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    Services

    Apply for a Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Grant

    The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator is designed for creative entrepreneurs who are growing and developing their for-profit business, by expanding access to capital and business support.

    Learn More

    About the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program

    Created in 2021 by Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator grant program is designed to provide business development services and financial support to Pennsylvania creative entrepreneurs. Since its launch, the the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator program has supported more than 1,000 creative entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth.

    The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator grant program is administered by Bridgeway Capital, in cooperation with a network of small business development organizations, including the PA Small Business Development Centers.

    Learn more about the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator grant program - one page flyer (PDF)
    2026-2027 Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Application Guidelines (PDF)

    NEW in 2026

    Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, in collaboration with Bridgeway Capital, launched the Keystone Creatives website — designed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s creative economy by expanding access to capital and business support for creative entrepreneurs.

    Interested applicants should apply for the Creative Entrepreneur Accelator program directly through the Keystone Creatives website, which includes two grant opportunities: 

    • Growth Grant (up to $4,000) - for qualified emerging-to-established creative businesses (annual revenue $10,000-20,000) investing in long-term sustainability and community impact.
    • Impact Grant (up to $17,000) - for qualified established creative businesses (annual revenue $50,000-200,000) investing in long-term sustainability and community impact; business planning resources include.

    Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for both the Growth Grant and Impact Grant if they meet the requirements for each. Applicants may only receive one grant per application cycle, but applying for both does not reduce an applicant's chances of being selected for either grant. Each grant opportunity will be considered independently based on its respective criteria.

    How to Apply

    1. Read the program guidelines (PDF) thoroughly.

    2. Complete your application(s) by December 31, 2026 on the Keystone Creatives website, where you can also:

    • access expert resources and business services for sustainable entrepreneurship.
    • connect with a network of fellow creative entrepreneurs throughout Pennsylvania.
    • discover trainings, educational workshops, and funding avenues tailored to your industry.