The
Department consists of:
Joe Kelly
Director of Community and Economic Development
Kathy T. Vossough
Deputy Director of Economic Development
Wayne Wastler
Economic Development Site & GIS Manager
Bekah Rusnock
Enterprise Zone Coordinator
Denise Fahr
Administrative Assistant
How to Contact us
PHONE:
(610) 865-7056
Fax: (610) 865-7310
E-MAIL ADDRESS:
MAILING
ADDRESS:
Department of Community & Economic Development
10 East Church St., Bethlehem, PA 18018-6025
Services
and programs available through staff support:
- Site Location Assistance:
We maintain an inventory of available land and buildings,
and work with businesses to realize the potential
of their properties. Through our work with organizations
like the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Business
Association, and Historic Bethlehem Partnership, we
promote the quality of life and business in the City
of Bethlehem.
- Technical Assistance:
We work with entrepreneurs and business owners in
developing their business ideas. Let our experienced
staff guide you through the vast number of State financing
programs and grants available to business. We can
assist with applications and compiling documentation
needed to secure funding. Other assistance includes
help with determining licenses, permits and regulatory
requirements, available financing, workforce development,
and other steps necessary to build and maintain a
vibrant business climate.
- Fund for Revitalization and
Economic Development: Known as FRED, this is low-interest
"gap" financing to businesses creating and/or retaining
employment opportunities for low- to moderate-income
City residents, or removing slum, and blight.
- Facade Program: This is
a low-interest loan for restoring storefronts and
building facades in designated business districts.
- Local Economic Revitalization
Tax Assistance: Known as LERTA, this tax abatement
program creates a graduated increase in tax payments
on new construction and property rehabilitation for
owners of commercial, industrial, and business properties
located within designated zones in the City, including
the Enterprise Zone.
- Enterprise Zone Incentives:
Certain zones in the City of Bethlehem are targeted
by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic
Development to encourage private investment, promote
job growth and economic development. PaDCED authorizes
tax credits for certain specified Pennsylvania taxes
to private companies making qualified investments
in rehabilitating, expanding, or improving buildings
or land in designated Enterprise Zones. Loans are
available for property and building acquisition, renovation,
and machinery and equipment purchase carry an interest
rate of 3.75% for businesses located within the Enterprise
Zone.
- Bethlehem Loan Pool: This
financial pool is used to foster and assist development,
renewal, and improvement of businesses. To retain
and create jobs, sub-prime interest financing is offered
for economically viable businesses to locate, expand,
or remain in the City. Loan funds may be used for
property acquisition, new construction, building renovation
and rehabilitation, and the purchase of machinery
and equipment. All applicants must be located in or
relocating to the City of Bethlehem. Preference is
given to applicants who are locating their business
in targeted areas in the City including Bethlehem's
Enterprise Zone. The maximum loan amount is 40% of
eligible costs, with a minimum of $100,000 up to a
maximum of $2,000,000. Specific loan programs include:
- Emerging Growth Companies:
To assist relatively new companies experiencing growth.
- Commercial/Industrial Real
Estate: To assist developers, businesses, and
industries in developing real estate in targeted areas
of the City.
- Business Expansion and Retention:
To encourage Bethlehem businesses to remain in the
City and expand operations and employment.
- Entrepreneurial: To provide
assistance to higher-risk businesses that meet general
program criteria and provide compelling reasons to
locate or expand in the City by virtue of the number
of jobs created, targeted location, or some other
benefit to the City.
The City of Bethlehem is an ideal choice
for businesses to consider when locating or expanding.
You'll find:
- Skilled and diverse labor pool
- Access to major highways, linking the
Lehigh Valley to the north, south, east and west
- Railway connections
- Respected primary and secondary school
system
- Home to Lehigh University and Moravian
College
- High quality hospitals and health care
- Well-developed infrastructure
- Affordable and convenient utilities,
water and sewer
- Safe, comfortable, well planned neighborhoods
- Two successful downtowns
Contact us for assistance in building
or expanding your business today! |
