DCED Newsletter | April 2025

From major investments in downtown revitalization and innovation to new manufacturing partnerships, expanded workforce training, and streamlined business support, DCED is helping turn strategy into action. Read on to see how Pennsylvania is getting it done.

On April 7, Governor Josh Shapiro announced awards for 81 community projects through the Main Street Matters program at the 2025 National Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia. Grants will fund planning efforts, business support programs, aesthetic improvements, and security enhancements to support downtown revitalization, small business growth, and community safety across Pennsylvania.

For the first year of Main Street Matters, DCED received more than 200 applications requesting over $43 million, underscoring the demand for strategic investments in Main Streets across Pennsylvania. The Governor's 2025-26 budget proposal includes another $20 million for this successful initiative.

Another key program supporting local communities, the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), is accepting applications from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations through May 30, 2025. NAP provides tax credits to businesses that invest in nonprofit-led projects benefiting neighborhoods and communities in Pennsylvania.

Innovation is thriving in Pennsylvania, with new partnerships and investments driving growth across tech, life sciences, energy, and agriculture.

First Ascent Biomedical, a tech startup using AI to develop personalized cancer treatments, announced a new partnership with Gannon University to open a new lab that will initially create 38 new jobs and accelerate the use of precision medicine in patient care.

In Lancaster County, global biopharma leader GSK broke ground on its $800 million expansion, boosting R&D and manufacturing capacity for lifesaving vaccines and medications. Bayer celebrated the grand opening of their $43.6 million expansion in Lebanon County. It is their largest global manufacturing facility, and the project adds new packaging lines, logistics systems, and jobs.

The Commonwealth is also investing in agricultural innovation. With a $500,000 grant from the Shapiro Administration, Penn State University launched the Center for Plant Excellence to advance research and business growth in Pennsylvania’s diverse plant-based ag sector.

In Westmoreland County, Hitachi Energy announced a $70 million expansion across three facilities to upgrade production lines, renovate buildings, and establish a new training center.

Meanwhile, Rivers Agile, a leader in software and quality assurance, launched a new deep tech innovation center focused on emerging technologies—like AI, robotics, AR/VR, machine learning, and big data—pushing the boundaries of enterprise software development in Pennsylvania.

On April 4, DCED hosted the 7th Annual Manufacturing PA Innovation Expo at Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, bringing together students, researchers, and manufacturers to showcase the future of Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector. Nearly 150 attendees explored cutting-edge projects and connected with science and engineering students shaping the next generation of innovation.

During the event, Secretary Rick Siger announced $2.8 million in grants to support 42 student research projects through the Manufacturing PA Innovation Program. These projects pair undergraduate and graduate students with local manufacturers to develop new technologies and advance real-world solutions. The results will be featured at next year’s Expo.

To strengthen the talent pipeline, the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) program awarded $200,000 to the Corry Area School District to give high school students hands-on manufacturing experience. Governor Shapiro also announced a $5 million grant to expand the Steamfitters Local 420 Training Center in Philadelphia. The $20 million project will double apprentice training capacity and add 30 new apprentices annually.

Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, Pennsylvania has increased funding for vo-tech, CTE, and apprenticeship programs by nearly $65 million—a 50% boost—ensuring every Pennsylvanian has the opportunity to build a career in high-demand industries.

On April 16, Secretary Rick Siger welcomed honorees to the 2025 Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence, recognizing outstanding service and innovation across Pennsylvania’s counties, boroughs, and townships.

Award recipients were recognized for their leadership in economic revitalization, financial stewardship, public health, environmental initiatives, regional collaboration, and technology advancement. Their efforts reflect the best of public service, strengthening communities and improving lives across the Commonwealth.

This year, a record number of nominations were received, highlighting the incredible work happening in communities large and small. As the Shapiro Administration continues to prioritize competitiveness and growth, Secretary Siger emphasized the importance of working together to create a vibrant, inclusive future for all Pennsylvanians.

BusinessPA has updated its PA Site Search inventory to better serve companies looking to grow in Pennsylvania. The refreshed listings focus on larger, high-impact properties, including commercial land over 20 acres and industrial buildings exceeding 100,000 square feet. Each site is carefully evaluated based on zoning, infrastructure access, market potential, and public interest—ensuring businesses have access to the best Pennsylvania has to offer.

This update is part of the Shapiro Administration’s broader effort to make it easier to do business in the Commonwealth. Through permit reform and process improvements, Pennsylvania has reduced the average time to register a new business from eight weeks to just two days—earning recognition as a national model for permitting reform.

The momentum is showing in business activity. The Hershey Company opened its newest chocolate processing facility in Derry Township, part of a $1 billion investment to modernize and expand operations. In Lackawanna County, Ring Pop also celebrated the opening of its new manufacturing plant, boosting production and supporting job growth.

Pennsylvania’s pro-growth approach is helping businesses move faster, invest more, and scale successfully across the Commonwealth.

Want to see the good news from your community featured on our social media channels or in our next newsletter? Let us know what’s happening in your area! Whether a new investment, business expansion, or community development, we’re here to help you celebrate. Send your updates (and a link to a news story, blog, or press release) to the DCED Communications Office.