Building the Creative Economy, One Maker at a Time

The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program (CEAP) is helping local artists and innovators turn passion into thriving businesses. Administered by Centre Foundation on behalf of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA), the program provides up to $2,000 to creative entrepreneurs in Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, and Huntingdon Counties who are building or growing for-profit microbusinesses.

Through mentorship, business consulting, and funding support, CEAP connects imagination with opportunity, fueling growth, sustainability, and community impact across Central Pennsylvania.

Passing on the Passion of Music – For musician and educator, Jason Dumm, owner of DuMM Band Equipment, music is more than performance; it is community. Through his live entertainment, production work, and weekly Open Mic Nights, Jason has built an inclusive environment for local and traveling musicians of all ages. With help from the CEAP grant, he will upgrade his aging sound system to deliver higher-quality shows and create a more professional experience for both audiences and performers. “Better equipment means better venues, better sound, and more opportunity,” Jason explained. “It helps me inspire the next generation of musicians and give them a stage to grow.” By investing in these upgrades, Jason is enhancing not just his own business but also Centre County’s live music scene, fostering connection, creativity, and local economic activity at every performance.

Making Science More Human – As the founder of Prop Up Consulting, Ana Saborio helps scientists and nonprofits communicate their groundbreaking work to the world. Her company bridges the gap between research and public understanding by translating complex findings into clear, engaging stories. With CEAP support, Ana will expand Prop Up’s marketing and creative capabilities by enhancing her website, adding design tools, and developing outreach strategies to connect with graduate students and research organizations. “There’s a real need for scientists to share their discoveries in ways that people can relate to,” Ana said. “We’re helping them build credible brands and tell meaningful stories that inspire action.” Prop Up Consulting exemplifies how creativity and communication can elevate science and strengthen community understanding.

Building a Creative Playground for Media Artists – When filmmaker and photographer Steve DiCasa moved to Central Pennsylvania, he saw a gap in creative infrastructure: no dedicated space for photographers, videographers, and digital artists to collaborate and create. His answer is Project Lex, an innovative rentable studio concept designed to inspire collaboration through striking visual design, starting with a modular “light wall” made of glowing hexagons. With support from CEAP, Steve is launching pop-up “micro-studios” that will serve as test spaces for the larger vision. These events will offer hands-on workshops and creative meetups for local artists while gathering feedback for a future permanent location. “I want this to be a maker space for media artists,” Steve said. “A place where professionals and hobbyists alike can experiment, create, and showcase their work.” Project Lex aims to become a creative hub for Central Pennsylvania’s growing arts and digital media community, a space where new ideas can quite literally come to light.

Writing Murder Mysteries with a Sense of Humor – Centre County playwright Stefanie Austin is making waves in an industry dominated by large publishing houses. Her company, Knock ’Em Dead Scripts, writes, publishes, and licenses comedic murder mystery dinner theater shows for performance groups around the world. “Our mission is to help local theater organizations with limited budgets bring laughter, suspense, and creativity to their communities,” Stefanie shared. The CEAP grant will help Stefanie expand her marketing efforts, research audience preferences, and network with theater companies to grow her reach. By publishing new scripts and connecting with more theatres, she hopes to build repeat business while helping small performing arts groups create memorable, laughter-filled experiences for their audiences.

Expanding Opportunity Through the Arts

These four entrepreneurs embody the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program’s mission to pair creativity with sustainable business growth. Their projects reflect the diverse potential of Central Pennsylvania’s creative economy, from performance and production to storytelling and science communication.

They are joined by five other local creators also receiving $2,000 CEAP grants to advance their work:

Emily Dolbin – The Story Artists’ Path: A collaborative community for children’s book authors and illustrators.
Patricia Syverson – PES Artistry on Henry Run: Elevating fluid art through live events and visual storytelling.
Margot Bevington – Ms. Margot’s Music: Producing a third award-winning children’s music album and engaging families through song.
Kari Roslund – Kari Roslund Studio & Gallery: A rural art space fostering community engagement and sustainability.
Elizabeth Fegert – GJ Design Co.: Strategic marketing and branding for small business owners.

Together, these entrepreneurs are proving that when creativity is supported, communities thrive. The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program is not just funding ideas; it is fueling a movement of innovation, artistry, and economic vitality across Central Pennsylvania.