Over the past week, Erie News Now updates have highlighted the ongoing work and projects of the Erie Downtown Development Corporation (EDDC). While much of the focus has been on physical developments, such as new buildings and renovations, the organization is also prioritizing initiatives that go beyond brick-and-mortar projects. These efforts aim to revitalize the downtown area while supporting small businesses.

In addition to the opening a Country Fair Store, reviving Dave's Diner and introducing Serafini's Trattoria soon in the historic Cashier's House, EDDC is working on Flagship City Commons, a major development that will serve as a central hub connecting many of the new amenities. It will feature an atrium, 250,000 square feet of Class A office space, meeting and event spaces, and room for two additional full-service restaurants.

While these physical developments are significant, EDDC CEO Drew Whiting emphasizes the importance of supporting small businesses in Erie. Whiting recognizes that many small business owners face challenges that go beyond securing a location, such as bookkeeping, onboarding employees legally, and avoiding tax issues. Even businesses that are thriving may need assistance with expansion, negotiating leases, or opening additional locations.

To address these needs, the EDDC has secured a $250,000 Shaping Tomorrow grant from the Erie Community Foundation to launch Project Front Door in collaboration with Radius CoWork. This initiative is designed to provide small businesses with a comprehensive needs assessment and connect them to the resources they need to succeed.

The idea for Project Front Door was shaped in conversation with Infinite Erie’s Lead Team for Entrepreneurship and the Hagen Fellowship Team at Erie Insurance. The program aims to ensure that small businesses in Erie have the support they need to thrive, which, in turn, will help sustain jobs, amenities, and other activities that are driving progress in the downtown area.

“This help is going to be necessary to make sure that we can sustain jobs downtown,” Whiting said. “So that we can sustain the amenities and the other activity that’s happening downtown here that is really progressing us forward.”