Urban Made

Manufacturing Matters! Manufacturing supports the economy of the region and the city, as well as the quality of life for residents. It’s one of the reasons why AEDC was created – to champion manufacturing in the City of Allentown! We do this through Bridgeworks Enterprise Center, Urban Made, and Urban Sites programs, three core initiatives that allow us to help businesses grow, receive the support they need, and find a home in Allentown.

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. We also help business start, grow, and expand through our loan programs and our network of partners.

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. From large corporations to small-scale manufacturers and entrepreneurs, AEDC acts as a bridge between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, economic development corporations, and the industries we support.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*

First Last

Email*

Phone*

How can we help?*

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Loan Programs

Economic Development Loan Funds

AEDC provides 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.

The City of Allentown Enterprise Zone Loan Fund is geared toward manufacturing and service-focused businesses located within Allentown’s Enterprise Zone.
The City of Allentown Economic Revolving Loan Fund is designed for businesses located anywhere within Allentown city limits. (renamed in 2019 to the City of Allentown Economic Development Loan Fund)
The 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.

Pennsylvania Minority Business Development Authority Loan Fund

Manufacturing and service-focused businesses throughout Lehigh and Northampton Counties who are at least 51% owned by socially or economically disadvantaged minorities are eligible to apply for up to $250,000 in financing through this program. Eligible projects include up to 90% of machinery/equipment costs, land purchases/renovation/new construction/acquisition, and working capital needs. We offer competitive rates and terms ranging from three to 15 years depending upon the use of the funds. Job creation/retention is an essential component of this loan fund.