MIcro-Enterprise Program
The Erie Weed and Seed program and the Gannon University Small Business Development Center are continuing
their partnership to offer a Micro-Enterprise Program with an entrepreneurial component for the target population designated
by the Weed and Seed geographical area. The mission of this program is to support economic development through hosting of local
entrepreneurial educational programs and small business consulting activities for both start-up/pre-venture clients and existing
small businesses. The goals of the proposed program are:
- To further educate the Weed and Seed partners, the local community and fellow organizations on the resources and services available for business development
- To assist and to guide small business development clients with starting a small business, writing business plans, identifying financing opportunities, establishing proactive marketing plans and building management/operational teams
- To create more accessibility of SBDC entrepreneurial services through the localization of resources, training events and meetings through partnering agencies: the headquarters of the Erie Weed and Seed office and the Hispanic American Council
- To establish more entrepreneurial resources at each of the designated sites
In addition, these additions goals will be pursued:
- Promotion of business ownership as an alternative to participation in illegal activities for economic gain.
- Establishment of a businessmen’s association to collaborate on joint promotions and development in the target area.
- Collaboration with youth and social service agencies to offer youth entrepreneurial development programs.
The success of this program will be measured through the overall outcomes of each program/seminar, small business clients and partner feedback. One of the primary focuses of the program is to develop strong communication tools that will allow the opportunity to break-down barriers between the targeted business population and the economic development business service providers. As a result, the Gannon University SBDC is developing a proactive plan that will provide several venues within the targeted community.
Scope of Work:
A list of the proposed events and activities are provided below along with corresponding descriptions.
Scope of Work:
A list of the entrepreneurial events and activities are provided below along with corresponding descriptions. The order of the
programs is listed in accordance with the contract budget.
First Step Workshops: The three-hour seminar will be offered two times within the fiscal period of 2008-09.
To accommodate the various audiences, the SBDC will offer the workshop at two different locations: Hispanic American Council and
the headquarters of the Erie Weed and Seed office at 14th and Wallace Streets. The funds allocated to these events will support the
instructor and workshop materials along with the funds to support attendees’ costs. There will be a minimum of six attendees at
each program.
Bedrock of a Business Plan-7 Session Series: The Gannon SBDC developed 21-hour business development program for new and existing business
owners. This program provides the opportunity for the attendee to become more familiar with all the business disciplines that are crucial
to building the foundation of a business model. The program funds will be allocated to supporting the program materials, marketing the
program directly to the respective communities, on-sight training in the targeted area and other participation costs. The series will be
offered twice during the fiscal period.
Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Networking Program: This conference will be constructed to focus on two groups of attendees: the
business owners and the community leaders. In order to create a long-term investment for the community, the mission of this event will be
to educate these professionals on the importance of both leadership and networking to expand business operations. The Gannon SBDC will
administer the coordination of the program logistics, speakers, and other planned sessions. The guest speakers will be identified to
further complement the existing programs and Weed and Seed initiatives. The event will be hosted in the Weed and Seed area. This program
will reinforce the channel of support services and the linkage to the SBDC resources.
Business Consulting Activities: The Gannon SBDC will be deploying additional consulting resources to support the concentrated market of
businesses and pre-venture clients throughout Weed and Seed area. Additionally, the Center will be strategically marketing these services
through the churches and other community programs to position the resources outside the traditional setting of the University. To further
enhance the execution and delivery, the SBDC will be engaging business talent that can provide multi-language capabilities to support the
various cultures and nationalities.
View Erie's Targeted Neighborhoods click here
For more info on the Neighborhood Watch Council
click here
Useful Links
- Weeding Initiatives
- Seeding Initiatives
- Restoration Initiatives
- Law Enforcement Tips
- Get Involved
- Target Neighborhoods
- Proj. Safe Neighborhood
- Event Calendar
- In the Press
- Silent Complaint Form
The Strategy
Weed and Seed, a community-based strategy sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), is an innovative, comprehensive multiagency approach to law enforcement, crime prevention, and community revitalization. Community Capacity Development Office (CCDO) oversees the Weed and Seed initiative.
