Flagship Fund

Flagship Fund is sponsored by City of Erie. The Flagship Fund is a microgrant program for small businesses in the City of Erie, including startups and established businesses.

The Flagship Fund is the City of Erie’s microgrant program for small businesses. Established to provide financial assistance to support market-ready products and services, it also serves to enhance the City of Erie’s reputation for innovation and creativity; contribute to a thriving, sustainable business culture; and improve the quality of life for residents of the City of Erie.

Start-ups and established businesses from any sector are welcome to apply with a great idea and a sound business proposal that will proceed regardless of grant funding. Funding awards will be granted up to $10,000, with a minimum of $2,500. A 1:1 cash match is required, and grant dollars will be awarded on a reimbursement basis.

This means that if you are applying for a $5,000 microgrant, you must spend $10,000 and then submit all paid invoices for reimbursement of the $5,000 award amount. All grant funding must be expended within one year of the award date. The Flagship Fund Grant application deadline is November 30, 2026, 11:59 PM.

​To encourage the 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. Business must be located within the City of Erie and zoned accordingly.

Preference is given to businesses with 25 or fewer employees. Preference is given to brick-and-mortar businesses. Preference given to for-profit entities; however, non-profit organizations may apply.

Locally-owned franchise owners may apply. WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY? Companies not registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Franchises not locally owned. Companies on the federal or state debarment lists. Companies with delinquent state and city taxes, fees, fines, liens, 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. 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.

Computer hardware/software Connectivity hardware upgrades Professional Consultation costs (Strategic, succession, and/or new market development planning, project implementation, financial management, professional marketing and advertising expenses, including website development) Specialized equipment directly related to operations Structural, exterior facade, or interior building improvements; however, priority will be given to non-construction projects 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 provide a W-9.

Application and Reimbursement Process Grants will be committed and funded in a competitive manner, during pre-determined application periods. 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: Cathryn Easterling, Director of Neighborhood and Economic Development Lori Radder Spicer, Chief of Staff Dave Tamulonis, Director of Grants Aaron Loncki, Grant Writer Kat Blair, Grant Administrator Wuji Ahmad, New American Affairs Coordinator If the applicant accepts the award, a representative from the City of Erie will contact the owner to explain the next steps in the process (contract agreement/invoicing).

All grant funding must be expended within one year of the award date and detailed invoices must be submitted for reimbursement.

* 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 “2026 Flagship Fund”.

If your business is eligible to apply, you can start the application process here: Before you begin, please have the following information ready to complete your application.

Business Name (as it appears on license) Business Address (as it appears on license) Last annual revenue / income (in dollars) Amount of funding requested (up to $10,000 with a minimum of $2,500 and 1:1 cash match required) Have you received a Flagship Microgrant in the past? If so, please indicate which year.

I would like to be considered for funding to address the following needs: Computer hardware/software Professional consulting services Professional marketing and advertising services Specialized equipment necessary for expansion Structural, exterior facade, and/or interior building improvements Please provide a brief description of your business. Please explain in more detail how you plan to use the matching funds.

Successful applicants must provide an itemized budget of how they would use the funds. Applicants should attach quotes/estimates for specific equipment purchases, capital/construction projects, web design, marketing, signage, etc. How will these funds enable you to grow your business, expand your workforce, and/or lead to new market opportunities? Upload an itemized budget of how you would use the funds.

(Accepted file types: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe PDF) Upload quotes/estimates for specific equipment purchases, capital/construction projects, web design, marketing, signage, etc. (Accepted file types: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe PDF) What is a 1:1 cash match? A 1:1 cash match means for every $1 grant dollar you receive, you need to match it with $1 of your own money.

If you are applying for a $5,000 microgrant, you must spend $10,000 and then submit invoices for reimbursement of the $5,000 award. Are single-use consumables covered by the grant? No, single-use consumables, such as restaurant to-go containers or food items, are not allowable items.

I live in the City of Erie, but my business is outside of the city limits. Can I receive this grant? No, the Flagship Fund grant program is for businesses located within the city limits.

I purchased some items before the grant was awarded. Can I submit those for reimbursement? No, all expenses must occur AFTER the date of the award.

I want to purchase promotional items for my business/store, such as shirts or pens to sell/give away . Can I use this grant for that? No, these items are similar to consumables.

Do I have to apply for the full $10,000? No, you may apply for up to $10,000, with a minimum of $2,500. Can the grant be used to pay salaries?

No. The grant is intended to support business growth, expansion, and new opportunities rather than cover ongoing operating expenses, such as existing employee salaries. Funding should be used for eligible expenses that help move your business forward and support its long-term success. I was awarded a Flagship Grant.

When will I receive my grant money? After you have completed your approved scope of work, you will then submit your invoices and proof of payment for review. Once your invoices are approved, a reimbursement check will be processed.

I was awarded the grant, but my approved scope of work needs to be changed. Can I change what I am allowed to purchase? You may submit a change-of-scope request to the Flagship Team for review.

The team will determine if the new scope aligns with the grant program. Can I submit multiple reimbursements throughout the grant period? No more than two reimbursement requests will be accepted.

Need a Paper Application? We encourage applicants to complete the online application for a faster and more convenient process. However, a paper application is available for those who prefer this option.

Completed paper applications, along with any additional supporting documentation, should be emailed to flagshipfund@erie. pa. us.

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