FIRE Accelerator: 2022 Cohort Application

The FIRE Accelerator is the flagship entrepreneurship program for the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership (ERCGP). Now in its fifth year, the program came under the umbrella of the chamber in 2020 to be the catalyst for the organization's growing role in developing the regional ecosystem to drive innovation within legacy industries and attract leading startups and creative companies to establish or grow their roots on the shores of Lake Erie. 

FIRE Accelerator is integral to business retention and expansion -- a primary economic development driver. By operating within the chamber, cohort participants have access to over 700 business and community leaders and mentors as well as over 40 economic development agencies operating at the state and local levels. 


What Can I Expect As A Participant?

• Capital Investment: Each selected company will receive a capital investment of up to $50,000 - $100,000 in the form of a KISS debt instrument
• Tailored Curriculum: Workshops and lectures provided by subject matter experts to address knowledge gaps and high-value topics 
• Strategic Networking: Access to potential Partners, Customers, Investors, suppliers, and more.
• Mentorship:  Access to regional mentors, program staff mentorship, alumni company mentorship.
• Exposure:  Presentations at the annual Erie Homecoming Conference, media opportunities, exposure to regional community, industry, and political leaders, and a public demo day
  

Program Success
Portfolio companies have continued to experience success and participated in YCombinator and TechStars. Program graduates have raised an additional $100M, have grown their companies to reach revenues over $50M annually, securing customer engagements and investment with local industry including Fortune 500, education institutions, top manufacturers, and investment organizations.


2022 Cohort: Data Analytics and Intelligence
Erie industry has a legacy of grit, hard work, and an entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and well today. If you are a company that can help existing companies address the problems they're facing, or prepare to address any challenges they will face in the future, you should apply for this program. 

Industry Support
The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership is a member organization made up of over 700 organizations. These companies are ready and willing to be actively engaged with cohort companies, providing real-world product and service feedback, input, connections, mentorship, and potential partnership over the course of the program.


Program Summary

• Funding: Companies receive $50,000 to $100,000 in KISS (debt) per company
• Format: Hybrid sessions (virtual and in-person)
• Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
• Cost: $0
• Company Stage: Seed through Series A with prototype through paying users
• Cohort Size: up to 10 companies
• Focus: Data Analytics and Intelligence