Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP)
Forecasted
Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP) funds Pennsylvania’s regional economic development networks to coordinate business assistance and referrals for existing businesses and entrepreneurs.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: One-year work plan; regional allocations determined by DCED; up to $45,000 for Coordinator activities; no match required
Summary: PREP funds regional economic development networks to coordinate business assistance, referrals, and client-focused services across Pennsylvania.
Key Information: Partnerships must include an IDO, SBDC, and LDD, except where no LDD serves the region; only one consolidated application per region.
Description
Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP), administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), supports coordinated economic development services across ten Pennsylvania regions. Grants help regional networks connect existing businesses and potential entrepreneurs with appropriate providers, document referrals, and deliver timely, integrated assistance. Networks may use formal partnerships, shared services, co-location, and coordinated outreach to improve customer service.
PREP supports existing programs and new initiatives addressing business financing, market expansion, entrepreneurship, management, workforce needs, site selection, broadband, and local economic development. The program advances Pennsylvania’s Ten-Year Strategic Plan for Economic Development, with priority resources directed toward Agriculture, Energy, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, and Robotics and Technology. Funding can also support Engage! business retention and expansion activities and efforts to promote Pennsylvania-made products.
