Main Street Matters applications being accepted for Pa. small businesses, downtowns

The Shapiro administration announced applications are being accepted for Main Street Matters funding to support downtown revitalization and small business growth.

Gov. Josh Shapiro secured $20 million for the Main Street Matters program in the 2026-27 budget he signed on July 12.

“Main streets and small businesses are the heart of our communities — fueling economic growth across Pennsylvania,” Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger said in a statement. “Governor Shapiro created the Main Street Matters program to keep our downtowns healthy and thriving. Thanks to the governor’s efforts to secure $20 million for the program in the 2026-27 budget, Pennsylvania’s rural, urban, and suburban communities will continue to receive the support they need to attract visitors, businesses, and residents and be successful for years to come.”

DCED is accepting funding applications through Aug. 31. Eligible applicants include local governments, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofit organizations, community development corporations, and business/neighborhoods/downtown improvement districts.

Community revitalization efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, and the increase of safety and security are all supported by Main Street Matters funding. Specific uses include planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants.

Created in 2024 as part of Governor Shapiro’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy, Main Street Matters supports Pennsylvania’s downtown cores and surrounding neighborhoods with the tools needed to create healthy, vibrant, and welcoming communities, according to a release. More than $34 million has been invested in 137 revitalization projects through the Main Street Matters program since its creation.

As part of the program, communities can apply to become a designated Main Street or Elm Street. Designation creates the opportunity for targeted investment and development through the identification of specific needs for investment and/or the design, development, and implementation of a strategy to address those needs.

The Shapiro administration earlier this year awarded over $17.2 million across 56 community projects that strengthen local economies and support downtown revitalization efforts. In its latest round of funding, Main Street Matters received more than 220 applications requesting more than $68 million, an indication of the growing need for sustained investment.