Cumberland Area Economic Development

What Cumberland Area Economic Development does

Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) is a county-chartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit economic development organization headquartered at 230 S. Sporting Hill Rd in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, with a secondary meeting location in Carlisle. Founded in 2005 by the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, CAEDC operates as the county's authorized agency for both economic development and tourism promotion, the latter executed through its Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau (CVVB) sub-brand. The organization employs approximately 15 staff who deliver consultative, relationship-based services to small and mid-sized businesses, tourism operators, developers, and government entities across Cumberland County.

CAEDC's core products and services are organized around five pillars: (1) financing programs, including Cumberland Capital + Connection (CCC) at 3.5% fixed rate, Cumberland Small Business Fund, Cumberland Revolving Energy Loan Fund, Tourism Infrastructure Loan Fund, and access to state/federal programs (SBA 504, PIDA at 4.25%-5.5%, ISRP at 2%, SSBCI, CCIDA tax-exempt financing); (2) grant administration for programs including LSA Category 4, PA SITES, Multimodal Transportation Fund, RACP, Clean and Green, Tourism Product Development Grants, and the EPA Brownfields Community-Wide Assessment; (3) site selection and development services including shovel-ready site identification, zoning coordination, and brownfield redevelopment; (4) workforce development facilitation through partnerships with PA CareerLINK, Employment Skills Center, The Manufacturers Association, and Emerge Education; and (5) tourism marketing funded by a county lodging tax, delivered via VisitCumberlandValley.com, content marketing, social media, and FAM tours.

The revenue model is multi-stream and nonprofit: county lodging tax revenue funds tourism operations; a four-tier CAEDC Partnership Investment Program ($500-$5,000 annual contributions) generates recurring contributions from regional businesses; loan program interest and fees provide additional revenue; and grant administration fees support the organization's overhead. CAEDC also operates a wholly-owned subsidiary, Real Estate Collaborative (REC), formed in 2016, which acquires and redevelops underutilized industrial properties — most recently the 26.71-acre former Frog, Switch & Manufacturing Company site, financed in part by a $10.2M PA SITES award. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, with Executive Director Janet Anderson leading a leadership team that includes directors of Economic Development and Tourism & Marketing alongside specialized managers for grants, content, advertising, communications, and finance.

Name

Cumberland Area Economic Development

Legal name

Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation

Website

https://cumberlandbusiness.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) is a county-chartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers financing, grants, site selection, workforce, and tourism marketing services to small businesses, developers, and tourism operators across Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Economic Development Services

NAICS

Administration of Housing Programs, Urban Planning, and Community Development (925), Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (9241), Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development (92512)

SIC

Land Subdividers & Developers (No Cemeteries) (6552), Real Estate Agents & Managers (For Others) (6531), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Economic Development & Business Licensing (Local) (BPAIACAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Brownfield Redevelopment Due Diligence & Grant Support (EUAHAEAD), Real Estate Public-Private Partnership (PPP) & Infrastructure-Adjacent Real Estate Advisory (BPAJANAL), Transitional/Development Land Brokerage (Entitled, In-Path-of-Growth) (BPAJADAJ)

Keywords

• Economic development services
• Small business loans
• Grant administration
• Tourism marketing
• Site selection

Headquarters

HQ city

Carlisle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Financing Programs (Cumberland Capital + Connection): CAEDC offers various low-interest loan programs including Cumberland Small Business Fund (CSBF), Cumberland Revolving Energy Loan Fund (CRELF), Tourism Infrastructure Loan Fund (TILF), and SSBCI programs. They also facilitate access to SBA 504, PIDA, ISRP, and Tax-Exempt Financing through CCIDA.
2. Grant Facilitation and Administration: CAEDC assists businesses with grant identification, application writing, and administration. They have facilitated grants including LSA Category 4 grants ($380,000+ secured), PA Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) program ($10.2 million awarded), and various tourism grants ($768,384 awarded in June 2026).
3. CAEDC Partnership Investment Program: Four-tiered investment structure: Visionary Partner ($5,000), Strategic Partner ($3,000), Community Partner ($1,500), and Micro-Business/Non-Profit Partner ($500). 100% of investments fund CAEDC programs. Provides networking opportunities, event access, and promotional benefits.
4. Tourism Marketing (Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau): CAEDC serves as the designated destination marketing organization for Cumberland County. Marketing activities are funded by a county lodging tax assessed on overnight stays. Provides free business listings on VisitCumberlandValley.com, trip ideas, newsletters, and social media promotion.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

CAEDC provides consultative economic development and tourism promotion services to businesses in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Core offerings include facilitation of low-interest business loans (Cumberland Capital + Connection programs at 3.5% CCC, plus SBA 504, PIDA, ISRP, CCIDA tax-exempt), grant identification and administration across state and federal programs, site selection and shovel-ready site identification, workforce development facilitation, and destination marketing through the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau. The Real Estate Collaborative (REC) subsidiary executes brownfield redevelopment projects, with the Frog Switch site acquisition being a flagship initiative.

