Bizzarro announces $100,000 investment in a local business
Ben Franklin Technology PArtners awards funds to Blind Tiger Inc.
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro May 2, 2025 | 12:36 PM
HARRISBURG, May 2 – A $100,000 investment in an Erie business will help the company expand and support family-sustaining jobs, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced. Ben Franklin Technology PArtners, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, awarded the investment to Blind Tiger Inc., a company that produces spirit-free, all-natural beverages.
“This investment will help Erie’s economy grow, creating and sustaining jobs at Blind Tiger, a local business that has flourished through trying times when necessity forced the company to adapt,” said Bizzarro, who represents Fairview and Millcreek townships. “Blind Tiger has delivered in a big way for its patrons and our community, so it’s only fitting this six-figure investment will aid a business that has helped improve our community. It’s my hope this investment not only enhances Blind Tiger’s production but also leads to valuable additions to its workforce.”
Blind Tiger creates all-natural, spirit-free cocktails, modeled after popular Prohibition-era cocktails from the 1920s and 30s. Erie County’s Room 33 Speakeasy created sophisticated cocktails, but when the pandemic hit in 2020, the speakeasy was forced to provide alcohol-free drink options to-go. Blind Tiger founder and CEO Rebecca Styn delivered top-notch, spirit-free cocktails, or mocktails, that mirror the flavor of the originals.
Today’s announcement continues Bizzarro’s efforts to fund local businesses, schools, first responders, nonprofits and causes by supporting state funding in the region. So far this year, Bizzarro has helped direct more than $3.6 million in state investments to local causes.