State Resources
Department of Agriculture
The Dept of Agriculture regulates and promotes the vitality of Pennsylvanian’s number one industry. From farmland preservation to food safety to agribusiness, the Department provides regulatory, technical, and some financial assistance to all sectors of agriculture in the Commonwealth.
Contact: (717) 787-4737
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Department of Banking and Securities
The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities is charged with the protection of state chartered financial institutions, the compliance with laws that impact financial service entities and the protection of consumers and investors. The Department offers a number of services and resources for businesses including but are not limited to secure email information, estimated assessment calculator, and entrepreneur education.
Contact: (717) 783-4721
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Department of Community and Economic Development
The Department of Community and Economic Development serves as the primary state agency tasked with promoting economic growth and helping businesses grow in Pennsylvania. DCED offers a wide range of financial and technical assistance programs. The services that they offer include but are not limited to regional contacts, job creation, business advice, low-interest loan and grant programs. DCED can assists both new and long-established businesses.
Contact: 1 (866) 466-3972
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Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
DEP administers a broad range of programs, rules and regulations that directly impact businesses in the commonwealth both large and small. The Department offers a number of grants and loan programs, including the Small Business Advantage Grant Program, which can help make businesses more energy efficient and/or compliant with environmental standards. The Department also has a Office of Small Business Ombudsman dedicated to assist owners in dealing with the agency.
Headquarters: (717) 783-2300
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Commonwealth Finance Authority
The CFA is a state authority that administers a variety of state economic development programs designed to promote projects that have significant job creation and retention impacts. The CFA also administers other grants and financial assistance programs include the Act 13 Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund Programs, such as the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Grant Program and the Watershed Restoration and Protection Grant Program (WRPP). Additionally, the CFA also administers various alternative energy and green infrastructure financial assistance programs. Staff support for the CFA is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Contact: 1 (866) 466-3972
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Department of General Services
DGS handles the day-to-day oversight of the buildings and property owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Everything from the procurement of goods and services to the maintenance of state facilities falls under the aegis of DGS. For any businesses looking to do business with the state and/or otherwise serve as a state contractor, they must first register with the Department of General Services.
Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP)
PREP is a program offered through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) that helps both new and long standing businesses address the goals and problems that come with owning a business. PREP offers services in financial, management, logistics, and growing a business.
Contact: Jeffrey Box – (570) 655-5581
Email: [email protected]
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Pennsylvania Department of State
The Pennsylvania Department of State is tasked with a number of administrative and ministerial responsibilities. Specifically, the agency handles the registration of certain types of businesses and the licensing of certain occupations.
Office of the Secretary: (717) 787-6458
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Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
PennDOT generally handles all transportation-related matters within the commonwealth. From licensing commercial drivers to registering business vehicles to offering grant programs that develop rail and aviation transportation facilities, PENNDOT has a direct impact on the growth of business within the Commonwealth.
Contact: 1 (800) 932-4600
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World Trade Center Harrisburg
The World Trade Center Harrisburg serves companies in central Pennsylvania by promoting global trade and delivering relevant educational programs, up-to-date trade information, practical trade assistance, and research & referral services for its members and clients to help them compete and prosper in a global economy.
Reading Office:
Greater Reading Economic Partnership
201 Penn Street #502,
Reading, PA 19601
Contact: (717) 843-1090
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