small businesses

Small Business Resources

The Small Business Support Guide provides a comprehensive review of the resources and opportunities that are available for small business located in Our West Bayfront. This includes resources for general small business support, funding information, zoning and permits, and minority-owned businesses. Please reach out to Our West Bayfront if you are interested in learning more about any of these resources and how they can help you grow or locate your business in the West Bayfront community! If you have any questions or would like to follow up on any of the information presented, please contact Anna Frantz at (814) 871-7050 or anna@ourwestbayfront.org.

This information was compiled in 2022 by the Thomas B. Hagen Fellows from Erie Insurance, which partnered with Our West Bayfront to identify ways to support small businesses in the community.

Resources for Minority-Owned Businesses

The Resources for Minority-Owned Businesses outlines funds and programs available to specifically support minority-owned business. This includes a program description and links to relevant websites to continue learning about the programs.

minority owned businesses
block projects

Small Business Support Guide

The Small Business Supporting Organizations Guide is a summarized list of organizations that can support or provide resources to small businesses. Whether you want to start or grow your business, you can receive assistance from the organizations listed in the document below depending on your needs no matter what stage you are in your business. This document also includes an interactive chart of organizations and the types of services they provide.

Funding Programs & Resources Guide

There are several funding programs and resources for small businesses. The document below has a grid that shows a summarized view of the key funding resources available for a small business in Erie. This document also includes an interactive chart of funding opportunities and the scope of the program.

spencer house
zoning and permits

Zoning & Permits Guide

In order to successfully operate a business in the West Bayfront (and the City of Erie generally), businesses must be able to navigate certain regulatory requirements. This section provides an overview of the permitting and zoning process and identifies key contacts. Complying with these requirements at the outset is crucial to ensure no unwanted interruptions occur in a business’s operations.

News from the West Bayfront

Join us tomorrow for the 5th Annual West Bayfront PorchFest!
September & October 2024 Newsletter
Our West Bayfront Appoints New Executive Director