I received an interesting note recently from Ashley Gunn, an Edinboro University graduate who happens to work for the state's Department of Community and Economic Development in Harrisburg.

Ashley takes exception to a recent item in my e-mail newsletter, written by Kit Zinkowsky. Zinkowsky wrote to say that state government is an impediment to small business and that state government should be avoided at all costs by entrepreneurs.

Keep in mind that Gunn does work for the state's official economic development agency. But she includes a very interesting point in her rebuttal -- namely that businesses in other part of the state are much more willing to take advantage of the state's economic development resources than those here in Erie.

If that's the case, we are literally giving up our shot at seed capital -- and allowing those in other parts of the state to get a bigger piece of the pie.

Here's some more of what she had to say:

"(Zinkowsky's) comment seems absurd to me, because I know how false (and damaging) it is. I currently work at the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), where I have learned several of the ins and outs of funding for Pennsylvania businesses and communities. I have personally worked with several Erie businesses and organizations who take advantage of these incentives that include low interest loans, grants and tax credits. Funds are set aside for small businesses, because the Rendell Administration has made the Small Business sector a priority in the State Budget.

"The Entrepreneur's Guide , which is available at the DCED website is a helpful source for small business owners and I encourage you to let others know about our website, which is full of funding sources.

"Too often I see people from the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh region take advantage of these offers and people from the Erie region question why they struggle (at times it’s nearly free money with a minimal amount of paperwork required). Manufacturing businesses are Governor’s Action Team targeted businesses and receive extra funding at times."