On Wednesday, Aug. 23, from 5:30-7 p.m., the Town of Erie is hosting a two-part event for entrepreneurs at the Erie Community Library (400 Powers Street). The first 30 minutes will be dedicated to "How to Start a Business in Erie". Town of Erie Economic Development Manager Stephanie Pitts-Noggle will introduce the Town's Economic Development team, review the steps for getting a business license, and walk through opening a brick-and-mortar store in Erie. Jesse Esparza, the Development Counselor with the Small Business Development Center, will give an overview of the services that he and the SBDC can provide at no cost to aspiring Erie-based entrepreneurs.
From 6-7 p.m. will be a panel discussion with Erie-based, BIPOC business owners. You will hear from:
- Kavita Sienknecht, Principal and Co-founder of UpLift Collaborative
- Justin Brooks, Mayor of Erie and serial entrepreneur
- Berenice Garcia Tellez, Founder & President, Monarca Group
- Andra Hargrave, Director of the Minority Business Development Agency
The panel will discuss their experiences starting and growing their businesses, the challenges and opportunities they've encountered as minority business owners, and words of wisdom for those looking to start their own businesses in Erie.