Have you ever been in a meeting about innovation and entrepreneurship and someone says how they can’t keep up with all the organizations that have popped up in Erie? It’s happened to me many times and we all shake our heads and laugh about it. We all know the confusion comes from organizations with similar names using the same words, just switched up a bit.
When this happened again just last week, I thought, I’m going to create an acronym guide. So here’s your guide to those confusing acronyms and the great organizations behind the letters!
EAC Erie Arts & Culture
If you’re an artist or working in a creative industry, get to know the staff at Erie Arts & Culture and everything they have to offer. Erie Arts & Culture is the Local Arts Agency (LAA) for Northwest Pennsylvania, as appointed by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA). The hidden meaning of that distinction is that they also administer funds through a competitive grant process for both individual artists and arts organizations. Look for Erie Arts & Culture meet-ups as they promote, support, and develop arts and culture at the regional level; ensuring broad opportunities for residents and tourists throughout communities in a six county area.
To learn more: CLICK HERE
ECED Erie County Economic Development
You may know the Erie County Economic Development referred to as the Erie Redevelopment Authority. No wonder the confusion. The organization is listed on the Erie Regional Chamber’s ecosystem compass as Erie County Economic Development. However, if you do a web search, you may end up at the economic development website for Erie County OHIO. So don’t confuse the two.
The Erie Redevelopment Authority as it is preferred to be called, has a full service development team that provides low interest financing, real estate services and grant assistance to businesses and non-profit organizations with the ultimate goal of fostering investment and employment in the Erie Region.
To learn more, CLICK HERE.
ECF Erie Community Foundation
The Erie Community Foundation, which is a collection of over 800 charitable endowments, operates under one administration as a single public charity.
The mission of The Erie Community Foundation is to improve the quality of life for all in our region by evaluating and addressing community issues, by building permanent charitable endowments and by promoting philanthropic and community leadership. As part of the Erie Community Foundation Transformational Philanthropy 2.0 grant, The Urban Oasis Project dba The Oasis Market received a $200,000 grant. Visit their website to find out more about funding opportunities and grant cycles.
To learn more: CLICK HERE
ECGRA Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority
An impact investor, ECGRA’s mission is to elevate Erie County by galvanizing nonprofits and small businesses toward economic and community development. For fiscal year 2018-19, ECGRA invested more than $5.4 million in the small business sector. Recipients included Ben Franklin Technology Partners ($1.3 million), Bridgeway Capital ($2.8 million), International Institute ($200,000) and the Northwest PA Beehives i.e. the Innovation Beehive Network ($1 million).
To learn more: CLICK HERE
EDDC Erie Downtown Development Corporation
Visionary business, philanthropic and community leaders formed the EDDC in 2017, to transform the city of Erie’s downtown core and spark revitalization across the region. The goals of the EDDC are to: develop commercial and residential real estate, attract businesses, residents, and additional investment into downtown, support and enhance the public spaces, create programming, especially events & activities that entice people to live downtown, and support local business and create vibrancy.
I had an opportunity to sit down for a bit and talk with John Persinger, CEO of the EDDC. One thing I realized is that he is so open to ideas, he will spend time and listen to anyone. He understands the weight transformational change brings upon his shoulders and he carries it well.
This transformation is for all of us. To encourage conversation and engage the community, the EDDC is hosting numerous Coffee and Conversations this month. I encourage you to attend and learn more about their vision and plans for revitalizing downtown Erie.
To learn more: CLICK HERE
EID Erie Innovation District
In September 2016, Mercyhurst University received a $4 million grant to lead development of an “Erie Innovation District” in collaboration with corporate partners Erie Insurance, McManis and Monsalve Associates and Velocity Network, Inc. The Shaping Tomorrow grant was awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, Susan Hirt Hagen Fund for Transformational Philanthropy and the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority.
