Pennsylvania Tax Incentives
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Pennsylvania Tax Incentives
Page Contents
- Advanced Technology Training
- Client Assistance Program
- Essential Skills Training
- First Industries Fund
- Job Creation Tax Credit
- Job Training Brochure
- Keystone Innovation Zone
- Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities
- Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center
- New PA Venture Capital Investment Program
- Office of Vocational Rehabilitation of Pennsylvania
- Office of Vocational Rehabilitation –Office Directory
- On-The-Job Training
- Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation
- Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library
- Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
- Pennsylvania Initiative on Assistive Technology
- Pennsylvania Open for Business
- Pennsylvania Workforce Development
- Reused and Exchanged Equipment Partnership
Advanced Technology Training
Eligible in-state businesses and out-of-state companies relocating to Pennsylvania can apply to WEDnetPA to access training funds. The funding, in turn, can be used for a wide range of training.
Advanced Technology Training provides instruction in a variety of technology and advanced manufacturing subjects, for example, Computer Programming, Network Administration and Advanced Machine Operations.
The person receiving training through this program could be someone with a disability who has an aptitude for science and technology.
This web page has details on applying for job training funding.
Advanced Technology Training Company Guidelines PDF
Client Assistance Program (CAP)
The Pennsylvania Client Assistance Program is a free legal advocacy program for people with disabilities. CAP helps people who are seeking services from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Blindness and Visual Services, Centers for Independent Living and other programs funded under federal law. Its purpose is to ensure that the rehabilitation system in Pennsylvania is open and responsive to the needs people with disabilities. The CAP style of advocacy includes a wide array of strategies and techniques including information and referral, consultation, mediation, negotiation, as well as administrative and legal representation.
Essential Skills Training
Eligible in-state businesses and out-of-state companies relocating to Pennsylvania can apply to WEDnetPA to access training funds. The funding, in turn, can be used for a wide range of training.
Essential Skills Training provides instruction in a variety of skills needed to be successful in the workplace, including training in the areas of Business Operations, Computers, Quality Assurance, and Workplace Health and Safety.
The employee receiving training through this program can be someone with a disability who needs an upgrade in skills to remain gainfully employed.
This web page has details on applying for job training funding.
Essential Skills Training Company Guidelines PDF
First Industries Fund
The First Industries Fund is a loan, loan guarantee, and grant program aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania’s agriculture and tourism industries. The program is administered by both the Commonwealth Financing Authority and the Department of Community and Economic Development.
These loans can be used to purchase ADA compliant property or Assistive Technology to make a disabled employee more productive on the job.
First Industries Fund Guidelines PDF
Job Creation Tax Credit
Job Creation Tax Credit: Pennsylvania offers eligible businesses a $1,000-per-job tax credit to create new jobs in the Commonwealth. This tax credit can be used as an incentive for an employer to create new jobs, especially for people with disabilities. The tax credits may not be utilized by the business until the jobs are actually created and the business must create at least 25 new jobs equaling at least 20% of their existing workforce.
Job Creation Tax Credit Guide PDF
Job Training Brochure
The job training brochure has information on job training programs offered to Pennsylvania workers. These programs are designed to keep Pennsylvania’s workforce skills current to meet the needs of The Commonwealth’s businesses.
Keystone Innovation Zone
An incentive program that provides tax credits to for-profit companies less than eight years old operating within specific targeted industries within the boundaries of a Keystone Innovation Zone. With a total pool of up to $15 million in tax credits available to Keystone Innovation Zone companies annually, the Keystone Innovation Zone tax credit program significantly contributes to the ability of young Keystone Innovation Zone companies to transition through the stages of growth. Applications must be submitted on or before September 15 of each year.
Keystone Innovation Zone Guidelines PDF
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD)
MAWD lets Pennsylvanians with disabilities take a fulfilling job, earn more money and still keep their full medical coverage. With MAWD you can keep Medical Assistance while you work, even if your earnings increase above the limits for other Medical Assistance programs.
To apply for MAWD, (use the COMPASS website).
Or contact your County Assistance Office.
MAWD and Mental Health
The Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University has published a report, entitled Medicaid Buy In: Enhancing Earnings & Employment for People with Psychiatric Disabilities. The Medicaid Buy In is a federally authorized program that has been adopted in 42 states and the District of Columbia. The program in Pennsylvania is called MAWD—Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities. The program allows people to work and continue on Medicaid. Experts estimate that over 75% of adults with psychiatric disabilities, like people with other disabilities, are unemployed. The study highlights many of the positive effects of the program for people with psychiatric disabilities.
Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center
A Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center provides expert consultation on assistive technology and accessibility features built into Microsoft products. Their specialists understand how disabilities impact computer users and are trained to evaluate the needs of the person with the disability. Some centers offer computer training and many organizations have lending libraries, so a consumer can try a product before purchasing it.
New PA Venture Capital Investment Program
New PA Venture Capital Investment Program: Loans are available to life sciences and technology-oriented businesses that are in their growth-stage. Job creation, especially for people with disabilities, is an appropriate use of these loans. The Program is a $60 million fund designed to provide loans to venture capital companies looking to make investments in companies located in the Commonwealth. It will allocate 50% of the funds available to venture capital partnerships which operate locations in historically underserved areas of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Venture Capital Investment Program Guidelines PDF.
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) is a State Agency that provides services to help individuals with mental or physical disabilities prepare for, start, and maintain competitive employment, thuthe 10 most greats, achieving independence for people with disabilities in their communities.
There are 15 OVR district offices throughout the state. Some of the services OVR provides to their customers include the following: vocational evaluation, education/training, job placement assistance, Assistive Technology and home/workplace modifications.
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) – Office Directory
The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, or OVR, provides vocational rehabilitation services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment. OVR provides services to eligible individuals with disabilities, both directly and through a network of approved vendors. Services are provided on an individualized basis.
Statewide, there are 21 District Offices staffed with trained, professional Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors which serve Pennsylvania in all 67 counties. The Hiram G. Andrews Center in Johnstown provides vocational training and comprehensive rehabilitation services to people from across the state. OVR’s Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services also provides specialized services to blind and visually impaired individuals. These services are designed to increase an individual’s independence and employability. OVR's central administrative offices in Harrisburg provide technical assistance to local district offices in order to improve service delivery.
OVR’s On-The-Job Training Program
The On-the-Job Training, or OJT, program provides opportunities for qualified OVR customers to enter into employment. OVR recognizes there are costs associated with training an employee to learn a new job. The on-the-job training program will provide reimbursement of a percentage of an OVR customer's wages to absorb some of these training costs. OVR staff will be available at no cost to provide support and resources to facilitate a successful outcome for both the business and the OVR customer.
Pennsylvania Initiative on Assistive Technology
Pennsylvanian Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) provides information and assistance to individuals with disabilities who are searching for funding for Assistive Technology they need for employment purposes. PIAT can help work through the maze of health insurances, public programs including "waivers," recycling programs, cash loan programs, and non-governmental funding sources to determine which ones might help.
Assistive Technology is any device that enables a person with a disability to be more functional. Using the proper technology at work will allow a disabled person to be more productive, and in turn, a better worker. Because of the increased productivity, it is wise for an employer to invest in Assistive Technology for disabled employees.
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation
The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF), another potential source for funding Assistive Technology. PATF is committed to providing borrowers with low-interest loans so they can afford devices that make their lives easier, more productive, and more independent.
This web page has information on applying for a loan through the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation.
Pennsylvania Assistivee Technology Foundation Application Form PDF
Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library
Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library is a free service that loans assistive technology devices to people with disabilities. It's available to Pennsylvanians of all ages and disabilities – even to workplace locations.
For a complete list of devices, see the equipment catalog listed below. Requests for devices can be made by you, a family member, friend, an employer, an advocate, or someone who is helping you with your assistive technology needs (e.g., a therapist, teacher, rehabilitation counselor).
To view the lending library equipment catalog.
To view the lending library borrowing procedures.
Assistive Technology Device Demonstration - Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology now provides opportunities for "guided exploration" of a specific device or category of devices.
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the largest broad-based business association in Pennsylvania. Thousands of members throughout the Commonwealth employ greater than 50 percent of Pennsylvania’s private workforce. Headquartered in Harrisburg, the PA Chamber serves as the frontline advocate for business on Capitol Hill by influencing the legislative, regulatory and judicial branches of state government.
Pennsylvania Open for Business
The Pennsylvania Open for Business web site gives entrepreneurs "one stop" access to business information. Entrepreneurs can explore financial options, download many of the important forms necessary to start and expand a business, and electronically register a business with the Pennsylvania Departments of Labor and Industry, Revenue, and State.
Pennsylvania Workforce Development
Pennsylvania's workforce development system enables businesses and workers to compete in the worldwide, knowledge-based economy. The workforce system enhances employer competitiveness and innovation while preparing Pennsylvanians for jobs that pay in an economy that grows, supports families and businesses and is effectively improving the quality of life for our most valuable resource - our people.
Reused and Exchanged Equipment Partnership (REEP)
Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology supports a variety of programs that may be a source for "previously-owned" assistive devices, usually available at a lower cost than buying new. These efforts help get used assistive technology devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, commodes, lifts, portable ramps, and other devices into the hands of people with disabilities who need them.
