Welcome to the RISE (Regional Investment for Small Enterprise) grant application being administered by Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission on behalf of the HDBA program thru the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The RISE grant program is to provide assistance to rural small businesses to help them grow, strengthen their operations, and create new opportunities for success. Through the RISE program, eligible businesses may receive a reimbursable grant award of up to $5,000 subject to program requirements and eligible funding. Application period is from October 1-31, 2026. Questions about the grant can be directed to Cynthia Traore at traore@northerntier.org.
Eligible Use of Funds include items such as:
- Business registration
- Licensing and certification fees
- Equipment and machinery
- Marketing and advertising
- Website development and technology
- Inventory and supplies
- Working capital
- Professional services
- Insurance expenses
Ineligible Use of Funds include items such as:
- Debt repayment
- Payroll taxes
- Interest or finance charges
- Political, Lobbying, or religious activities
- Fines, penalties, or legal settlements
To start an application, please review the following Eligibility Criteria. Applicants must:
- Be a for-profit business located in one of the following Pennsylvania counties: Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, or Wyoming
Be owned and controlled (51% or more) by one or more Pennsylvania residents - Have fewer than 100 full-time employees
- File a Pennsylvania tax return
- Be in good standing with federal, state, and local taxes with no outstanding liens or judgments