Loans Available to City Businesses

The City’s loan programs are designed to create and retain jobs in Hazleton, thus enhancing the City’s tax base and improving the quality of life by providing a greater variety of businesses and services to our citizens. Assistance is provided through the Business Development Loan Program.

The City of Hazleton wishes to remind local businesses that they may be eligible to apply for a loan through one of several programs.  These are:

USDA Rural Business Enterprise

• amounts up to $10,000 or 50% of the project cost, whichever is less
• term is five years, 4% fixed interest, quarterly payments
• available for, but not limited to, such things as start-up inventory; office equipment and supplies; working capital; website development; technology and training; technical assistance; professional services and other projects not covered by other City loan programs
• one job must be created within 24 months of the loan closing
• available city-wide.

CDBG

• no specific limit on amount of loan, limited to 30% of project cost
• term is five to seven years, 4% fixed interest, quarterly payments
• available for, but not limited to, purchase of property and/or machinery/equipment
• one job must be created in first three years for every $35,000 borrowed
• available city-wide.

Enterprise Zone

• no specific limit on amount of loan, limited to 30% of project cost
• term is five to seven years, 4% fixed interest, quarterly payments
• available for, but not limited to, purchase of property and/or machinery/equipment, renovations, some working capital costs
• one job must be created in first three years for every $35,000 borrowed
• available in former Enterprise Zone area of city.

Façade Improvement

• amounts up to $5,000 or 50% of project cost, whichever is less
• term is two years, 0% interest (half payable on first anniversary, half on second)
• available for, but not limited to, exterior building improvements such as painting, siding, awnings, windows, doors, roof, sidewalks, and landscaping.  Some funds may be used for energy conservation improvements
• available city-wide.

Façade Improvement/Main Street

• amounts up to $15,000 or 50% of project cost, whichever is less
• term is five years, 3% fixed interest, quarterly payments
• available for, but not limited to, exterior building improvements such as painting, siding, awnings, windows, doors, roof, sidewalks, landscaping, and design fees
• available in Central Business District.

City of Hazleton companies interested in being considered for a loan should contact the Office of Economic Development at City Hall.  Carol DeStefano can be reached at 459-4967 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .  Lena Kotansky can be reached at 459-4947 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .