Pennsylvania Council on the arts

• Amount: $2,000

• Source: Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

• Eligibility: Individuals in Crawford, Erie, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties

• Application Window: October 1-December 31

• Grant activity period: April - March

• Notification date: March 31

• Guidelines: Download HERE

Fifty-one percent of the funds available for distribution in this program will be reserved for Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Color (BIPOC), or individuals residing in communities identified by the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI).

• Consistently access resources such as consulting, accelerator programs, and skill-building workshops

• Have and use a relevant business plan

• Understand their target market

• Demonstrate business growth over time

• Create a strategic plan for CEA funds to grow their business, audience, and/or revenues

• Demonstrate matching funds if the plan exceeds the $2,000 grant amount

The creative sector includes a range of economic activities related to knowledge, information, creativity, and innovation. Creative industries include:

• Communication and Marketing

• Architecture

• Visual Arts and Crafts

• Design (product, interior, graphic, fashion)

• Digital and Analog Media (film, television, web, radio)

• Digital Games

• Performing Arts and Live Entertainment

• Publishing

A creative entrepreneur is an individual creating or operating a business within one or more of these creative industries.

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Must have been a resident of Pennsylvania for at least twelve months preceding the CEAP application

• Must be a creative entrepreneur intending to form or operate an eligible creative business as defined in the CEAP Guidelines

  • Note: As of October 2024, registered and licensed tattoo artists and studios are eligible for funding.

• Creative entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for CEAP once every three years

  • Note: Once the three year waiting period has passed, can apply for round two funding after meeting with a referral partner.

• Non-profit organizations are not eligible for funds through this program

Step 1: Referral Coordinator Business Plan Consultation Before applying, all applicants must first have a consultation and business plan review with a local small business development organization, known as a Referral Coordinator. The Referral Coordinators will assist with business logistics, including developing a business plan and growth strategies.

• Note that it may take referral partners three to four weeks to process new clients. Plan appropriately!

Referral Coordinators:

• Gannon University SBDC: Maggie Horne, Director, 900 State Street, Suite 100, Erie, PA 16501, P: 814-871-7713, horne001@gannon.edu

  • For applicants using the Gannon SBDC, Please complete your new client registration by the end of day on Monday, November 25th. This will ensure sufficient time to process applications and allow consultants to schedule meetings before the Thanksgiving holiday.

• Wilds Cooperative of PA: LaKeshia Knarr, Director, Center for Entrepreneurship, 800-895-1376 x 408, lknarr@pawildscenter.org

• PennWest Clarion SBDC: Amy Keth, Assistant Director, 814-393-2060, amketh@pennwest.edu

Please present your Business Plan and Budget at the time of your inquiry. A business planning template and budget template can be downloaded below:

• Download Business Planning Document (pdf)

• Download Budget Planning Document (excel)

Step 2: Application Upon receiving an approved referral form from a designated Referral Coordinator, applicants may submit their materials through EAC's Submittable Portal. Submissions must include the creative entrepreneur’s application form, approved referral form, business plan, and a 12 month budget projection for the upcoming year.

Important Note: Referral of a creative entrepreneur by a Referral Coordinator does not guarantee that a grant will be made.