Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program

Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program is sponsored by Pennsylvania Creative Industries powered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (through regional partners like Centre Foundation and Erie Arts & Culture). This program offers funding and small business consulting to creative entrepreneurs who aspire to start their own for-profit business or who operate an existing for-profit micro-business.

PCA Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program Pennsylvania Creative industries powered by the pa council on the arts Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program (CEAP) Creative entrepreneurs are invaluable assets to communities. They lead innovation, deliver creative products and services, generate economic opportunity, and build community identity.

This program is designed for creative entrepreneurs who aspire to start their own for-profit business or who operate an existing for-profit micro business. The program encourages the participation of interested creative entrepreneurs located in communities across the commonwealth, including those located in low-income communities, urban, suburban, and rural communities.

Successful applicants receive small business consultation services and a grant of $2,000. Erie Arts and Culture is partnering with the Pennsylvania Creative Industries powered by the PA Council on the Arts to support creative entrepreneurs and their businesses through the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program (CEAP). Note: the 2026 cycle will be the final cycle administered by Erie Arts and Culture.

Starting in 2027, PA Creative Industries will administer the program internally as a cohort model.

Source: Pennsylvania Creative Industries powered by the PA Council on the Arts Eligibility: Individuals in Crawford, Erie, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties Application Window: April 1 - May 31, 2026 Grant activity period: August 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026 Notification date: July 31, 2026 Guidelines : Download HERE 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 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: Marketing – Advertising and marketing agencies & professionals Architecture – Architecture firms & architects Visual Arts & Crafts – Galleries, artists, artisans & makers, tattoo artists Design – Product, interior, graphic, and fashion design firms and designers Film & Media – Film, video, animation, TV & Radio businesses Digital Games – Companies, programmers & individuals producing games Music & Entertainment –Producers, venues, musicians & performers Publishing – Print or electronic businesses & content creators, editors & writers A creative entrepreneur is an individual creating or operating a business within one or more of these creative industries.

Have not received Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Funding in the past three years (Creative Entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program once every three years). Please note that applying and receiving funds after the 3 year mark is contingent upon availability of funds after applicants that have never received funding have had an opportunity to be funded.

Other requirements for reapplying after 3 years include a follow-up visit with a referral partner to review business plan and progress of business. Be at least 18 years of age and a current resident of Pennsylvania for at least one year. Demonstrate gross revenue of less than $200,000 from the creative entrepreneur business.

Be a creative entrepreneur intending to form a business or operating a business in Pennsylvania within one or more of the creative industry areas Possess all current and valid licenses, permits, leases, certifications, and registrations required to engage in the creative endeavor (e.g. tattoo, street performance) in the geographical location served by the business.

The CEA Grant is funded through a program that activates State Taxpayer Funding. For purpose of tax reporting, the funds are not considered a “gift” and should be reported in tax filing. For further questions regarding filing please visit the IRS website at irs.

gov or consult with a tax professional. A final report and evidence of eligible use of the CEA grant funding is required at the end of the contract term. Consult with Erie Arts and Culture for more information on the process for final reporting.

See also “Application and Referral Process” for more information. Eligible and Ineligible uses of grant funds Funds must support business formation or development. Eligible funds should act as an activator to your business growth and sustainability.

Eligible uses of funds include: Professional fees for workshops, consultants, and career coaching. Participation in events, trade shows, festivals, etc. that offer access to audience and revenue generation potential. Business development fees for courses or seminars for business skills.

Research and development. Development or upgrades to technology related to business practices. Studio/rehearsal/retail space rent (outside of regular business operating costs, rent, and utilities) Reasonable fees for supporting/collaborating artists.

Purchase of supplies and/or equipment. Grant funds cannot be used for any of the following: Activities outside the funding period. Activities that have a religious purpose.

Activities for which academic credit is given. Offsets to regular business operating costs, including regular salary or wages. Hospitality, food, or beverages.

Direct or indirect participation in a political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Attempts to influence legislation. Application and Referral Process 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. 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 a detailed use of grant funds, the approved referral form, business plan, and a 12 month budget projection for the upcoming year. Note that it may take referral partners three to four weeks to process new clients. Plan appropriately!

Kyra Taylor, Executive Director ktaylor@eriesblackwallstreet. org Erie and Crawford Counties Jenessa Norton, Business Support Coordinator Erie, Crawford, Mercer Counties 814-871-7713 gannonsbdc@gannon. edu Shenango Valley Launchbox Tom Roberts, Project Coordinator LaKeshia Knarr, Director: Center for Entrepreneurship Amy Keth, Assistant Director University of Pittsburgh, Pantherlabworks Victoria Hassett, Director vhassett@innovation.

pitt. edu Important Note: Referral of a creative entrepreneur by a Referral Coordinator does not guarantee that a grant will be made. Ready to apply?

Use the button below to access the application via Submittable. Please note, the application is only visible during the application window. Questions?

If you have any questions or need more detailed information, please contact our team at info@erieartsandculture. org .