Supporting Erie’s Small Businesses: Flagship Grant Applications Now Open
The Flagship Grant application is open for small business owners until January 31st! Small businesses are a vital part of what makes Erie unique and vibrant. The City of Erie established the Flagship Grant Program in 2018 to support small business owners by utilizing some of the interest earned from our revolving loan funds.
This year, grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded. A 1-to-1 funding match is required, and funds will be provided on a reimbursement basis.
To apply, businesses must be registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and have a physical address within the City of Erie.
Preference will be given to for-profit businesses with 25 or fewer employees, though nonprofit organizations are also welcome to apply.
Eligible uses of funds include:
- Marketing and advertising expenses
- Façade and building improvements
- Specialized equipment and supplies
- Computer hardware or software
- Website development
Since the program’s inception in 2018, the City of Erie has awarded Flagship Grants to 140 small businesses, totaling $345,000. These grants have leveraged over $1 million in small business investment, proving to be an effective tool for supporting entrepreneurs and advancing economic development in our community.
To learn more about the Flagship Grant opportunity and apply, please visit: cityof.erie.pa.us/flagshipfund