Mayor Joe Schember announced 2025 Flagship Fund microgrant awardees for 39 small businesses in the City of Erie today, with a total investment of more than $141,000.
Thanks to another $100,000 in financial assistance provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Governor Josh Shapiro’s Main Street Matters (MSM) Program, the number of awardees is double what it was usually able to award. The City matched the MSM funding with $100,000 from interest accumulated on the City of Erie’s revolving loan funds.
“I want to personally thank the Governor, his team, and our state legislative delegation for all their help in obtaining this MSM funding,” said Mayor Joe Schember. “It’s important that we invest in our small businesses so they can continue to invest in the City. 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 round, more than 100 small businesses submitted applications, and 39 City of Erie businesses were awarded a total of $141,458. These businesses include:
- 1020 Vision, LLC
- Al’s Awning Shop, Inc.
- Arts Council of Erie
- BAKERY ON 5th, LLC
- BirthRoot Community Doula (full name UNFHCC-BirthRoot Community DOULA)
- Buona Cucina oils and more
- Casablanca Grill
- Casablanca Hookah Lounge, LLC
- Casey’s Ice Cream Cart
- Community Shelter Services
- Divine 25 LLC
- DWM Decision Associates, LLC
- Flagship City Press, LLC
- Franco’s Communications, LLC (Franco’s Fresh)
- Free Descent LLC/Diver’s World
- Galaxy Beyond Walls Childcare, LLC
- Gary’s Flower Shoppe
- GEM CITY BARBERS, LLC
- Grind Marketing Services, LLC (dba Erie Apparel Designs)
- Herb & Honey, LLC
- Journey to a Trauma Informed Life
- LAVERY BREWING CO
- Mac & B, Inc (dba Emerald Printing & Imaging)
- Monacella Massage & Kinesiology, LLC
- NoPretenders, LLC
- Pretty Security, LLC
- Relacedsnkrs
- Shining Light Hospitality (dba Spencer House Bed & Breakfast)
- Shop Hero Dashboard, Inc.
- The Empowered Life Community Development Corporation
- The Legend Furniture
- The UPS Store
- Werner Books
- Wheelchairs And More Corp.
- Will Power Cleaning and Services, LLC
- World of Music Erie, LLC
- Ye Ole Sweet Shoppe Bakery, LLC
Since 2018, including today’s recipients, the City of Erie has awarded Flagship grants to 198 small businesses for a total amount of $570,579.72! That amount has been leveraged to well-over 1 million dollars in small business investment.
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: www.erie.pa.us/flagshipfund.
