Effective September 8, 2021, ECRDA will begin accepting grant applications for its latest round of the StARTup Business Development grant program.  

StARTup grants offer funding of up to $5000 to new businesses or new business ventures of existing for-profit companies in Erie County that are creative in nature. Applicants are evaluated based on their submission including a descriptive narrative and full project budget. The program accepts applications in the spring and fall.  

“Creative entrepreneurs are invaluable assets to our community. They lead innovation, deliver creative products and services, generate economic opportunity, and build community identity. The StARTup Creative Business Development Grant program is designed to support these important businesses,” said Tina Mengine, CEO of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority.   

Application deadline is September 30, 2021.  

Previous award winners may apply again after 12 months. Applications will be evaluated by a panel of judges from the former Board of Directors of the StARTup Incubator. 

To date, $57,000 in StARTup grants have been awarded to 15 creative businesses.