The Community Vintage Car Show held at the Erie Farmer’s Market is one event that’s eligible for the Erie Economic Development Council’s microgrant program after receiving funds last year.

Other businesses, events and community projects that aim to promote local businesses also are eligible. The development council plans to expand the microgrant program, after awarding $8,980 to businesses last year. Victoria Meyer, Erie Economic Development Council board treasurer, and Kelly Block, the board chair, talked about past events that helped promote local businesses and explained how they plan to expand on those events while making a presentation to an Erie Town Council meeting earlier this week.

The development council started the microgrant program last year, where local businesses receive grants of up to $1,000. So far this year, Block said the microgrant program has awarded $1,750, and a second round of grants is now open. The purpose of the microgrants is to help local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community organizations host community events and contribute to the local economy, according to materials on the development council’s website.

Other businesses or events that have received the grants include mental health programs and business events.

In a related measure, the development council piloted a discount card program where people with the card could receive a free item at Piripi Restaurant, or a free cider at The Old Mine, among other promotions. The card cost $25, and included deals at 12 participating businesses in the downtown area. Cardholders could use the card as many times as they wanted within the allotted time frame.“It’s a great offer and people who used it, loved it,” Block said.

The card will still cost $25 this year, said Block, and all the money raised from the discount cards is used for microgrants for downtown businesses.

The development council’s income for 2024 was approximately $97,000, with total expenses at approximately $78,000, according to Block. The proposed budget for the development council in 2025 is $93,000, with expenses also projected at $93,000, according to Block. Of the expenses, $20,000 is dedicated to microgrants and support for small businesses.

Town government taxpayer funds provide $63,000 to the development council for its budget.

“We’d like to put (the money) toward understanding better what small businesses need and giving them the money and resources to make a meaningful difference for them,” Meyer said.