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Berks Arts

Berks Arts administers funding, in the form of grants from the PA Council on the Arts, for creative businesses located in central Pennsylvania. Berks Arts is located in Berks County and provides arts education, puts supports arts focused fests and events, and help support and grow a thriving arts community.

Berks Arts exists to inspire, engage, and unite our community through arts education, collaboration, and presentation. In everything we do, and support, we seek to make Berks County, PA, a more creative, more desirable, and more resilient community.

Services Area

Lancaster County and Surrounding Counties

Type of Organization

501c3

Cost for Services

Free

Types of Services

  • Funding
  • Growth Strategies

How Services are Delivered

  • Networking
  • One-on-One

Services Offerings

Creative Entreprenuer Accelorator Program

As a creative entrepreneur, you are a leader on the pathway to recovery and increased opportunity in our rapidly changing environment. The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator grant program provides creative...   Read More

View Creative Entreprenuer Accelorator Program

Cost:

Free

Availability:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Delivery:

One-on-One

Creative Sector Flex Fund

The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) is excited to introduce a new grant program for non-profit organizations, the Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF). This grant program incorporates the current needs of...   Read More

View Creative Sector Flex Fund

Cost:

Free

Availability:

Spring, Summer

Delivery:

One-on-One

All Star Code is a high school program for young men of color and is focused on Computer Science and technology. The program introduces soft skills and exposes participants to the tech startup culture through an immersive experience inside entrepreneurial, educational and corporate spaces. The program offers a six-week Summer Intensive course, alumni services, and increases awareness on coding and tech opportunities for young men of color.

All Star Code creates economic opportunity for young men of color by developing an entrepreneurial mindset and supplying them with the tools they need to succeed in the innovation economy.

Services Area

Lancaster County

Type of Organization

501c3

Cost for Services

Free

Types of Services

  • Innovation & Technologies
  • IT Services
  • Licensing, Insurance, Credentials

How Services are Delivered

  • In Person Classes
  • Incubators/Accelerators

Services Offerings

All Star Code

All Star Code creates economic opportunity for young men of color by developing an entrepreneurial mindset and supplying them with the tools they need to succeed in the innovation economy. Our flagship 6-week...   Read More

View All Star Code

Cost:

Fee

Availability:

Summer

Delivery:

In Person Class, Mentoring, Non-Credit Program, Online Class

Aspire WorkLabs is a coworking space that aims to build an ecosystem that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and social impact. Aspire WorkLabs supports entrepreneurs and businesses by providing cutting edge workspaces, offering business showcase nights, and mentoring and education from industry experts who range from IP law to banking and healthcare.

To empower individuals and businesses to grow and thrive, not just professionally, but as integral parts of a vibrant and innovative community.

Services Area

Lancaster City

Lancaster County

Lancaster County and Surrounding Counties

Pennsylvania

Type of Organization

For Profit Business

Cost for Services

Fee

Types of Services

  • Coworking
  • Innovation & Technologies
  • Product Development
  • Product Testing

How Services are Delivered

  • Memberships
  • Networking

Services Offerings

WorkLabs

Flexible, professional work space in Downtown Lancaster. Membership provides everything you need to run your business including: Professional business address with mail & package delivery, 24/7 secure access,...   Read More

View WorkLabs

Cost:

Fee

Availability:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Delivery:

Memberships

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA provides startup funding and business support services to tech-based startups and small manufacturers located in PA. As an on-going initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority, the Program invests not only in the marketable innovations but also in business mentoring and support initiatives such as our Transformation Business Services Network and the BF TechCelerator Business Startup Boot Camps.

We believe in equitable economic development. We will purposely advance initiatives that deepen our social impact in our region and that sustain our mission.

Services Area

Lancaster County and Surrounding Counties

Pennsylvania

Type of Organization

501c3

Government Entity

Cost for Services

Free

Types of Services

  • Accounting, Bookkeeping, & Taxes
  • Business Plan Development
  • Funding
  • Growth Strategies
  • Human Resources
  • Innovation & Technologies
  • IT Services
  • Market Research
  • Marketing
  • Product Development
  • Product Testing
  • Startup Basics

How Services are Delivered

  • In Person Classes
  • Incubators/Accelerators
  • Mentoring
  • Networking
  • One-on-One
  • Online Classes
  • Webinars
  • Workshops

Services Offerings

Ben Franklin Funding

Regardless of the market your product will serve or the industry you are currently working in, those who are successful in getting startup funding from Ben Franklin all have one thing in common. They have the...   Read More

View Ben Franklin Funding

Cost:

Free

Availability:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Delivery:

Mentoring

Ben Franklin Learning Center

Our programming topics cover business management topics covering digital marketing, finance, HR, investor and more. It is intended to help you keep your finger on the pulse, investigate emerging trends,...   Read More

