The SBR Commercial Lease Subsidy Program, a pilot initiative by Slate Belt Rising and Community Action Lehigh Valley (CALV), aims to enhance our neighborhoods. The program strives to minimize vacancies in our business corridors and provide economic opportunities in the boroughs of Bangor, Pen Argyl, Portland, and Wind Gap. By offering businesses the support they need to establish themselves, we aim to create more vibrant downtown areas that attract other businesses and the talent required to build a competitive economy, thus establishing a stronger and more resilient community.

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Businesses intending to open a new location in one of the boroughs or an existing one seeking to expand into a second location within the boroughs may qualify for a portion of their lease cost being funded for the initial six months of their commercial property lease. However, businesses already located in the boroughs who wish to relocate to another borough are ineligible.

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Moreover, in 2023, the program will be broadened to include support for existing businesses that have experienced hardship due to natural disasters or other causes beyond their control.