Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA (Ben Franklin CNP) and Erie Insurance have joined forces to launch the Erie Revitalization Investment Fund (ERIF) — a $500,000 fund designed to boost local entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation.
Erie Revitalization Investment Fund Launches to Fuel Innovation in Erie County.
To kick things off, Ben Franklin CNP and Erie Insurance have each invested $250,000. The fund is dedicated to:
Early-stage technology companies building new products, processes, or markets
Small manufacturers with fewer than 500 employees
Businesses committed to creating and nurturing jobs in Erie County
Along with capital, companies will also have access to Ben Franklin’s statewide Transformation Team —
expert mentors who provide free guidance in market strategy, operations, financial planning, and scaling.
● Local Focus: Investments are limited to Erie County businesses
● Target Sectors: Early-stage tech and small manufacturers
● Support Beyond Capital: Access to Ben Franklin’s expert Transformation Team
“By focusing on Erie-based companies, we’re building a more resilient and sustainable economy that will impact the entire state for the better,” said Stephen Brawley, president & CEO of Ben Franklin CNP.
The fund builds on Erie’s manufacturing legacy while positioning the region as a leader in future-forward
innovation.
“The Erie Revitalization Investment Fund is about investing in people, ideas, and a shared future,” said Christy Blashock, corporate sustainability & community development officer for Erie Insurance.
Ben Franklin portfolio manager Brian Slawin added, “We understand the hurdles entrepreneurs face when raising funds. ERIF allows founders to focus on building, hiring, and creating impact—backed by guidance that meets them where they are.”
Entrepreneurial Pursuits: Beyond his inventions, Franklin was also a successful entrepreneur. He founded the first subscription library in America, the Library Company of Philadelphia, demonstrating his commitment to promoting education and literacy. He also established the American Philosophical Society, a learned society for the promotion of scholarly research.