The Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) continues to advance small business growth and regional reinvestment through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) and the Pennsylvania Catalyst Loan Fund. Two recent loan closings supporting Wheel Worx, Inc. and Holistic Pet Care, LLC dba Abrams & Weakley General Store for Animals reflect continued momentum in deploying flexible capital to locally owned businesses ready to grow and invest in their communities.
Wheel Worx Opens New Facility in Mechanicsburg
On October 24, 2025, Wheel Worx, Inc. closed on a $400,000 Pennsylvania Catalyst Loan Fund (PACLF) loan to support the construction of its new automotive repair and restoration facility at 9 and 11 Old Willow Mill Road in Mechanicsburg.
Founded in 2005 by Carlos Vaca, Wheel Worx has grown from a one-person operation into one of Central Pennsylvania’s leading specialists in wheel repair, restoration, and customization. Today, the company employs approximately 20 people across three divisions including a wheel shop, a body and paint shop located behind Bobby Rahal Honda, and mobile service units serving dealerships from State College to Lancaster.
The new facility marks a significant step forward for the company, representing both business expansion and long-term capital investment in the Mechanicsburg community. The project was completed in partnership with LINKBANK, which provided the companion funding match loan.
Abrams & Weakley Pet Store Moves Forward with Expansion
On February 17, 2026, Abrams & Weakley General Store for Animals, closed on a $255,000 Pennsylvania Catalyst Loan Fund (PACLF) loan as part of a $490,000 total construction and renovation project supporting its new location at 3712 N. 6th Street in Harrisburg.
Founded in 1985, Abrams & Weakley was the region’s first pet health food and supply store and has long served as a trusted neighborhood resource for animal lovers. Today, owner Kristen Zellner continues that legacy as a proudly woman-owned small business rooted in Susquehanna Township.
With financing secured, renovations to the newly owned building are underway and will position the store to expand its retail and service offerings while maintaining its longstanding community presence. The project was completed in partnership with Members 1st Federal Credit Union, which provided the companion funding match.
“CREDC is proud to partner with the Chester County Economic Development Council to bring the PA Catalyst Loan Fund to small businesses across our region,” said Anita Weikel, Economic Development Lending Officer for CREDC. “These investments help locally owned companies expand, create opportunities, and strengthen the communities they serve.”
Through its administration of the Pennsylvania Catalyst Loan Fund, CREDC continues to connect business owners and community-driven enterprises with capital that fuels growth, supports reinvestment, and strengthens the economic vitality of Central Pennsylvania.
About the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
For 140 years, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC has served as the region’s catalyst for economic prosperity. The organization combines business, community, and economic development services to enhance the region’s vitality and livability. The Chamber is a five-star accredited chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—a distinction held by fewer than 1 percent of chambers nationwide. CREDC is the Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO) approved by the Commonwealth’s Department of Community and Economic Development to perform economic development activities using Pennsylvania’s funding programs in Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties.
