Source: US State of Pennsylvania
May 02, 2025 – Hamburg, PA
Shapiro Administration Kicks off Small Business Week, Highlights Investments in Pennsylvania’s Downtowns and Main Streets
Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger joined local leaders in a tour of downtown Hamburg, Berks County, to urge Pennsylvanians to support small businesses during Pennsylvania Small Business Week – May 4 through May 10, 2025. Secretary Siger also announced Hamburg received the first Main Street designation through the new Main Street Matters program, which supports downtown business districts with tools to create healthy, vibrant communities.
Created last year by Governor Josh Shapiro, Main Street Matters is a key part of Pennsylvania’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy to help revitalize downtowns, support small businesses, and strengthen local economies. Governor Shapiro and Secretary Siger recently announced investments in 81 community projects through the program, including $100,000 for the Downtown Hamburg Facade Improvement Program.
This historic investment in Pennsylvania’s Main Streets was thanks to Governor Shapiro’s work to create the Main Street Matters program and secure $20 million for it in the 2024-25 bipartisan budget. The Governor’s 2025-26 budget proposal includes another $20 million for this successful initiative.
Speakers:
Rick Siger, DCED Secretary
Deena Kershner, Executive Director, Our Town Foundation
Lynn Weller, Assistant Director, Our Town Foundation
Alyssa Mengel Wentz, Owner, AEC Market