The Flagship Fund

• To encourage the establishment, growth, and retention of sustainable businesses which enhance the City of Erie’s reputation for innovation, creativity, business vitality, diversity, inclusiveness, quality of life, and environmental sustainability.
• To create employment opportunities and increase the level of business investment in the City of Erie.
• ​To support innovative businesses that demonstrate solid market potential and a sound business model, including long-term financial viability.

Who is eligible to apply?

• A registered business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• Physical business address must be located within the City of Erie
• Preference is given to businesses with 25 or fewer employees
• Preference given to for-profit entities, however non-profit organizations may apply
• Additionally, member-based organizations and associations may apply given they have a mission or vision to improve the business climate in the City of Erie
• Locally-owned franchise owners may apply
  
  

Who is not eligible to apply?

• Companies not registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• Applicant not physically located in the City of Erie, or planning to relocate jobs outside of the City in the next two years
• Franchise owners – not locally owned
• Membership-based organizations and/or associations that DO NOT have a business-related mission or vision.
• Companies on the federal or state debarment lists
• Companies with delinquent taxes, fines, or outstanding violations with the City.
• Owners who may have a conflict of interest in receiving grants from the City (City employees, elected officials, and their immediate family members)
• Companies that have already received a grant from The Flagship Fund in the last three (3) years
  
  

Eligible Use of Funds

Projects must be completed within one (1) year of award announcement from the City unless otherwise approved. Requested costs must be reasonable, and the City reserves the right to review proposed estimates, quotes, or other financial information directly related to the grant project.

Eligible uses include:

• Professional Marketing, promotions, and advertising expenses
• Structural, exterior facade, or interior improvements building improvements
• Specialized equipment
• Computer hardware/software
• Connectivity upgrades
• Website development
• Consultation costs (strategic plan, project implementation, financial management)
• Security cameras
• Lighting/exterior signage
• Strategic, succession, and/or new market development planning
• Leasehold improvements are eligible. Applicants will be required to share a copy of their lease.

Applicants must include estimates/quotes detailing an itemized breakdown of the cost of equipment, building improvements, consulting services, etc. If selected applicants will be required to show proof of ownership or lease, provide a W-9, a tax ID number, and a copy of their business’ most current tax return, including their Schedule C or S Corp.

Grants will be committed and funded in a competitive manner, during pre-determined application periods based on availability of funds. Applicants will be notified in writing of acceptance or denial of projects. 

The final grant award amount will be determined by the following City of Erie employees and officials:

Joe Schember, Mayor
Renée Lamis, Chief of Staff
Chris Groner, Director of Development Services
Aaron Loncki, Grant Writer
Kat Blair, Grant Administrator
Daryl Craig, Community Liaison
Saeed Taraky, Immigrant and Refugee Liaison

If the applicant accepts the award, a representative from the City of Erie will contact the owner to explain next steps in the process (contract agreement / invoicing).  All grant funding must be expended within one year of award date.

*The City reserves the right to deny approval of any application for reasons including, but not limited to, potential duplication of other available business assistance programs, competitiveness of applications received, modifications to grant criteria, etc.

For questions about the Flagship Fund or the application process, please email flagshipfund@erie.pa.us and use the subject line “2025 Flagship Fund”. 

If your business is eligible to apply, you can start the application process here:

The following information will be asked in the application. For translation purposes, click on the blue “Translate” button on the bottom right of the page. 

Business Information

• Business Name (as it appears on license) 
• Owner(s) Name(s)
• Business Address (as it appears on license)
• Business Phone
• Home/Mobile Phone
• Email Address
• Type of Business (or Association)
• Number of employees
• Year Established
• Estimated last annual revenue / income (in dollars)
• Amount of funding requested (up to $5,000 and 1:1 match required)
• Have you received a Flagship Microgrant in the past? If so, please indicate which year.                        
  

Use of Funds

• I would like to be considered for funding to address the following needs:
  • Marketing/advertising
  • Façade/building improvements
  • Specialized equipment
  • Computer hardware/software
  • Website development
  • Technical assistance/consultation
  • Security cameras
  • Lighting/exterior signage
  • Other:                                        
    

Narrative Questions

• Please explain in detail how you plan to use the matching funds. 
• How will your project enhance the City of Erie’s reputation for innovation and creativity, and contribute to a thriving, sustainable business culture and improved quality of life?
• How will these funds enable you to grow your business, expand and/or retain your workforce, and/or lead to new market opportunities?
  

Attachments

Upload quotes/estimates for specific equipment purchases, capital/construction projects, web design, marketing, signage, etc. (Accepted file types: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe PDF)

Upload an itemized budget of how you would use the funds. (Accepted file types: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe PDF)