Fri, May 22, 2026 at 9:15 PM UTC
Diverse Erie awards mini grants to small businesses
A local organization is working to strengthen Erie’s diverse community, awarding grants to more than 30 businesses across the county.
On Friday, Diverse Erie awarded nearly $540,000 in mini grants to small businesses owned by people of color.
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The organization’s Chief Administrative Officer, Gary Lee, said they received 70 applications and that 31 businesses — from auto-repair shops to restaurants — received money.
He said the goal is for the grants to create a ripple effect in the community.
“The economic impact is projected to be $845,000, which, it’s going to retain and support 100 jobs. We’re always talking about creating new jobs, but we have to do what we need to do to retain those jobs,” Lee said.
Lee added that the mini grant awards also generate an estimated return of $1.57 for every dollar invested.
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