Resources for Entrepreneurs

Resource Services for the Entrepreneur

We want you to be successful

Growing your business takes more than just money.  It takes skill, expertise and hard work.   Erie County offers a multitude of entrepreneur and small business support services to help you succeed, regardless of the stage your business is in.  We encourage you to seek the advice and support of one or more of the following services, most of which are free.

Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program

The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program matches eligible creative entrepreneurs with existing, free, local and small business consulting services and financial resources ranging from $500 to $2000 to help them grow their businesses, audiences, and revenue. In partnership with Erie Arts & Culture, the StARTup Grant program supported by ECRDA will review and offer an additional $5000 grant to those that qualify. Cohorts and applications are quarterly. For more information and to apply please visit www.erieartsandculture.org

CO.STARTERS

CO.STARTERS is a hands-on educational program, led by professional facilitators, who help guide you on your business journey. If you learn best in a structured environment and want a group of peers to offer support and accountability, CO.STARTERS is for you.

Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic

The Entrepreneur Business Clinic is hosted by the Penn State LaunchBox program and provides free business services for startup and early-stage businesses in PA. For more information, contact Britani Peterson at BLP193@psu.edu or complete the online intake form.   

Erie’s Black Wall Street

EBWS offers workshops and trainings on everything from repairing your credit, building your brand and Business 101 for those thinking about starting a business. For more information on EBWS and their workshops visit its website.

ERIEMADE Business Academy

The ERIEMADE Business Academy offers a free 6-month program that teaches business fundamentals for artists and creatives. 

The Idea Lab

The Idea Lab is an adult maker space that offers free access to equipment and classes. Our goal is to be an educational resource for the community to build creative skills, connect with other makers, and make cool stuff!   For more information:  Idea Lab – Erie County Public Library (erielibrary.org)

Paramount Pursuits

Paramount Pursuits is a small business incubator and economic development consulting partner, concentrating on empowering entrepreneurs and providing guidance for Main Street revitalization projects within our local communities. 
Business Incubator | How To Start A Business | Paramount Pursuits

PA Small Business Assistance

To support our entrepreneurs and businesses at all stages of development, the Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop was created and launched business.pa.gov in February 2018.

SBDC

The Small Business Development Center at Gannon University offers no-cost, confidential consulting services for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to start a business.  The SBDC can help you with everything from business planning to bookkeeping.    

Looking to build equity?  Consider the following opportunities:

KIVA

The City of Erie sponsors this international crowdfunding program to help launch businesses and provide early-stage resources. For more information contact Jen Hoffman at jhoffman@erie.pa.us

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