Success Stories

From Flagship Food Hall to a West 6th Street comeback, Elliot Smith and Bianca Bruni are bringing Perry’s Pizza back to life. With guidance from Gannon University’s SBDC and community support, the husband-and-wife duo are set to reopen their beloved brick-oven pizza brand this July—this time with a new home, fresh flavors, and a renewed vision.

In 2021, Erie entrepreneurs Dianna Noe’ and Kayla Noonan set out to make history—launching the city’s first female-owned post-secondary cosmetology school. Fueled by a mission to educate and empower, and supported by Gannon University’s SBDC, they turned their vision into the Noe’ Noonan School of Cosmetology. Just two years later, the school has not only graduated more than 100 students but also earned national accreditation, cementing its role as a transformative force in Erie’s beauty industry and community.

For longtime early educator Erica Dorio, opening In Bloom Preschool in Sharon, PA was the realization of a lifelong dream. With over a decade of preschool teaching experience and a passion for nurturing every child’s growth, Erica launched her center on September 4, 2024. Supported by Gannon University’s SBDC, she transformed her vision into a thriving preschool dedicated to helping children ages 3–5 blossom academically, socially, and emotionally.

What began as a high school hobby behind the camera has grown into a thriving photography business for Sharon native, Paige Wasko. From capturing senior portraits to shooting more than 60 weddings across Western PA and NE Ohio, Paige has transformed her creative passion into Paige Wasko LLC—a full-service photography brand now expanding into destination weddings and a new downtown Sharon studio. With guidance from Gannon SBDC, Paige is building a business as dynamic as her portfolio.

When Jessica Schultz opened Herb & Honey Bakery, she wasn’t just starting a business—she was reviving a tradition. Inspired by Erie’s once-thriving neighborhood bakeries, Schultz turned her lifelong passion into reality with the support of Gannon University’s SBDC and community partners. Today, Herb & Honey welcomes customers with handcrafted breads, pastries, and a warm sense of local heritage.

When military mom and entrepreneur Kathryn “Kat” Zawacki couldn’t find childcare for her young son, she decided to create a solution not just for her family, but for her entire community. In 2024, she opened Little Dragons Learning Center in Warren, PA—a 7-classroom facility serving up to 80 children and employing 24 educators. With guidance from Gannon University’s SBDC, Kat turned a local childcare shortage into a thriving center that provides peace of mind for families across the region.