The Enterprise Zone program is designed to increase business investment and job creation as well as sustain community self-sufficiency within a municipality. Enterprise Zones encourage public and private partnerships between the local governments and business communities; in turn these partnerships boost business investment within the zone. Blair County's Enterprise Zone includes the entire City of Altoona, Hollidaysburg Borough, Duncansville Borough, and portions of Blair and Allegheny Townships. Eligible businesses operating within the zone can apply for specialized low interest loans and tax credits. This new zone designation is effective through 2013 allowing companies to access preferred interest rates on loans for construction, equipment financing, and working capital.