View Ben Franklin Learning Center

Cost:

Free

Availability:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Delivery:

Webinar

BIG IDEA CONTEST

We’re looking for entrepreneurs who are developing or crafting a product, process, or innovation related to the maker economy, outdoors and recreation, forest products, manufacturing, and technology. The...   Read More

View BIG IDEA CONTEST

Cost:

Free

Availability:

Spring

Delivery:

Mentoring, Webinar

TechCelerator Program

Ben Franklin’s TechCelerator offers local entrepreneurs, grad students, professors, and university researchers a 10-week business boot camp to help take the first step in launching your startup. It involves...   Read More

View TechCelerator Program

Cost:

Free

Availability:

Spring, Summer, Fall

Delivery:

One-on-One, Online Class, Webinar

Transformation Business Services Network

By providing expertise in marketing, human resources, accounting, strategic planning and advertising to promising companies in the region—at no cost—TBSN is now considered one of Pennsylvania’s most...   Read More

View Transformation Business Services Network

Cost:

Free

Availability:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Delivery:

One-on-One

The Candy Factory is a coworking space located in the City of Lancaster that creates a space for entrepreneurs and small businesses to gather, imagine, create, and thrive. In addition to coworking space memberships and day passes, the Candy Factory offers members childcare with Jelly Bellies, media and studio rentals, meeting room rentals, and an event venue.

Services Area

Lancaster City

Type of Organization

For Profit Business

Cost for Services

Free, Fee

Types of Services

  • Coworking
  • Networking & Events

How Services are Delivered

  • Memberships
  • Networking

Services Offerings

Meeting Rooms & Venue

A unique meeting space located in the heart of Lancaster. Our venue and meeting spaces are perfect for your next meeting, corporate event, employee retreat, training, or mixer.
All conference room...   Read More

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Cost:

Fee

Availability:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Delivery:

Networking, Work Spaces

Membership

A coworking space established in 2010 and located in the heart of downtown Lancaster PA. With over 280 members, our thriving community is comprised of small business owners, remote workers, freelancers,...   Read More

View Membership

Cost:

Fee

Availability:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Delivery:

Memberships, Networking

Community First Fund is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides funding to small businesses. Community Firsts approach to creating vibrant communities includes increasing development of affordable housing units, enhancing access to food and healthcare resources, creating educational opportunities for all, and providing the funding for job-creating businesses to start up and grow. Community First is driven to make a change by transforming lives, businesses and communities – one transaction at a time.

Community First Fund’s mission is to create financial equity through wealth building opportunities for individuals, families, and business owners, especially Persons of Color, women, and immigrants. We align capital, knowledge, and advocacy to advance access to financial services, business ownership, housing, and community development.

Services Area

Lancaster County and Surrounding Counties

Type of Organization

501c3

Cost for Services

Fee, Scholarships/Subsidized

Types of Services

  • Funding
  • Growth Strategies

How Services are Delivered

  • One-on-One

Services Offerings

Affordable & Market Rate Housing Development Loans

We provide loans to both for profit and nonprofit developers of housing for low and moderate income families. Our financing options can be support housing that is for re-sale or for rental housing projects....   Read More

View Affordable & Market Rate Housing Development Loans

Cost:

Fee

Availability:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Delivery:

One-on-One

Commercial Real Estate Loans

Community First Fund’s commercial real estate lending focuses on facilitating the development, rehabilitation or adaptive re-use of commercial and mixed use real estate projects located in downtowns or in...   Read More

View Commercial Real Estate Loans

Cost:

Fee

Availability:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Delivery:

One-on-One

Creative Business Loans

Community First Fund received funding from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts. Eligible loan uses will...   Read More

View Creative Business Loans

Cost:

Fee

Availability:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Delivery:

One-on-One

New Markets Tax Credits

Community First Fund provides financing through the New Markets Tax Credit Program. This federal program provides tax credits to banks that provide financing to large scale commercial real estate or mixed use...   Read More

View New Markets Tax Credits

Cost:

Fee

Availability:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Delivery:

One-on-One

Small Business Loans

Small Business Loans are for projects that require more capital than a microloan can provide. Loan proceeds are generally used to support the increased capital needs of maturing businesses and may be used for...   Read More

View Small Business Loans

Cost:

Fee

Availability:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Delivery:

One-on-One

The City of Lancaster is a small and diverse city located in the center of Lancaster County. The city boasts a strong downtown core with many locally owned retailers, restaurants, and professional services. The city is made up of neighborhoods with mixed use cores. The municipality tracks local businesses through a business registry and licensing; has a range of services and zoning requirements for local businesses; and provides financing and tax incentives to businesses.

Lancaster’s diverse and vibrant neighborhoods are welcoming places that foster connections among our residents. Residents are actively engaged in the day-to-day life of their neighborhoods in partnership with the City to sustain a strong community with safe and quality housing, public spaces, and facilities.

