Parker announces $1 million in grants for the 198th

HARRISBURG, April 25 – State grant awards totaling $1 million have been awarded to the Business Center for Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise and DePaul Campus for improvement projects, according to state Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila.

“These projects are vital to these organizations as well as the community,” Parker said. “This is a perfect example of tax dollars coming back to the community to provide for economic revitalization. These organizations employ and educate community residents and provide economic stimulus to the region. It is important the state provides financial assistance to ensure their success.”

The Business Center for Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise will use $500,000 to construct a 6,000-square-foot innovation and manufacturing center. The proposed space will house wet labs, space for small-batch manufacturing, equipment to develop prototypes, office space, and training facilities for area residents.

DePaul Campus and Independence Mission Schools will use $500,000 to preserve a former church and renovate it into a preschool facility on one level, and a multi-use assembly/recreation/gym space on the first floor. Improvements include interior ceiling and wall repairs, exterior pointing and masonry repairs, roof repairs, heating and mechanical repairs.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, from which the grants were awarded, is a commonwealth grant program overseen by the Office of the Budget to assist with regional cultural, economic, civic and historical projects that improve a community’s economic growth by creating jobs.