Machinery & Equipment Loan Fund (MELF) Back This program has been consolidated and is now part of the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan program. Please refer to the PIDA loan. The Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund (MELF) is a low-interest loan to acquire and install new or used machinery and equipment or to upgrade existing machinery and equipment. Applications for eligible MELF projects in Cumberland County must be submitted through Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC). ELIGIBLE PROJECTS Machinery and equipment acquisition and upgrading and related engineering and installation costs directly related to the business process. ELIGIBLE BORROWERS • Manufacturing • Industrial • Agricultural processors • Direct mining operations • Information technology • Biotechnology and medical facilities. A medical facility may only use MELF funds for the acquisition and installation of equipment and technology necessary to comply with FDA requirements regarding pharmaceutical management. LOAN LIMITS Up to $400,000 or 50% of the total eligible project costs (whichever is less). TERMS • Up to a 10-year term, depending upon the useful life of the machinery being financed • One full-time job retained for every $35,000 borrowed and or one full-time job created for every $50,000 borrowed. • Project must be directly related to the business process • The interest rate for the loan will be fixed at the time of approval of the loan and remain fixed for the duration of the repayment term. • Interest rates are subject to change based on market. INTEREST RATES • Please refer to PIDA interest rates.
