Staff Recommendations

Erie Arts and Culture is dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Our mission is to promote, support, and expand the arts and cultural experiences across our diverse communities. With a long history of fostering creativity and community engagement, we strive to make the arts accessible to everyone. Learn more about us and what we do below.

  • Erie Community Foundation

    • Programs: Various grants for community development and entrepreneurial initiatives.

    • Career Stage: Emerging to Established.

    • Contact: Erie Community Foundation​

    Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA)

    • Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program: Financial resources ranging from $500 to $2000, with additional grants up to $5000.

    • Career Stage: Emerging.

    • Contact: ECRDA​

    Kiva Erie

    • Programs: Crowdfunding loans to support early-stage businesses.

    • Career Stage: Emerging to Mid.

    • Contact: Kiva Erie

    Ben Franklin Technology Partners

    • Programs: Startup funding, business support, Big Idea Contest, TechCelerator Boot Camp.

    • Career Stage: Startup technology and small manufacturing companies.

    • Contact: Ben Franklin Technology Partners

    PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED)

    • Programs: Keystone Communities Program, Neighborhood Assistance Program.

    • Career Stage: Emerging to Established.

    • Contact: DCED​

  • Radius CoWork

    • Facilities: Open workspace, call rooms, conference rooms, small-team rooms, private offices, podcasting studio, classroom, café, and lounge space.

    • Peer Mentorship: Focused on beginner to mid-career audiences.

    • Educational Classes: Business incorporation, marketing, accounting, etc.

    • Career Stage: Beginning, mid-career, established.

    • Contact: Radius CoWork

    Achievers Entrepreneurial Hub

    • Programs: 12-month Business Incubation Program, office and co-working space, conference rooms, podcast rooms, weekly workshops.

    • Career Stage: Emerging to Mid.

    • Contact: Achievers Entrepreneurial Hub​

    Palace Business Centres

    • Facilities: Flexible office spaces, high-speed internet, video conferencing, meeting rooms.

    • Career Stage: Emerging to Established.

    • Contact: Palace Business Centres​

  • Erie’s Black Wall Street

    • Programs: Financial literacy, business banking office hours, Business 101 & Back Office Support workshops, networking sessions.

    • Career Stage: Emerging to Mid.

    • Contact: Erie's Black Wall Street

    Idea Lab at Erie County Public Library

    • Programs: Free equipment and classes to build creative skills.

    • Career Stage: Emerging to Mid.

    • Contact: Idea Lab​

    Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Gannon University

    • Programs: No-cost consulting services for business planning and bookkeeping.

    • Career Stage: Emerging to Established.

    • Contact: SBDC at Gannon University​

    Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership (ERCGP)

    • Programs: FIRE Accelerator Program, ICE Angel Education.

    • Career Stage: Emerging to Established.

    • Contact: ERCGP​

    Penn State Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic

    Big Idea Center by Pitt

    • Programs: Legal advice and templates for business needs through the BASE Program and Trellis Template Library.

    • Career Stage: Emerging to Mid.

    • Contact: Big Idea Center​

    Bridgeway Capital

    • Programs: ErieMade Business Academy, three-phase business planning journey.

    • Career Stage: Minority, women, and/or veteran-owned creative businesses.

    • Contact: Bridgeway Capital

    KDC Coop

    • Programs: Co-op Academy virtual learning series.

    • Career Stage: New cooperators from across the Mid-Atlantic.

    • Contact: KDC Coop

  • Paramount Pursuits

    The Nonprofit Partnership

    Infinite Erie

Looking for ways to further engage with the arts community?

Explore our Professional Development page for workshops and training sessions designed to enhance your skills. Don't miss our Networking Events page to connect with fellow creatives and participate in our Creative Crowd events and Coffee Talks.

Erie Arts and Culture offers a wealth of opportunities to inspire and support your creative journey!