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Pennsylvania First Industries Fund (FIF)
Industry-Specific · Commonwealth Financing Authority, administered by DCED · PA
The Pennsylvania First Industries Fund is a state loan guarantee program, administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority and DCED, that helps agriculture and tourism businesses in Pennsylvania secure financing by guaranteeing part of a loan through an enrolled lender rather than providing direct grant money.
The Pennsylvania First Industries Fund (FIF) is a state loan guarantee program run by the Commonwealth Financing Authority and administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). It is not a cash grant. Instead, FIF guarantees a portion of a bank loan made to a Pennsylvania agriculture or tourism business, which helps businesses secure financing they might not otherwise qualify for on their own.
Under FIF, the state guarantees 50% of the outstanding loan principal, and for agricultural projects that guarantee can go as high as 90%. The maximum guarantee amount is up to $2.5 million. Funds tied to guaranteed loans can be used for land, buildings, equipment, and working capital needs tied to agriculture and tourism operations.
A key feature of this program is that businesses do not apply to the state directly. Instead, they work through a participating lending institution that is enrolled in the FIF program. The lender originates the loan, and the state's guarantee reduces the lender's risk, which can make approval easier or terms more favorable for the borrower.
This program matters to small business owners in Pennsylvania's agriculture and tourism industries because it can improve access to capital for land purchases, facility upgrades, equipment purchases, or working capital, without the business needing to put up as much collateral or take on unguaranteed risk alone.
Deadlines and specific award terms should be confirmed at the official DCED program page, since funding rounds and guarantee terms can change.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a loan guarantee program, not a cash grant — the state guarantees part of a loan made by a private lender.
Do I have to repay the money?
Yes, since the funding is a loan from a private lender; the state's role is only to guarantee part of the loan.
How much can I get?
The state guarantees 50% of the outstanding loan principal (up to 90% for agricultural projects), with a maximum guarantee of up to $2.5 million.
Who is eligible?
Agriculture and tourism businesses located in Pennsylvania that work through an enrolled participating lender.
Where do I apply?
You apply through a participating lending institution, not directly to the state; details are at https://dced.pa.gov/programs/first-industries-fund-fif/.
What is the deadline?
Check current rounds at the official source; a specific deadline is not listed here.
Who runs this program?
The Commonwealth Financing Authority, administered by the Pennsylvania DCED.
What can the funds be used for?
Land, buildings, equipment, and working capital for agriculture and tourism projects.
Is this available outside Pennsylvania?
No, this program is limited to Pennsylvania businesses.
Is the guarantee amount taxable?
Confirm at the source; this is not addressed in the available information.
Can I apply directly to the state?
No, applications go through an enrolled participating lender rather than directly to the state.
Does the guarantee percentage vary?
Yes, it is generally 50% but can be up to 90% for agricultural projects.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Commonwealth Financing Authority, administered by DCED; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.