Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP)
PREP, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, supports regional consortia to deliver integrated, science-based economic development services across Pennsylvania.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026 (work plan & budget submission) | September 2026 (invoice deadline) | May 2027 (budget revision requests)
Funding Amounts: Recent annual pool: $7.38M; typical awards support one-year regional work plans; no prescribed minimum/maximum per region.
Summary: Supports coordinated, regional economic development partnerships to streamline business services across Pennsylvania.
Key Information: Only one consolidated application per region; consortia must include core providers (IDO, LDD, SBDC).
Description
The Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP) program is a Pennsylvania statewide initiative designed to encourage regional collaboration among economic development service providers. Led by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), PREP aims to create a unified, efficient economic development delivery system that ensures businesses and entrepreneurs receive coordinated, high-quality support. Funding is provided to regional consortia—comprised of Industrial Development Organizations (IDOs), Local Development Districts (LDDs), and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)—to deliver integrated technical assistance, business counseling, and specialized services. The program emphasizes support for Pennsylvania’s priority industries, including agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, robotics, and technology.
