Pittsburgh, PA, April 28, 2026 — Bridgeway Capital and Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA), are working to develop the next phase of the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator (CEA) program, which is slated to be available statewide this fall. In its next evolution, the CEA program will offer expanded funding amounts and additional resources for grantees.
Created in 2021 by the PCA, the CEA program provides business development services and financial support to creative entrepreneurs located in communities across the Commonwealth, including those located in low-income communities, urban, suburban, and rural communities.
“Creative businesses are invaluable contributors to commercial and cultural vitality in Pennsylvania communities,” said Adam Kenney, Chief Programs Officer at Bridgeway Capital. “They lead innovation, deliver products and services, generate economic opportunities, and enhance community identity. This program is designed for creative entrepreneurs who aspire to grow their for-profit creative business in ways that positively impact their communities.”
Since 2021, Bridgeway has served as a program partner to the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, including administration of PCA’s Creative Business Loan Fund, through which it has deployed 30 loans totaling $3.2 million to creative businesses.
“Expansion of our Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator aligns with our goals to maximize impact, strengthen accountability, and ensure program funding is efficiently and effectively delivered to artists, arts programs, and creative work happening in communities across Pennsylvania,” said Karl Blischke, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. “Bridgeway Capital is uniquely qualified to administer the CEA program, given their extensive history in supporting the creative economy and successful track record as a grants administrator.”
To be added to the email list for future program information, contact Bridgeway’s Director of Communications, Carly V. McCoy.
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About Bridgeway Capital
Bridgeway Capital is a mission-driven lender, a nonprofit alternative to banks that lends to small businesses, nonprofits and real estate projects that have a positive community impact. Since 1990, Bridgeway has invested more than $300 million in communities across the region, with more than 90% of the funding provided to low-income communities. As a social impact investor, Bridgeway focuses on equitable economic growth in underserved areas by providing impact-driven lending and programs to grow businesses and revitalize places. As a Community Development Financial institution (CDFI), Bridgeway is certified by the U.S. Treasury. For more information, visit bridgewaycapital.org.
About Pennsylvania Creative Industries
The mission of Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, is to empower, connect, and amplify creatives and creative industries and their contributions to Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce. The agency invests in creative sector asset development, workforce development, community development, visibility, and policy with the long-term goal to help Pennsylvania become the national leader among states for creative communities, talent, and industries.
The creative industries contribute more than $30 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy and support nearly 190,000 jobs. Globally, creative industries contribute $4 trillion to global GDP and generate nearly 50 million jobs. Learn more at pa.gov/arts.