Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program (CEAP)

Geographic Scope: Pennsylvania (Berks, Schuylkill, and Lancaster Counties served by regional partners)

Program Description: A statewide grant program for entrepreneurs who have a small business or are developing a business related to the arts. Funding must be used to support business formation or development.

Eligible Creative Industries:

• Marketing
• Architecture
• Visual arts
• Design
• Film and media
• Digital games
• Music and entertainment
• Publishing

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Pennsylvania resident for at least one year
• Gross revenue less than $200,000
• Intend to or currently operate a business within one or more creative industry areas
• Must have at least one consultation with Berks LaunchBox staff to review business plan
• Eligible to apply once every three years

Priority Considerations

• Entrepreneurs located in or whose work benefits low-income communities receive priority
• Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC) applicants (as defined by the Small Business Administration) receive priority

Regional Partners

• Berks LaunchBox (Suite 105, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, downtown Reading)
• Berks Arts
• Kutztown Small Business Development Center

Contact Information

• Email: ppa@berksarts.org
• Phone: 610.898.1930
• CEAP Website: For more information and to apply

Additional Context

• Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
• Since mid-2022, Berks LaunchBox has helped eight small businesses with their business plans and CEAP applications

Application Process

1. Initial Consultation: Schedule at least one consultation with Berks LaunchBox staff to review your business plan
2. Online Application: Submit application through the CEAP website
3. Review: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis

Required Materials

• Business plan (reviewed during consultation with Berks LaunchBox)
• Digital application submission

Application Details

• Applications accepted on a rolling basis
• Applicants eligible to apply once every three years
• Priority given to entrepreneurs in low-income communities and BIPOC applicants