts production agencies.

    Loan Fund Management

    The fund is managed by Bridgeway Capital, Rising Tide Community Loan Fund, and Community First Fund, each holding a defined percentatge of responsibility for deploying available loan capital and providing small business technical assistance in their respective regions.