Product overview

Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) operates as an economic development organization with multiple interconnected services rather than a single software product. The core offerings include Cumberland Capital + Connection (CCC), a consultative loan program providing low-interest, fixed-rate financing through multiple sub-products including the Cumberland Small Business Fund (CSBF), Cumberland Revolving Energy Loan Fund (CRELF), Tourism Infrastructure Loan Fund (TILF), and access to state/federal programs like SBA 504, PIDA, ISRP, and CCIDA tax-exempt financing. CAEDC also offers grant programs including the Multimodal Transportation Fund, RACP, Clean and Green, Local Share Account (LSA), and Tourism Grants. Supporting services include Small Business Development, Development Services & Site Selection, Workforce Development, and a Preferred Vendors Directory. The Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau (CVVB) serves as the destination marketing arm, while the Real Estate Collaborative (REC) subsidiary handles redevelopment projects.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cumberland Capital + Connection (CCC) Loans A flagship consultative loan and funding program providing low-interest, fixed-rate business loans for Cumberland County small businesses, supporting real estate acquisition, construction, renovations, equipment purchases, and working capital.
• Cumberland Small Business Fund (CSBF) Low-cost financing sub-program for Cumberland County small businesses supporting real estate acquisition, construction, renovations, equipment purchases, and working capital with a job creation requirement for local residents.
• Cumberland Revolving Energy Loan Fund (CRELF) Renewable energy business loans helping Cumberland County businesses finance energy-efficient retrofits and install small renewable energy systems including solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal solutions.
• Tourism Infrastructure Loan Fund (TILF) Tourism business loans and building renovation loans supporting hospitality enterprises in Cumberland County for land acquisition, new construction, equipment purchases, and site improvements.
• SBA 504 Program Facilitation CAEDC-facilitated Small Business Administration program offering small business loans for real estate acquisition, equipment loans, and refinancing, with long-term fixed-rate financing currently under 6.5%.
• CCIDA Tax-Exempt Financing Tax-exempt business loans for industrial development financing and nonprofit projects supporting real estate acquisition, construction, machinery purchases, and infrastructure improvements via the Cumberland County Industrial Development Authority.
• Grant Identification and Administration Services Assistance with grant identification, application writing, and administration across state and federal programs including Multimodal Transportation Fund, RACP, Clean and Green, Local Share Account (LSA), and Tourism Grants.
• Small Business Development Services Resources and guidance for starting, expanding, or managing a business including business plan development, financing assistance, lender recommendations, and chamber connections.
• Development Services & Site Selection Assistance with identification of shovel-ready sites, coordination with officials for land development and zoning approvals, and redevelopment of former industrial properties.
• Workforce Development Facilitation Facilitation between business community, workforce agencies, educational institutions, and housing/transportation organizations to address workforce challenges and skills shortages.
• Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau (CVVB) Destination Marketing The tourism arm of CAEDC, designated as the Destination Marketing Organization for Cumberland County, promoting Cumberland Valley as a travel destination through VisitCumberlandValley.com, visitor guides, and paid media.
• Real Estate Collaborative (REC) Redevelopment Services Real estate redevelopment, brownfield redevelopment, and reuse of underutilized properties in Cumberland County, executed through CAEDC's wholly-owned subsidiary created in 2016.
• CAEDC Partnership Investment Program Four-tiered corporate investment partnership: Visionary Partner ($5,000), Strategic Partner ($3,000), Community Partner ($1,500), and Micro-Business/Non-Profit Partner ($500), providing networking access, event benefits, and promotional placement.

