Mayor Joe Schember announced 2025 Flagship Fund microgrant awardees for 19 small businesses in the City of Erie today, with a total investment of more than $84,000.
“It’s important that we invest in our small businesses so they can continue to invest in the City,” said Mayor Joe Schember. “Small businesses don’t qualify for a lot of economic development programs, as funding tends to go to larger businesses. That is why the city created this fund. The Flagship Fund is one of the ways the City can directly help small business owners so they can thrive and grow.”
The Flagship Fund is a microgrant program for small businesses in the City of Erie which aims 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
- Create employment opportunities and increase the level of business investment in the City of Erie
- Support innovative businesses that demonstrate solid market potential and a sound business model, including long-term financial viability
Flagship Fund microgrants require a 1:1 funding match and small business owners can apply for up to $5,000 for marketing expenses, exterior or interior building improvements, specialized equipment, computer hardware or software, connectivity upgrades, website development, consultation costs, security cameras, lighting or exterior signage, strategic planning, and/or leasehold improvements.
This year, more than 120 small businesses submitted applications, and 19 City of Erie businesses were awarded a total of $84,477.51. These businesses include:
- Achievers Entrepreneurial Hub: $5,000 for marketing and exterior signage
- Almadina Supermarket: $5,000 for exterior painting, exterior sign, and marketing
- Bespoke Tailoring: $1,628.50 for specialized sewing machines and exterior signage
- CheesErie: $2,000 for marketing, website development, and interior signage
- Copy King: $5,000 for a backup generator
- Darline Services (A Compassionate Hart Wellness Center): $5,000 for a sound bed, oxygen bar, and massage chair
- El Amigo Mexican Grill: $5,000 for interior renovations and security cameras
- Erie Shish Kabob: $5,000 for interior renovations
- Hi-Tech Plating: $4,750 for security cameras and upgraded locks
- Icon Ink: $5,000 for exterior façade and building improvements
- J.L. Nick & Associates: $5,000 for connectivity upgrades, website development, security cameras, and lighting/exterior signage
- Lakeshore Towing Services: $5,000 for a specialized crane
- Moore Research Services: $5,000 for an inclusive marketing campaign
- Mud Puppies Self Serve Dog Wash: $1,300 for new grooming tubs
- PopLuck Gourmet Popcorn: $5,000 for a new popcorn cooker
- Stonehouse Electric & Maintenance: $5,000 for marketing, software and security cameras
- Storbes Market: $5,000 for security cameras, freezers, and coolers
- Triple D’s Tasty Grill: $4,799.01 for marketing and restaurant equipment
- Two Brothers Auto Service and Notary: $5,000 for signage, marketing, computer software and hardware, floodlights, and new equipment
Funded through interest on the City’s revolving loan fund, the Flagship Fund does not use taxpayer dollars.
For more information about the City of Erie’s Flagship Fund, visit: https://cityof.erie.pa.us/flagshipfund/.
