Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program

The PA Council on the Arts' Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program is designed to pair creative entrepreneurs with access to free small business consulting services and $2,000 grants to support the growth and development of their for-profit businesses. 

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until May 30th, 2026. All funds must be distributed in this cycle.

All applicants must meet with a designated referral coordinator to be eligible for funding. Please plan accordingly. Find your referral partner under "Referral Process" on the CEA webpage. 

Note: Applicants using the Gannon SBDC as a referral partner must submit the Request for Consulting application.

Grant Amounts Grants are $2,000. Grantees have August 1st to December 31st, 2026 to use the funds. 

Eligibility Applicants must:

• 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 following creative industry areas:

1. Marketing – Advertising and marketing agencies & professionals
2. Architecture – Architecture firms & architects
3. Visual Arts & Crafts – Galleries, artists, artisans & makers, tattoo artists
4. Design – Product, interior, graphic, and fashion design firms and designers
5. Film & Media – Film, video, animation, TV & Radio businesses
6. Digital Games – Companies, programmers & individuals producing games.
7. Music & Entertainment –Producers, venues, musicians & performers
8. Publishing – Print or electronic businesses & content creators, editors & writers

• 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 entrepreneurship.
• 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 your PPA Partner for more information on the process for final reporting. See also “Application Process” in these guidelines for more information.  

Eligible Uses of Funds Funds must support business formation or development. Eligible uses of grant 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.
• Marketing and promotion.
• 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 equipment.

Grants funds cannot be used for the following:

• Activities outside the grant period.
• Activities that have a religious purpose.
• Payments to lobbyists.
• 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.

Step 1:

Before applying, all applicants must first have a consultation with a Referral Coordinator. The Referral Coordinator assists with the logistics of starting a business including the development of a business plan and continued growth strategies.  

Step 2:

Upon receiving a referral form from a designated Referral Coordinator, applicants may submit application materials through Erie Arts & Culture. Submissions must include the creative entrepreneur’s application form, business plan, 12 month budget projection, referral form, and description of the intended use of funds. 

Tips: 

• Be specific about how you intend to use the grant funds. Include exact items to be purchased, prices, quotes, etc. 
• Communicate the impact of this investment: why are you choosing to use the funds in this way, and what will change for your business as a result of the grant funding? 
• If you include relevant 12 month business goals in your application, also include your present position. This helps contextualize your proposal.         

Questions? Contact Casey Corritore, Capacity Building Lead: casey@erieartsandculture.org | 814-452-3427 x 108.