Services Area

Lancaster City

Type of Organization

Government Entity

Cost for Services

Free, Fee, Scholarships/Subsidized

Types of Services

  • Licensing, Insurance, Credentials
  • Networking & Events
  • Something Else

How Services are Delivered

  • Networking
  • One-on-One

EDC works with large and small businesses in a number of ways to promote the economic well-being in Lancaster County. The EDC supports looking for physical locations in Lancaster County and seeking funding. The EDC works with businesses who are starting up, expanding their presence, or relocating to Lancaster County.

To enhance the economic well-being of Lancaster County by bringing together business, capital, and government resources for data-driven, selective, and sustainable growth.

Services Area

Lancaster County

Type of Organization

501c3

Cost for Services

Fee, Scholarships/Subsidized

Types of Services

  • Funding
  • Growth Strategies
  • Market Research
  • Networking & Events
  • Workforce Development

How Services are Delivered

  • Memberships
  • Networking
  • One-on-One

Services Offerings

Next Generation Farm Loan Program

The Next Generation Farmer Loan Program uses federal tax-exempt financing to reduce a farmer’s interest rate for capital purchases, such as the purchase of farm land or agricultural machinery and equipment.   Read More

View Next Generation Farm Loan Program

Cost:

Fee

Availability:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Delivery:

Other

Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority

State loan funding for eligible real estate projects. Eligible businesses include manufacturing, warehousing, industrial, and agriculture processors and producers.    Read More

View Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority

Cost:

Fee

Availability:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Delivery:

Other

SBA 504

SBA 504 loans are direct loans from the SBA administered by Certified Development Companies (CDCs) around the country. Of which EDC Finance has a license for Pennsylvania.    Read More

Cost:

Fee

Availability:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Delivery:

Other

SSBCI

The SSBCI program is administered at the federal level by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, however, at the local level, PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has contracted with...   Read More

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Cost:

Fee

Availability:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Delivery:

Other

In the spirit of living up to Benjamin Franklin’s legacy of creating solutions in the service of the public good, Franklin & Marshall College Entrepreneurial Center offers students the opportunity to have a positive, lasting impact in the world around us. The course work includes courses, extracurricular activities, social entrepreneurship certificate program, and summer research program, which are available to enrolled F&M students.

We explore the frontiers of knowledge, setting new standards of academic excellence. We personalize education, encouraging our students to discover and expand their ambitions. We stand for what matters, fostering a community that values the common good.

Services Area

Lancaster City

Lancaster County

Type of Organization

Educational Institution

Cost for Services

Fee, Scholarships/Subsidized

Types of Services

  • Business Plan Development
  • Certifications
  • Innovation & Technologies
  • Market Research
  • Product Development
  • Startup Basics

How Services are Delivered

  • Degree Programs

The Kutztown Small Business Development Center offers existing businesses and early-stage entrepreneurs access to no cost, confidential consulting services, and learning opportunities. We provide services at our outreach offices in Kutztown, Reading, Harrisburg, Exton, Lancaster, and York.

The mission of the Kutztown Small Business Development Center is to Empower aspiring and existing small business owners with the knowledge, resources, consulting, and mentoring they need to start, grow, and prosper.

Services Area

Lancaster County and Surrounding Counties

Type of Organization

Educational Institution

Cost for Services

Free, Fee, Scholarships/Subsidized

Types of Services

  • Accounting, Bookkeeping, & Taxes
  • Business Plan Development
  • Certifications
  • Growth Strategies
  • IT Services
  • Licensing, Insurance, Credentials
  • Market Research
  • Marketing
  • Networking & Events
  • Product Development
  • Social Media & Website
  • Startup Basics
  • Wholesale & Supply Chain
  • Workforce Development
  • Something Else

How Services are Delivered

  • In Person Classes
  • Mentoring
  • Networking
  • One-on-One
  • Online Classes
  • Toolkits
  • Webinars
  • Workshops

Services Offerings

5-Week Business Skills for Success for Entrepreneurs

During the five-week seminar, the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center will utilize an innovative blended learning model for education. Our model uses, in addition to class lessons, online...   Read More

Cost:

Free

Availability:

Summer, Fall

Delivery:

In Person Class, Online Class

9-Week Financial Training

The Financial Boot Camp is a 9-week training webinar series that is for early-stage and existing business owners who are looking to gain knowledge on a variety of financial topics. Each week there are...   Read More

View 9-Week Financial Training

Cost:

Free

Availability:

Summer

Delivery:

Online Class, Webinar

Business Growth Conferences

Business Growth Conferences are held multiple times a year as a way for small business owners to learn about different topics, network, and connect with the KU SBDC further. The topics vary from conference to...   Read More

Cost:

Free

Availability:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Delivery:

In Person Class, Networking, Online Class