Shapiro Administration Invests More Than $4.9 Million Through New PIDA Loans to Create Jobs, Help Businesses Grow in Four Counties

The projects supported by these loans through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) will inject more than $19.3 million into the economy, create 15 new jobs, and retain 224 existing positions.

Since the Shapiro Administration took office in 2023, PIDA has approved $195,462,476 in low-interest loans that have resulted in $498,055,384 in private investment, the creation of 1,645 full-time jobs, and the retention of 3,476 existing jobs.

Harrisburg, PA - Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced the approval of more than $4.9 million in five new, low-interest loans through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) to help support business growth in Bedford, Blair, Lancaster, and Lehigh counties. Together, these projects will inject more than $19.3 million into the local economy, create 15 new, full-time jobs, and retain 224 existing jobs.

Governor Josh Shapiro is making Pennsylvania an economic development leader by investing in growing businesses, supporting manufacturing and other key industries, and creating real opportunities for Pennsylvanians.

"The Shapiro Administration is not only investing in Pennsylvania businesses, but also communities and families across the Commonwealth," said Secretary Siger. "These PIDA loans will support four businesses, adding 15 new jobs, retaining 224 more, and give these communities an economic boost they need. These investments are improving lives and clearing a path to economic success for the Commonwealth."

Since the Shapiro Administration took office in 2023, PIDA has approved $195,462,476 in low-interest loans that have resulted in $498,055,384 in private investment, the creation of 1,645 full-time jobs, and the retention of 3,476 existing jobs.

PIDA provides low-interest loans and lines of credit for eligible businesses that commit to creating and retaining full-time jobs, as well as for the development of industrial parks and multi-tenant facilities. Loans can be used for: land and building acquisitions; construction and renovation costs; machinery and equipment purchases; working capital and accounts receivable lines of credits; multi-tenant facility projects; and industrial park projects.

The approved projects are as follows:

Bedford County 

• Bedford County Development Association was approved for a 10-year, $401,760 loan at a 4.50 percent reset interest rate to assist with the buildout of approximately 9,000 square feet within the BCDA Business Center and provide a new and larger facility to allow Burkett's Watch Me Grow daycare center expand its capacity from 65 to 100 children, creating access for 35 additional children and helping working families remain in the workforce. This project includes the construction and buildout of a 9,000-square-foot daycare center that includes five classrooms, nine restrooms, commercial kitchen facility, office, conference room, storage space, and outdoor recreation area. The total project cost is $1,004,400.

Blair County 

• DelGrosso Foods, Inc., through the Altoona-Blair County Development Corporation, was approved for a 15-year, $1,604,989 loan at a 5.25 percent reset interest rate to assist with the purchase of a 78,500-square-foot warehouse located at 150 Enterprise Campus Drive in Altoona. The purchase of the warehouse will eliminate a capital lease payment in exchange for a smaller debt service payment. DelGrosso Foods, Inc. committed to retaining 196 full-time jobs within three years. The total project cost is $3,209,978.

Lancaster County 

• Hummingbird Launch LLC, through the EDC Finance Corporation, was approved for a 10-year, $750,000 loan at a 4.50 percent reset interest rate to assist in the purchase of land and a building at 209 Hazel Street in Lancaster. This building will serve as the operational facility for Stroopies, Inc. and Lancaster Sweet Shoppe LLC, increasing production. In addition, the new location will house a new Sweet Shoppe café and will also accommodate bus tours and groups. Hummingbird Launch LLC committed to retaining seven full-time jobs and create three new full-time jobs within three years. The total project cost is $2,300,000.

Lehigh County

• MillPress Real Estate Holdings LLC, through the Lehigh Valley Economic Investment Corporation, was approved for a 15-year, $2,000,000 loan at a 5.50 percent fixed interest rate and a 5-year, $199,684 loan at a 5.50 percent interest rate to assist in the acquisition of land and a build-to-suit facility on a 5.06-acre lot located at 1550 Spillman Drive in Bethlehem. That site will be the location of a 49,920-square-foot facility that will house MillPress Imports LLC. Additionally, the second loan will be used to purchase equipment including a complete bottling line with an integrated conveyor system capable of bottling, filling, packaging, labeling, and sealing products. MillPress Imports LLC committed to retaining 21 full-time jobs and create 12 new full-time jobs within three years. The total project cost is $12,811,868.

Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has made Pennsylvania more competitive - attracting over $43 billion in private-sector investment while creating more than 29,000 new jobs across the Commonwealth and earning national recognition.

The Governor's 2026-27 budget builds on this momentum by investing in long-term economic growth and ensuring communities across the Commonwealth can compete and win.

Learn more about the Shapiro Administration's efforts to support Pennsylvania's workers and businesses and spur the economy, to build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.

For more information about PIDA or DCED, visit the agency's website, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

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