About the PA CDFI BASC Microgrant Program
The PA CDFI BASC Microgrant Program helps historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs access business support, coaching, technical assistance, and funding opportunities to help grow and strengthen their businesses.
Through a statewide network of Business Assistance Service Centers (BASCs), the program provides resources such as one-on-one counseling, training, business planning support, and access to microgrants of up to $20,000. The program is delivered by the Pennsylvania CDFI Network in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the microgrant application process, highlighting key questions and offering tips to help you complete your application.
Applications open July 9, 2026, and close August 10, 2026.
Before You Start
Confirm You Meet Elligibility Requirements
Before you begin the application, make sure you and your business meet the eligibility requirements for the PA CDFI BASC Microgrant Program:
✓ Be a for-profit business operating in Pennsylvania
✓ Generate at least 51% of revenue within Pennsylvania
✓ Have fewer than 100 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
✓ Be currently operating at the time grant funds are awarded
✓ NOT be in active default on federal, state, or local taxes (unless you have a repayment plan in place)
✓ NOT be engaged in illegal activities
✓ NOT be a nonprofit, church, religious institution, government entity, or elected official office
✓ NOT be primarily engaged in lending, banking, financing, passive real estate investment, life insurance, political activities, or lobbying
Understand Program Priorities
The PA CDFI BASC Microgrant Program is designed to support historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs and businesses that may have faced barriers to accessing capital or business assistance.
Who qualifies as historically disadvantaged?
African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, persons with disabilities, veterans, and others with documented lack of access to finance or business assistance.
Program Priorities Factors:
Applicants should understand the program’s priority factors, as priority consideration is given to businesses that meet one or more of these criteria during the application review process.
- Are current or former borrowers or clients of participating CDFIs
- Generated less than $1 million in revenue during 2025
- Were established within the past 24 months
- Are located in a low-income Census tract
- Operate in counties with limited access to CDFI financing
Gather These Documents
Before you open the application, have these ready:
- Business and owner contact information
- Business location information
- 2025 business revenue information (or 2024 if you filed for a tax extension)
- Owner demographic information
- Time estimate: 10–15 minutes
Important: Only one application per business owner. If you own multiple businesses, choose your strongest one.
Four Main Sections
The PA CDFI BASC Microgrants application is organized into four main sections. In this post, we’ll walk through each one, explain what to expect, and highlight the questions that may require a little extra thought or clarification before you begin.
General Questions:
The beginning of the application asks general questions about you and your business. You’ll be asked how you heard about the program, whether you’ve previously worked with a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), and who is completing the application.
“How did you hear about this program?”
Select the option that best describes how you found out about the program. This helps the PA CDFI Network understand which marketing channels are most effective.
“Are you a borrower of a CDFI or have you received counseling, advising, training, or any business service assistance from a CDFI?”
This is a priority consideration. If you’ve worked with a CDFI, your application gets priority in the review process. Answer “Yes” if you’ve received a loan, counseling, training, or other services from a CDFI.
Section 1: Business Information
The Business Information section collects key details about your business. You’ll be asked to provide information about the business owner, your legal business name, operating history, number of full-time employees, and 2025 gross revenue. Be sure to use accurate information from your official business records and tax documents when completing this section.
“Legal Business Name”
Use the exact legal name from your Articles of Incorporation or LLC Operating Agreement. If you’re a sole proprietor, use your personal name (unless you filed a DBA).
“DBA/Trade Name (if applicable)”
Only enter a DBA if you officially filed it with the state. Don’t enter a nickname or informal name.
“What year did the business begin operations?”
Businesses established within the past 24 months are a priority category. If you started in 2024 or 2025, this helps your application.
“Number of Full-Time Employees (including owner)”
Full-time = 35+ hours per week. Count yourself if you work 35+ hours per week, plus all employees who work 35+ hours per week. You must have fewer than 100 full-time employees to qualify.
“2025 Business Gross Revenue”
Select the range that matches your 2025 gross revenue (gross revenue = total income before expenses) as reported on your tax return. This determines your grant award amount:
- $0 – $50,000 -> Up to $7,500 grant
- $50,001 – $500,000 -> Up to $12,500 grant
- $500,001 – $750,000 -> Up to $17,500 grant
- $750,001 – $1,000,000 -> Up to $20,000 grant
- $1,000,000+ → Not eligible
Section 2: Primary Owner Information
The Primary Owner Information section asks for details about the main owner of the business (the person who owns the largest percentage).
Key questions:
- Primary owner name, title, date of birth
- Is the primary owner’s home address the same as the business address?
- Primary owner email and phone
- Primary ownership percentage (must be 51% or higher)
Critical: If an owner of 20%+ is currently incarcerated, on probation, on parole, under indictment, or has certain disqualifying felony convictions, your business is ineligible.
Section 3: Primary Owner Information Continued
Section 3 continues the Primary Owner Information, collecting demographic information for program reporting and to confirm the owner’s historical disadvantage. This information is kept confidential.
Questions cover:
- Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin
- Race or races you identify with
- Current gender identity
- Sexual Orientation
- Veteran status
- Disability status
- Other documented disadvantages due to cultural, racial, chronic economic circumstances, or similar causes
Section 4: Certification
A designated representative of the business must certify that all information provided is accurate and truthful. This is a legal signature—you’re attesting to the accuracy of all information in the application.
Final Reminders Before You Submit
✓ Double-check all information for accuracy and consistency
✓ Verify your business address matches your business license and tax return
✓ Confirm your ownership percentage is 51% or higher
✓ Review your revenue range and ensure it matches your 2025 tax return
✓ Use consistent names throughout (legal name, DBA, owner name)
✓ Provide valid contact information you check regularly
✓ Only certify if everything is accurate, the PA CDFI Network will verify all claims
What Happens After You Submit
Once you submit your application, the PA CDFI Network will verify all information you provided, review your application against eligibility criteria and priority categories, and notify you of the decision via email or phone. Most decisions are made within 4–6 weeks of the application deadline (8/10/2026).
You’re ready. Apply with confidence.
Next Steps:
Apply for the PA CDFI BASC Microgrants
Register for the PA CDFI BASC Microgrants Q&A Webinar (July 23rd, 1pm – 2pm)
Learn More About the PA CDFI BASC Microgrants
