PIKE COUNTY, PA — Pike County has announced the opening of its CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Job Creation Program. This program is designed to support local businesses in the tourism and service industries, by offering grant funding to help businesses create permanent, full-time jobs for residents with low to moderate incomes.

Grants between $25,000 and $50,000 are available to eligible businesses that are committed to hiring and training new employees. To qualify, businesses must operate in the tourism or service industries, create full-time equivalent jobs (40 hours per week), and ensure that at least 51% of the new positions benefit low- and moderate-income individuals. Seasonal jobs may qualify if they are the employee’s main occupation. Temporary jobs are not eligible.

Businesses that receive funding will sign an agreement with Pike County and must offer jobs that require one year or less of experience or training (unless training is provided). They also agree to give first hiring consideration to applicants from low- to moderate-income backgrounds who live within commuting distance.

The application process includes two steps. First, businesses submit a pre-application with a business summary, job creation plan, and their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) or DUNS number. If approved, a full application will be provided which will require job descriptions, pay rates, financial documents, and insurance information.

Grant funds must be used directly for job creation. They cannot be used for general promotions, political activities, restricted businesses (like gambling or alcohol retail), or relocating existing jobs from other areas.

To learn more or begin your application, contact Pike County Human Services at (570) 296-3434 or visit www.pikepa.org/jobcreation.