Quantifiable outcome

• Tourism visitor spending of $996.8 million supported 6,530 jobs and generated $48.8 million in state/local taxes (2024)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Cumberland County Housing & Redevelopment Authority (CCHRA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCAEDC partners with CCHRA to assist with redevelopment projects in downtowns throughout Cumberland County.
• Cumberland County Officials and Workforce AgenciescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCAEDC collaborates with county officials, workforce agencies, housing and transportation organizations, and educational institutions to create workforce development partnerships.
• PA CareerLINK Cumberland CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership helps employers find skilled employees and job seekers find training to meet employer demands. PA CareerLINK also helps fund employment skills programs.
• Employment Skills CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMission of helping people achieve personal growth and job betterment through education and training including GED preparation, adult basic education, ESL, Nurse Aid Training, and Workforce Development.
• The Manufacturers AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember services include self-insured employee health plans, education and training, advocacy, workforce development for new and existing employees, HR resources, and networking.
• Emerge EducationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelivers workforce development outcomes by forging partnerships with leading companies, universities, and institutions to create educational pathways.
• Cumberland County Board of CommissionerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCAEDC was founded in 2005 by the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners and serves as the county's authorized economic development and tourism promotion agency.
• Carlisle Area Chamber of CommercecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChamber programs include connecting high school students with employers, career awareness support, and hosting Annual Career & Job Expo.
• Partnership for Better HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides grant funding to various community programs, mainly non-profit organizations, focusing on resources that promote increased minimum wage and creation of high-quality jobs.
• Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPA DCED provides corporate incentives to companies looking to relocate to Cumberland County. Various grants, loans, tax assistance, and bond programs available. CAEDC provides grant writing and application assistance.
• Governor's Action Team (GAT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGAT provides corporate incentives to companies looking to relocate to Cumberland County as part of the Governor's economic development initiatives.
• Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit C-PACE Program Administrator for Cumberland County. Dedicated to helping energy users overcome barriers to sustainable energy through economic and educational programs. Has participated in financing over $100 million in programs statewide.
• Small Business Administration (SBA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCAEDC facilitates SBA 504 Program loans for small business real estate acquisition, equipment, and refinancing with long-term fixed-rate financing.
• Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCAEDC connects businesses with PIDA's low-interest financing options for land, buildings, manufacturing equipment, working capital, and energy efficiency projects.
• Pennsylvania SBDC (Shippensburg University)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBDC provides no-cost, confidential business consulting and assistance with testing business propositions, shaping business plans, and investigating funding opportunities.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Lancaster County Economic Development Partnership: County-level economic development organization serving Lancaster County, PA with comparable financing, site selection, and workforce services. Highly comparable as a neighboring PA county EDO operating the same integrated public-private funding facilitation model.
• York County Economic Alliance: Combined chamber + economic development organization for York County, PA offering financing programs, site selection, and tourism promotion. Directly comparable to CAEDC's integrated economic development + destination marketing service model in an adjacent PA market.
• SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG): Multi-county economic development organization in central PA delivering loan programs, brownfield assessment, and site selection services. Comparable as a regional EDO running ISRP and revolving loan fund programs similar to CAEDC's CCC and CRELF.
• Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC): Regional economic development organization serving Lehigh and Northampton counties with site selection, financing facilitation, and workforce development. Comparable as a PA EDO operating similar loan packaging and corporate attraction services.
• Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC: Combined chamber and economic development organization serving the Harrisburg/Capital Region, providing financing, site selection, and tourism support. Directly comparable to CAEDC's combined EDO + visitor promotion structure in an adjacent PA region.
• Chester County Economic Development Council: County-wide economic development organization for Chester County, PA delivering financing, site selection, workforce, and redevelopment services. Highly comparable to CAEDC's full-stack EDO model with similar county-chartered structure in an adjacent PA market.

Broad incumbents

• Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC): Philadelphia's public-private economic development corporation managing financing, real estate, and capital programs for the city. Comparable as a larger PA-based EDO with tax-exempt financing authority (similar to CAEDC's CCIDA channel), but operating at metropolitan rather than county scale.
• Pennsylvania Tourism Office (VisitPA): State-level destination marketing organization promoting Pennsylvania tourism. Comparable to CAEDC's CVVB at the state layer, providing brand, content, and cooperative marketing resources that county-level DMOs leverage and partner with.

Regional players

• Visit Hershey & Harrisburg: Destination marketing organization for the Hershey/Harrisburg region promoting tourism assets and events. Comparable to CAEDC's Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau as a PA regional DMO funded by lodging tax, but operating in a different geographic territory.

Others

• Ben Franklin Technology Partners: PA state-funded technology-based economic development organization providing early-stage capital and incubation. Comparable as an enabling economic development partner that CAEDC connects clients to for innovation-stage financing complementary to its own loan programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CumberlandAreaEconomicDevelopment
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cumberland-area-economic-development-corporation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cumberland Area Economic Development