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Make Meadville Thrive
Whether you’re opening your doors for the first time, bringing a new tech-based innovation to life, or looking for ways to grow what you’ve built, Meadville’s downtown business community is here to help make you successful.
Downtown Meadville is home to more than 35 independent shops and 30 locally-owned restaurants—businesses made by people who believed in this place and in each other.
Some started with a pop-up booth or as a vendor at the Market House. Others relocated from larger markets looking for a community that would embrace them. What they share is a network of support that helps local businesses launch, grow, and thrive. We want you to be part of it.
Meadville’s business community is built on a legacy of makers, innovators, and creatives–a legacy that continues today and will well into the future. With the Allegheny Lab for Innovation and Creativity (ALIC), our acceptance to the Rural Innovation Network, our (pending) Main Street Community designation, and access to numerous business support programs, Meadville represents a center of opportunity for entrepreneurs and small businesses eager to build something special in our city.
Starting a Business Downtown
If you have a business idea but aren’t sure where to begin, you’re in the right place. Meadville offers ways to test your concept, has space to get started, and people who will help you navigate the path from idea to opening day.
Information and Programs for
New Businesses:
Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop
Hub of information for starting or moving a business in Pennsylvania
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SBA Business Hub
The Small Business Association’s resource library with information on starting, growing, and maintaining your business
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Gannon University SBDC
Offers no-cost consulting services for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to start a business
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Ben Franklin Technology Partners
Assists early-stage businesses through hands-on support and expert advice at no cost
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Ben Franklin Learning Center
Information sessions for businesses to investigate emerging trends, explore growth opportunities as well as new business models
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AgeTech Accelerator Program
8-week virtual, mentor-driven accelerator for businesses that use technology to improve the lives of aging adults
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NWPA Made
Cohort-based business program assists maker-entrepreneurs with scaling and growing their operations
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NWPA Beehive (PennWest Edinboro)
Offers free branding and marketing assistance to regional entrepreneurs and organizations
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Agetech Big Idea Contest
Annual competition with prize money and mentoring for business ideas that leverage technology to support the aging population
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Zinglage Big Idea Competition
Annual competition offering seed-level prize money to area students with innovative business ideas that can become a reality
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Main Street USA Small Business Resource Hub
Online offering virtual training, resource library, and virtual networking community for businesses
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Growing Your Existing Business
If you’re ready to grow an established business, we’re invested in helping you stay and grow. From storefront improvements to financial assistance for taking your business to the next level, resources exist to strengthen what you’ve built.
Programs for Existing Businesses:
RDA Façade Improvement Loans
Up to $5,000 at below-market rates through the Meadville Redevelopment Authority to enhance your storefront
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Erie Innovation Fund
Provides investment capital and mentoring to regional entrepreneurs and established companies seeking new market opportunities
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Erie Revitalization Investment Fund
Designed to boost local entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation for early-stage tech companies and small manufacturers
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Bridgeway Capital Loan Programs
Nontraditional leader programs offering small business, renovation, and commercial real estate loan programs
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AMEX Shop Small Grants
Grants for small businesses to grow, innovate, and support their local communities
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PA Council on the Arts Creative Entrepreneur Program
For creative entrepreneurs looking to start or already running a for-profit micro-business
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PA Council of the Arts Creative Business Loan Fund
Provides loans in the form of affordable, flexible financing to small, creative businesses across the commonwealth
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Center for Rural Innovation (CORI) Innovation Fund
Invests in early-stage technology businesses located in rural areas.
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Becoming Part of the Business Community
Downtown works because business owners support each other. When you join the network, you gain access to cross-promotion, shared events, and neighbors who genuinely want to see you succeed.
Business Community Networks:
Meadville Independent Business Alliance
(MIBA / Experience Meadville) — Collective marketing, events, and peer support for downtown businesses
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Western Crawford County and Meadville Chamber of Commerce
Broader business networking, social events, and programming
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Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau Membership
Marketing opportunities for visitor-serving businesses as well as those supporting the community
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Ready to take the first step?
Whether you’re exploring an idea or looking for support for your existing business, we’re happy to talk through your options.
YOUR business can Make Meadville thrive!
More Information
For questions and more to requests more information, please go to our Contact page. You can also visit our Resources page for Business and Property Development help material.
