Small Business Fund

Diverse Erie, in collaboration with key public and private partners, has leveraged its resources to create a meaningful and sustainable fund — The Small Business Fund. By investing in local BIPOC businesses, this fund will support business growth and advance equity among BIPOC-owned businesses in Erie County. It will also work to attract new businesses to the region and advance economic development goals to support future generations.

Fund contributors include:

Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA)
Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA)
Erie Community Foundation (ECF)
Greater Erie Economic Development Corporation (GEEDC)
Enterprise Development Fund (EDF)

Small Business Mini Grant Initiative

Diverse Erie’s Small Business Mini-Grant Initiative invests directly in for-profit businesses owned by and serving members of the BIPOC community in Erie County. The program has awarded more than $1.1 million to 85 BIPOC-owned businesses across Erie County since 2023. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 and no match is required.

For every dollar invested in the 2026 cohort, $1.57 is returned in economic impact. The 31 businesses awarded in 2026 are projected to retain and support over 100 jobs across Erie County.