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.