Ignite Erie™ officially kicked off in November 2013 when ECGRA and 26 leading agencies and businesses brought together more than 350 entrepreneurs, educators, policymakers, subject-matter experts, and elected officials to discuss the future of inner-city investment and innovation-based economic development.

In late 2014, ECGRA rolled out phase two by committing $6 million over three years to small business development. The goals? To create jobs, renew inner-city neighborhoods, inspire partnerships that serve entrepreneurs, leverage private investments, and ignite Erie’s entrepreneurial spirit. ECGRA made key Ignite Erie investments in early 2015. Learn More Here.

Funding and Know-How to Propel Business Forward

Investing in Inner-city Markets that Help Sustain the Region

University Collaborations for Accelerating Business Growth

About Ignite Erie

Ignite Erie Success Stories

Dapper Don Story

Learning Ladder Story

Girl 6 Story

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

If you have an idea, Ignite Erie partners can help you get networked, get training, get funded, and get to market.

A $6 million initiative launched in 2014 by the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority in conjunction with Erie’s most renowned business owners, educators, subject matter experts, thinkers, and investors, Ignite Erie spurs inner-city small business development; fosters industry + university collaborations for business acceleration; and offers a broader spectrum of financing products for starting, growing, and reinventing small business.

GET FUNDED

We're investing in key growth areas, including minority-owned
inner-city, advanced manufacturing, and tech-based businesses.