COVID-19 Disaster Relief Business Loans & Grants
The RDC (the lending arm of the Erie County Industrial Agency) is currently offering disaster relief business loans to qualified Erie County businesses affected by the COVID-19 shutdown. To apply, please call 716-856-6525, ext. 219
The ECIDA will be offering a COVID-19 DISASTER RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM beginning August 17, 2020. Please contact our Business Development Team after August 17 at 716-856-6525, ext. 219 for GRANT PROGRAM application information.
Information downloads:
COVID-19 Disaster Relief Loan Terms PDF
COVID-19 Disaster Relief Loan General Information PDF
COVID-19 Disaster Relief Loan Application PDF
Business Loans
The Regional Development Corporation, or RDC, is the lending arm of the ECIDA. The RDC Loan Program enhances the competitiveness of local businesses, promotes local ownership of firms employing local residents, and assists with the formation of new companies, including the technology sector and businesses in designated economic development zones.
If your business is located in ERIE COUNTY, NY email us your questions about which loan program might best fit your needs, or call one of our business development officers today at 716-856-6525.
The RDC offers three basic types of loans:
| Loan Program | Amount | Maximum Term | Estimated Rate |
| Small Business Loans | $10,000-50,000 | 6 yrs | Call for rates |
| Large Business Loans | $50,000-$2,000,000 | Call for terms | Call for rates |
| Innovation Loan | Up to $500,000 | 7 yrs | Call for rates |
Small Business Loans
Need help starting or growing your business? Our Small Business Loan program could be just what you need! Loans are available from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $50,000. These funds can be used for working capital, furniture, fixtures, equipment, inventory, materials and supplies.
While the Small Business Loan program is open to all entrepreneurs, the program especially supports underserved markets, including borrowers with little to no credit history, low income borrowers, and minority and women entrepreneurs in distressed rural and urban areas, who may not qualify for more conventional loans.
Click here for more details about Small Business Loan terms and qualifications.
For more information about our Small Business Loans, please email your questions to our Business Development Team, or call Beth O'Keefe, Business Development Officer, at 716-856-6525.
Large business loans
Loans are available to businesses operating within specific targeted industries based upon the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Loan amounts range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $2,000,000. These funds may be used for:
- permanent working capital
- machinery and equipment purchases
- property acquistion
- pollution control improvements
- loans to effect changes is local ownership when the employment base of the company would otherwise be in jeopardy
Innovation Loan
The Innovation Loan is designed to help life-sciences, tech and manufacturing start-up businesses in the "end stages" of production meet capital needs to get a product to market. Any small business as defined by the SBA and located in Erie County may apply, although businesses in distressed areas will be given priority. Different terms may apply.
Click here to download information about the RDC Innovation Loan.
For more information about our Small Business Loans, please email your questions to our Business Development Team, or call Beth O'Keefe, Business Development Officer, at 716-856-6525.
Click here for our RDC brochure.
For a PDF version of our Business Loan application, click here.
