Business Opportunities Fund (BOF)

Installment loans, lines of credit and technical assistance for minority business enterprises, women-owned business enterprises and small businesses.

Guidelines

• PA-Business-Opportunities-Fund-March-2009.pdf

Uses

Cash flow (working capital) – Including most business operation and expansion expenses; Equipment – includes acquisition, delivery, installation, and renovation of new and used equipment; leasehold improvements; and acquisition of owner-occupied real estate. When necessary, the participating community development financial institutions ("CDFIs") will provide technical assistance to borrowers in procurement, certification as minority or women contractors, bonding and bid preparation.

Funding

There are no minimum or maximum loan sizes.

Eligibility

Any small business may apply, but the program will give priority to small businesses requiring capital and technical assistance in order to compete for governmental and private sector contracts. This program is open to businesses located in the following counties: Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Berks, Butler, Chester, Clarion, Crawford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Erie, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Indiana, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Mercer, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Washington, Westmoreland and York.

Terms

Interest rates and other terms and conditions are determined by the participating CDFIs.

Where to Apply

Daniel Betancourt, President and CEO Community First Fund 30 West Orange Street P.O. Box 524 Lancaster, PA 17608-0524 717) 393-2351 Mark Peterson, President Bridgeway Capital, Inc. 707 Grant Street, Suite 1920 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412)201-2450