We are pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator (CEA) Grant, which has been administered by CFA in partnership with Pennsylvania Creative Industries.

For the last four years, we have worked in regional partnership with Pennsylvania Creative Industries, formerly known as Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, to administer the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties. The program provided creative entrepreneurs with free small business consulting services as well as the opportunity to apply for a $2,000 grant. Both aspiring small business owners and those who operate an existing for–profit micro business were eligible for the program. During the 2026 round, which was the final grant round for the CEA Program, 22 grants of $2,000 were awarded.

“It has truly been an honor to partner with Pennsylvania Creative Industries on administering this important program for the last four years,” said CFA Program Officer Emily Wood. “We know that this funding has been extremely valuable to our talented creatives who bring so much life and joy to our community through their work. The CEA Program has been a unique opportunity for us to support them in that.”

Since the start of our partnership with Pennsylvania Creative Industries in 2022, we have awarded grants to 83 entrepreneurs across six counties. This round’s recipients spanned a variety of creative industries, including visual arts and crafts, film and media, marketing, publishing, and design.

“Receiving this grant represents more than financial support—it represents validation,” said Joseph Capricci, CEA grant recipient for his business Artfully Well. “I am grateful to the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies for investing not only in my work, but in the broader idea that creativity can strengthen communities, support local economies, and improve quality of life. This grant is an investment in that vision, and I am honored to carry it forward.”

For a full list of the grants awarded, click here. To learn more about our grant opportunities visit our grants page.