About The Alliance for Creative Rural Economies (ACRE)

The Wukich Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunities is a local partner with Bridgeway Capital’s Alliance for Creative Rural Economies (ACRE) to provide business coaching and support services for creative entrepreneurs. 

Program Overview

The Alliance for Creative Rural Economies (ACRE) brings creativity-driven economic and community development opportunities to rural areas across Western Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia. ACRE supports creative entrepreneurs by developing intentional cohorts of creative businesses that learn, grow, and connect over the course of a year (and beyond). ACRE Cohorts are based in each ACRE community and offer business education programs for creative entrepreneurs who are driven to achieve lasting growth. In partnership with local and regional businesses and nonprofits, ACRE also works to increase the visibility of each unique ACRE community and the people who call it home.

Main Goals

Through an application process, the Creative Business Accelerator (CBA) and regional ACRE Partners select up to 10 creative entrepreneurs and guide them through an intensive yet supportive yearlong program. 

ACRE participants will:

• Connect to creative business owners in their own community and build lasting relationships.
• Hear from experts on topics like legal considerations, business finances, and successful marketing strategies.
• Develop an actionable business plan that positions business owners to access capital through grants and loans, hire, or reach other business goals.
• Access meaningful market opportunities through sponsorships and local partnerships
• Gain visibility for themselves, their business, and their community through the ACRE website, activities, and promotion.

Visit the ACRE site for more information or to apply for the program.