The partners offer a plan that dovetails with the goals of Erie’s Comprehensive Plan and is designed to serve three critical community needs including the stopping of brain drain, replacing low-wage jobs with family-sustaining jobs, and revitalizing downtown Erie. Check out their Press page for the latest news.
To learn more: CLICK HERE
ERCGP Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership
The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership leads the effort to identify key regional initiatives that promote economic health while providing the leadership for business attraction, retention, and expansion. The Chamber, as most of us refer to the organization, has been rolling out new program offerings and CEO James Grunke’s weekly “5 Things You Should Know This Week” is a must read.
If you need help in a specific area, contact one of their Business Outreach Specialists, Kathleen Johnson and Lesley Ridge Allen.
To learn more: CLICK HERE
ETI Erie Technology Incubator
The Erie Technology Incubator serves Northwest Pennsylvania with a unique blend of strategic guidance, dedicated mentor teams, 1:1 coaching, and networking opportunities. ETI provides early stage technology-enabled companies with critical resources and support to guide them during this challenging phase. Last year, there were some changes at ETI and probably still some confusion over the changes and future direction.
Click here to learn more: CLICK HERE
IBN Innovation Beehive Network
The Northwest Pennsylvania Innovation Beehive Network is made up of five grant-funded centers that collaborate to encourage business growth. The centers work together to form the hive network, while each location operates in its own specialized area of expertise. Their website explains the participating organizations and their field of specialty.
Since launching, the Beehives have seen more than 100 clients, employed 50 students, helped with the formation of two businesses, developed 15 business plans, seven intelligence studies and 21 marketing concepts, and designed three prototypes. There’s a lot of activity in the hives, and with the results I’ve seen, a great place to get assistance in these areas.
Click here to learn more: CLICK HERE
IC Innovation Collaborative
The Innovation Collaborative advocates for entrepreneurs, measures progress of Erie's entrepreneurial ecosystem, and empowers entrepreneurs by connecting them with resources they need. It is also known for CO.STARTERS, the ICE House Entrepreneurial Mindset Training, Collegiate Showcase and Disrupt Erie Awards. The IC no longer holds meetups for entrepreneurs on a regular basis but on Monday, June 17th the IC is hosting a forum for entrepreneurs to discuss their work, use of resources and the ecosystem.
Click here to learn more: CLICK HERE
MBA Manufacturer’s and Business Association
The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA), founded in 1905, is dedicated to helping employers face challenges by delivering services that lower the cost of doing business, ease the burden of compliance and increase productivity for its members. The MBA has team members who can help you in specific areas – HR & legal, government affairs, and the Energy Advisors department led by Judy Rosatti can help you evaluate your energy and explore cost savings measures.
Click here to learn more: CLICK HERE
NWIRC Northwest Industrial Resource Center
The Northwest Industrial Resource Center enhances the competitiveness and growth of small- and medium-sized manufacturers in northwest Pennsylvania by working with clients to improve productivity and technological performance. Services include manufacturing technology acceleration, continuous improvement plans, improvement and coaching KATA, and LEAN Together training and implementation.
Click here to learn more: CLICK HERE
SBDC Small Business Development Center
Gannon University’s Small Business Development Center provides no-cost consulting services to entrepreneurs and small business owners. In addition to working with their consultants, the SBDC offers on-going classes on various areas of business planning and development.
Click here to learn more: CLICK HERE
SEWN Strategic Early Warning Network
I saw this on the ecosystem map and had no idea what it was! Here’s what I learned. The Strategic Early Warning Network (SEWN) provides specialized turnaround consulting services to support manufacturing companies. These services can help restructure, stabilize, and rekindle growth in your company.
Click here to learn more: CLICK HERE
Less confusing? Bookmark it as your one source for the many organizations here in Erie to help your business – whether you are in manufacturing, retail, B2C, B2B or non-profit.
If I forgot a resource and you know of one, I’d like to know. Please email me at barb@barbwebercoaching.com so I can keep the list relevant and up-to-date for you and the community.