ECGRA Invests $1 Million in Northwest PA Beehives
Local colleges, universities, and local entrepreneurs are buzzing about Erie's new Beehives. At the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership Business After Hours, hosted by Gannon University's Beehive on Thursday, the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) announced its $1 million investment in the Northwest Pennsylvania Innovation Beehive Network.
The funding will support the Northwest PA Beehive Network, a new collaborative initiative between Edinboro University, Penn State Behrend College, Gannon University, Mercyhurst University, and the Idea Lab at Blasco Library to provide free assistance to regional entrepreneurs and organizations in areas such as public relations, advertising, graphic design, web design, market intelligence, business planning, prototyping, and social media management.
Beehives are physical innovation spaces on a university campus or publicly accessible facility. They provide equipment, talent, and opportunities for collaboration between institutions and entrepreneurs. The substance of a Beehive is the student-driven interactions that take place between the entrepreneur and university or other institution.
"If ever there was an optimal time to start a new business in Erie County, it is right now," said Perry Wood, Executive Director, ECGRA. "These Beehives are the most exciting community engagement initiative involving our colleges and universities, and Erie County entrepreneurs, ever. Fresh, inclusive, accessible, and the breadth and scope of the services that are going to be provided to help new and existing businesses in Erie County is something that everyone should be talking about."
