Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC and Impact Harrisburg Announce Partnership to Address Disparity in Harrisburg

Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC receives $125,000 grant to implement recommendations found in Disparity Study

HARRISBURG, PA (August 24, 2023) The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC and Impact Harrisburg are proud to announce a new partnership to create and provide opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), and Women Business Enterprises (WBE) in Harrisburg, PA. Impact Harrisburg is awarding Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) a $125,000 grant to implement the recommendations found in the “City of Harrisburg Disparity Study” completed in October 2022 by Econsult Solutions, Inc.

The “City of Harrisburg Disparity Study” highlighted the underutilization of DBE, MBE, and WBE in Harrisburg relative to their availability in the marketplace of vendors the City has to choose from when procuring various goods and services. The Study was prompted by the work done by Impact Harrisburg to distribute infrastructure and economic development funds derived from the Harrisburg Strong Plan, the City’s strategy for fiscal recovery. Impact Harrisburg’s experience in administering those grants brought attention to the need for examination of those small business’s capabilities and impediments.

The grant will be used by CREDC to bring on professional capacity that will address the findings and recommendations of the Disparity Study, build the capacity of individuals and MBE, WBE, and DBE businesses to launch, develop, and expand businesses within the City, identifying and addressing barriers common to MBE, WBE and DBE businesses in the City, build liaisons and working partnerships with the target community and community organizations, and coordinate partnerships among organizations performing comparable support and training efforts for MBE, WBE and DBE businesses.

Impact Harrisburg Chairman Gloria Martin Roberts noted, “Our partnership with CREDC is an outgrowth of the recognition and concern identified within the Harrisburg Strong Plan, and Impact Harrisburg’s direct experience,that the City has lagged behind in creating economic development opportunities and growth across the diverse demographic spectrum that comprises the City.”

After a lengthy selection process, Impact Harrisburg chose the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC to receive the grant because of the Chamber & CREDC’s experience providing the region’s businesses with economic resources including loan applications, grant distribution, site selections, education opportunities, and its dedication to workforce development in the City of Harrisburg and its connection to the region’s resources and businesses. 

“We are proud and excited to work with Impact Harrisburg on their mission to provide all businesses with opportunities to succeed in the City of Harrisburg,” said Harrisburg Regional President & CEO Ryan Unger. “Our core values of being inclusive and collaborative are evident in this partnership. Harrisburg is a great place to live and work and we want to help everyone have the chance to thrive here. Through the work of Impact Harrisburg and the Chamber & CREDC, I know we can provide many opportunities to business owners who might not have had access to them before.”

Media Contact:
Tyler Schwind
Communications Director
Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
717.329.3114
tschwind@hbgrc.org

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About Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC serves as a catalyst for promoting growth and quality of life in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry Counties through bold leadership, visionary members and powerful results. Building on its 136-year history, the organization provides a unique blend of business, community/economic development, and advocacy services under one roof to boost economic vitality and livability across the region. The Chamber & CREDC is 5-star accredited by the United States Chamber of Commerce, a distinction achieved by less than five percent of chambers across the nation.

About Impact Harrisburg
Impact Harrisburg was created under the Harrisburg Strong Plan to administer infrastructure and community development grants in support of the City’s growth and fiscal recovery. It has distributed more than $12 million, much of that to small and medium sized businesses, all exclusively within the City. The Strong Plan notes that in order to become more functional, financially solvent and inclusive, Harrisburg must develop strategies that invite and bring into the economic structure members of communities reflecting those of which the City is comprised.

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