Microgrants are a major help to small businesses in NEPA

Hundreds of small businesses across Northeastern Pennsylvania are poised to benefit from a $1 million investment to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA Alliance). The funds come through the Commonwealth’s Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program and are part of a broader $15 million initiative creating 10 microgrant programs to help small firms start, stabilize, or expand.

Targeted support for small firms

The microgrant initiative is designed to meet small businesses where they are, offering modest but meaningful injections of capital that can unlock growth. Funding may help cover startup costs, equipment purchases, inventory, operational improvements, and other essentials that are often hard to finance through traditional means. The programs will be administered through trusted partners such as service centers, regional economic development organizations, and institutions of higher education to ensure resources reach businesses efficiently and equitably.

Regional delivery through local partners

In NEPA, the NEPA Alliance will lead the effort in partnership with the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission, the Wilkes University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the University of Scranton SBDC. Together, these organizations will develop and deploy the program throughout the region, leveraging on-the-ground experience to guide outreach and technical assistance.

Counties served include:

• Tioga
• Bradford
• Susquehanna
• Lycoming
• Sullivan
• Wyoming
• Lackawanna
• Wayne
• Pike
• Montour
• Columbia
• Luzerne

Grant size and expected reach

Individual awards are expected to top out around $10,000, with many grants coming in below that amount to stretch the dollars to more businesses. Regional leaders anticipate helping a few hundred firms through a combination of direct grants and hands-on technical support. Beyond the cash, the program is structured to connect entrepreneurs with critical services, such as accounting assistance, human resources training, and loan packaging guidance—areas where many small businesses lack time, expertise, or capital.

Why it matters for NEPA’s economy

State officials emphasize that small businesses are central to Pennsylvania’s economic health. By channeling microgrants through local, well-established partners, the initiative aims to deliver resources quickly to firms that need them most. NEPA Alliance’s “boots-on-the-ground” approach has earned continued support because it pairs funding with relationships and know-how, helping businesses overcome obstacles that can stall growth.

Application help and planning support

As program guidelines are finalized, the region’s SBDCs are preparing to help entrepreneurs navigate applications and strengthen proposals. Effective planning can magnify the impact of relatively small grants. Strategic investments in equipment upgrades, inventory, and process improvements can improve cash flow, productivity, and long-term stability. With expert guidance, business owners can align funding requests with concrete milestones and measurable outcomes.

Real-world impact: a local success story

The potential of this model is already evident in the experience of Brock Sambolec, founder of Hanover Township–based Brock Metal Fabrication and Brock Construction Group. Over several years, NEPA Alliance’s support with procurement opened doors to government contracting opportunities that accelerated growth. The organization also helped the company secure startup capital to owner-finance a property and complete building renovations—critical steps that strengthened its operating base.

As the company evolved, it expanded from general construction into metal fabrication and then into mass manufacturing, supplying components to a range of industries. In a recent three-month span, the firm produced 185,000 parts for a concrete form company—an example of how targeted assistance, paired with entrepreneurial drive, can scale local capacity and create new opportunities.

What businesses can do now

• Start gathering key documents such as basic financials, a short business plan or growth outline, and quotes for equipment or inventory.
• Identify clear priorities for how a microgrant would be used and the outcomes it would drive (e.g., new hires, increased output, efficiency gains).
• Connect early with regional partners like NEPA Alliance and the SBDCs to understand timelines, eligibility, and best practices for a strong application.

With a blend of capital, coaching, and community-based delivery, microgrants can be a powerful catalyst for small firms. By focusing on practical needs and pairing funding with local expertise, this investment is set to help NEPA’s entrepreneurs build resilience, compete more effectively, and create jobs throughout the region.