THE WPFSI – PA STATEWIDE GRANT PROGRAM FAQS

FAQs

Please read PA Statewide Small Business Assistance Guide (Updated 08/05/2020)

A. When will the application go live?

The 2nd round of applications will open August 10, 2020, at 9:00 AM ET

B. Where can I apply once the application goes live?

Go to The WPfSI’s PA Statewide Grant Program site. 

C. What will the grant process look like?

There will be 4 rounds for the PA Statewide Grant Program. Each round will be open for 10 days. 1st round was June 30th – July 14th. The next round is August 10.

D. Do I need to apply each round to be evaluated for the grant?

Businesses should only apply once for the grant. Your application will be in the queue. Please note you may need to address certain items to move your application through the queue i.e. outstanding tax payments.

E. Does your business need to be incorporated in Pennsylvania to be eligible?

A business does not need to be incorporated in Pennsylvania. However, the business must be located in Pennsylvania to be eligible.

F. Can I apply for multiple businesses?

Business owners can only apply for one business – one application per Social Security Number and EIN number.

G. What are the Revitalization areas?

Revitalization Areas are HUD-designated geographic areas authorized by Congress under provisions of the National Housing Act. Revitalization Areas are intended to promote “the revitalization, through expanded homeownership opportunities, of revitalization areas.” This will be auto-populated based on the business address.

H. How to count your employees to determine eligibility for the grant application?

Employee count is based on the full-time equivalent. Full-Time counts as 1 and Part-Time counts as 0.5. i.e. If a business has 10 full-time employees and 6 part-time employees, the total employee count is 13 full-time equivalent employees (FTE).

I. What is an acceptable photo ID?

You must have one valid government-issued photo identification.

  • Driver’s License
  • Passport
  • State ID

J. If the business has shared ownership, do all business owners need to provide a Photo ID?

When there are multiple business owners, submit the photo ID for the business owner with the largest ownership %. If equal ownership across owners, provide photo ID of the primary contact among the business owners.

K. What is DBA?

DBA means “doing business as”, therefore if you operate your business under a different name than what What Is Doing Business As? A company is DBA (or “doing business as”) when they operate under a name that is different from your legal name, then that is your DBA.

L. What is an EIN number?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number and is used to identify a business entity. Sole Proprietors, Social Security number is the EIN number.

M. Where can you find your EIN number?

Businesses can find their EIN number on previously filed tax returns or see IRS guidance for other recommendations. Sole Proprietors, Social Security number is the EIN number.

N. What are definitions of the customer base?

  • B2B (Business-to-business): refers to a business that is conducted between companies, rather than between a company and individual consumer (i.e. a manufacturer and wholesaler, or a wholesaler and a retailer)
  • B2C: (Business-to-consumer): refers to selling products and services directly between a business and consumers who are the end-users of its products or services.

O. What is a NAICS code?

NAICS Code is a classification for the business Industry within the North American Industry Classification System.

P. How can you determine your NAICS code?

One resource to look up your NAICS code is the NAICS Search Tool.

Q. What are valid entity documents?

  • Articles of Incorporation
  • Certificate of Organization
  • Fictitious Name Registration
  • Government Issued Business License
  • Sole proprietors should have a valid business license or comparable entity document.

R. What can I do to get ahead of potential delays in the applications process?

Ensure you have all documentation ready that you have received guidance to prepare already (valid government-issued photo ID, entity documents, 2018 or 2019 filed tax returns, etc.). Check out our website for the latest information. Also, please be aware and be prepared to address, if you owe any past due taxes or defaulted on prior loans, and what actions you are taking.

S. REMINDER: Grant Application USER ID and PASSWORD

Make sure to keep your user id and password information in a safe and secure place for future reference.

T: What is the Application Certification and where can I find it.

Application Certification is the business owner self-certifying a list of items numbered 1-10, which includes certifying what they have stated in the application is accurate and true. Find “Application Certification” on the front page of the portal in the “Qualifications” box bottom left or click here to download it now.

U: Do I need to provide Proof of Tax Payment Plan?

If you have outstanding taxes with the IRS, upload documentation that shows the payment plan worked out with the IRS. This upload is required only for businesses that owe outstanding taxes.

V: What is Fictitious Name and do I need to upload this document?

See Department of State’s overview on Fictitious Name Registration. It is one of four acceptable entity documents. Provide one of the four following entity documents

  • Articles of Incorporation
  • Certificate of Organization
  • Government Issued Business License
  • Fictitious Name Registration. **If the business does not have a fictitious name, then provide one of the other entity documents.**

Please read PA Statewide Small Business Assistance Guide (Updated 08/05/2020)