ABOUT URBAN MADE
AEDC supports manufacturing in Allentown and the greater Lehigh Valley. We work with business owners, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to ensure they have everything they need to succeed. We serve as a problem-solving resource for business owners, helping them with strategic planning, growth opportunities and real estate needs. AEDC also helps businesses start, grow and expand through our loan programs and network of partners.
Brü Daddy’s Brewing Company
We provide economic development lending assistance through a number of local funds. Companies are eligible to apply for up to $100,000 loans for equipment, real estate purchases/improvements and in special cases, up to 40% of inventory or working capital. AEDC will competitively finance up to 75% of eligible project costs for terms ranging from one to 10 years. Job creation and retention is an essential component of these loan funds.
Interested in learning more? Contact our Program Manager, David Dunn at ddunn@allentownedc.com | 610.435.8890
LOAN PROGRAMS
City of Allentown Enterprise Zone Loan Fund
is geared toward manufacturing and service-focused businesses located within Allentown’s Enterprise Zone
City of Allentown Economic Revolving Loan Fund
is designed for businesses located anywhere within Allentown city limits
PA Minority Business Development Authority Loan Fund
is designed to stimulate the growth and expansion of minority own businesses and create jobs in Northampton and Lehigh Counties
Allentown Development Company Loan Fund
was originally established with financial support from regional banks and fills a niche that compliments the other Allentown loan funds, for example, when a borrower has a larger financial need than other programs can accommodate
BUSINESS INTERACTIONS
AEDC staff members work with dozens of companies each year to help them meet their goals. We discuss ongoing operations, business needs and plans and how we can match their needs with available human, financial and training resources.
The L.I.F.T. Center
Vendetta Hines enlisted the help of AEDC to purchase a former manufacturing building in South Allentown. Renovation work completed the new L.I.F.T. Center, a facility for persons with intellectual disabilities.
“ I felt supported throughout the entire loan process. Even once the loan was complete, the staff at AEDC still followed up with me to see how things were going with the building renovations they truly care about the people they help and the projects they facilitate. As a little girl, I always thought my superhero would show up wearing a cape, but it turns out they wear a hard hat and they work at AEDC. “ -Vendetta Hines, Owner
Urban Green Ventures, LLC
Christine Ussler and Lucienne Di Biase Dooley of Urban Green Ventures LLC are no strangers to redevelopment and restoration. The two women own an architectural firm in the Lehigh Valley and are well known for their impressive portfolio of design work. In 2018, they were in need of capital to complete renovations and repairs to their existing building on Allentown’s 14th Street. At the time, the building was home to a yoga studio and day care center, while the remaining third of the building was left unfinished. Renovation work included plans to bring the building to code for heating, plumbing, and electrical standards, allowing the partially vacant space to be utilized for new tenants. When local banks could not provide full financing, the partners worked with AEDC to secure two loans, each for $100,000, through the City of Allentown Enterprise Zone Loan Fund and the City of Allentown Economic Development Loan Fund. The loan funds were utilized to finish a number of renovation projects and is currently fully leased.
“We worked with wonderful people at AEDC, who made this project a very pleasant experience. The gap loan came at exactly the right moment and we were not encumbered by endless amounts of paperwork or stressful conversations. AEDC identified what we needed to accomplish our vision and got to work to make it happen.” -Christine Ussler, Partner
Montoya’s Roadside Service Auto Repair Shop
In early December 2020, Camilo applied for financing though the PMBDA program. By early February 2021, Camilo and Sandra closed on 1095 6th Street, a property in North Catasauqua, scaling a third of an acre. The property included both a commercial garage facility and a newly renovated home for the family.
“ From start to finish, the PMBDA loan process took less than two months before Camilo and Sandra closed on their new property. After closing, the couple was able to move into their new home and begin operating Montoya’s Roadside Service auto repair shop. AEDC's Program Manager Dunn says, "The Montoyas represent everything the PMBDA program was created for. This smart, determined, hardworking family is pursuing the American dream, and AEDC is glad we were able to help them achieve it. “ -David Dunn, AEDC Program Manager
INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
There are many other incentive programs based on a variety of requirements and needs. Explore these programs: