CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
Re: Updates to Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator
On behalf of Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, please see the following update regarding changes to the availability of the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator (CEA) program.
Beginning with Fiscal Year 2026-2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027), Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator (CEA) program will no longer be administered by the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA).
The CEA program has seen great demand and impact since its launch in 2021. With implementation of Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ updated strategic framework, the agency is working to revise the CEA program design to ensure enhanced, strategic business development support for program participants.
Pennsylvania Creative Industries anticipates sharing details about and future application timelines for the CEA program in the fall of 2026.
Note:
Elk County Council on the Arts remains the point of contact for the current year (July 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026) CEA program participants in this region Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean and Potter counties . As grant award agreement materials outline, CEA program participants must submit all required final report materials and receipts to Kylee Mader by December 31, 2026.
Questions
For questions regarding the current CEA grant, contact Kylee Mader at kylee@eccota.com
For general questions regarding the evolution and availability of the CEA program, contact PA Creative Industries’ Director of Access to the Creative Sector. — Amanda Lovell - alovell@pa.gov
Overview
The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program is designed to pair creative entrepreneurs with existing small business consulting services, help creative entrepreneurs grow their business, audience, and revenue.
Why Creative Entrepreneurs?
Creative entrepreneurs are invaluable assets to communities. They lead innovation, deliver creative products and services, generate economic opportunity, and build community identity. Assisting creative entrepreneurs is part of the pathway to recovery and increased opportunity within a rapidly changing economic environment. Providing a pathway for creative entrepreneurs to grow their businesses strategically helps foster thriving Pennsylvania communities that are great places to work and live.
Partnership with Bridgeway Capital
Recently the PCA partnered with Bridgeway Capital to utilize Bridgeway Capitals Impact Management System (IMS). This is an additional resource for creative entrepreneurs to gauge both the growth and sustainability of their business.
Application Process
Eligibility Requirements
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Funding decisions will be made at certain times throughout the year, as follows:
March 1, 2025
June 1, 2025