Starting a new business in Lancaster County? While every business is different, the process for starting a business is fairly similar. Cultivate is here to help you find the right information and resources that your new business needs to get off of the ground. From commonly asked questions to how to navigate local business resources, check out all of the great resources available to help your business idea become a reality.
Where to Start and Who Can Help?
This is a map of steps to starting a business and the local organizations who can help you at each step. Follow the arrows to see what you need and the order you should be following as you develop your startup. If you do not yet have a business plan or fully developed product, then start with Business Basics. If you have Business Basics covered, then move ahead to the step you are working on.
Startup Basic
Startup Basics & Product Development
Start with a business plan that is rooted in market research and a well developed product or service
ASSETS, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Kutztown University SBDC, SCORE, York LaunchBox
Marketing
Marketing
Create a marketing plan and strategy to let customers know what you do
ASSETS, Lancaster Chamber, Lancaster Public Library – Business & Reference Center, Lancaster City Alliance, SCORE
Legal
Legal
Determine your legal status, necessary licenses, and credentials
Community First Fund, Lancaster Public Library – Business & Reference Center, Lancaster Bar Association, Lancaster City, SCORE
Accounting, Bookkeeping & Taxes
Accounting, Bookkeeping & Taxes
Get your finances in order and figure out how to track business cashflow. Once you are in business, keep up with what you need to know.
ASSETS, Community First Fund, Cultivate Lancaster, Kutztown University SBDC, SCORE
Networking
Networking
Meet potential customers and people in your industry.
ASSETS, Candy Factory, Lancaster Chamber, Cultivate Lancaster, Lancaster City Alliance, SCORE
Human Resources & Hiring
Human Resources & Hiring
Prepare to hire, setup employee benefits and training
Central Penn Business Group on Health, SCORE, CareerLink, Lancaster Chamber, Lancaster Public Library – Business & Reference Center, Lancaster Bar Association, Lancaster Works, Lancaster Society of HR Management
Loans & Funding
Loans & Funding
Get advice as well as traditional and non-traditional funding
ASSETS, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Community First Fund, Lancaster Economic Development Corp, Lancaster City Alliance
Growth Strategies
Growth Strategies
Out of idea phase and onto the future
ASSETS, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Lancaster Chamber, Lancaster Public Library – Business & Reference Center, Kutztown University SBDC, Lancaster City Alliance, SCORE
Common Startup Needs.
Need specific guidance or support, such as getting a referral, one-on-one help, or business research? Below are common needs for small businesses and the organization who specialize in providing support in each area.
Startup Basics
Refine your Idea | ASSETS Ben Franklin Technology Partners, SCORE, York LaunchBox |
1-on-1 Help | Lancaster Public Library Business & Reference Center, Kutztown University SBDC, York LaunchBox, SCORE |
Research Competitors | SCORE, Lancaster City Alliance, Lancaster Public Library Business & Reference Center, Lancaster Chamber, Kutztown University SBDC |
Take a Business Class | ASSETS, Candy Factory, Lancaster Chamber, Lancaster Public Library Business & Reference Center, Kutztown University SBDC, SCORE |
Connect with Other Businesses | ASSETS, Candy Factory, Lancaster Chamber, SCORE |
Product Development
Join an Incubator | ASSETS |
Contact a trade associate | Lancaster Chamber, Lancaster Public Library Business & Reference Center, Lancaster City Alliance, SCORE |
Legal
Get a Referral for a Lawyer | Community First Fund, Lancaster Bar Association, SCORE |
Register Your Business | Penn State Law, Lancaster Public Library Business & Reference Center, Lancaster City |
Accounting, Bookkeeping & Taxes
Take an Accounting or Tax Class | ASSETS, Cultivate Lancaster, Kutztown University SBDC, SCORE |
1-on-1 Help | ASSETS, Kutztown University SBDC, SCORE |
Research, Guides & Templates | Lancaster Public Library Business & Reference Center, SCORE |
Get a Referral for a Pro | ASSETS, Community First Fund,Kutztown University SBDC, SCORE |
Marketing
1-on-1 Help | ASSETS, SCORE |
Take a Marketing Class | ASSETS, Lancaster Chamber, Lancaster Public Library Business & Reference Center, Kutztown University SBDC, SCORE |
Market Research & Templates | Lancaster Chamber, Lancaster Public Library Business & Reference Center |
Make a Marketing Plan | ASSETS, Kutztown University SBDC |
Market to Local Businesses | Lancaster Chamber, Lancaster City Alliance |
Loans & Financing
Get Your Financial Information Ready | ASSETS, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, SCORE, Kutztown University SBDC |
Microloans (Less than $50,000) | ASSETS, Community First Fund |
Tax Credits | Community First Fund, Lancaster City Alliance, Lancaster Economic Development Corp, PennTAP |
Business Loans (2+ Years in Business) | ASSETS, Community First Fund |
Next Level Financing | ASSETS, Community First Fund, Lancaster Economic Development Corp |
Human Resources
Take an HR Class | Central Penn Business Group on Health, Lancaster Society of HR Management |
Research Benefits & Trends | Central Penn Business Group on Health, Lancaster Public Library Business & Reference Center, SCORE |
Get a Referral For a Pro | Lancaster Society of HR Management, Lancaster Bar Association |
Hiring
Research Competitors Offers | Lancaster Chamber, Lancaster Public Library Business & Reference Center |
Post Jobs | CareerLink, Lancaster Chamber, Lancaster Works |
Train New Hires | CareerLink |
Digital Tech/Engineering
Technology Idea Development | Ben Franklin Technology Partners, York LaunchBox |
Funding & Launch | Ben Franklin Technology Partners |
Networking
Networking Events | ASSETS, Candy Factory, Lancaster Chamber, Cultivate Lancaster, Lancaster City Alliance |
Contact a Trade Association | Lancaster Chamber, Lancaster Public Library Business & Reference Center, Lancaster City Alliance, SCORE |
Growth Strategies
Do an Impact Analysis | ASSETS |
Join an Accelerator | ASSETS, Ben Franklin Technology Partners |
Network & Get Feedback | Lancaster Chamber, Lancaster City Alliance, SCORE |
1-on-1 Help | Lancaster Chamber, Lancaster Public Library Business & Reference Center, Kutztown University SBDC, Lancaster City Alliance |
How to Fund Your New Business
Do you need funding for your new business? Many traditional banks do not provide funding to new businesses, however, there are several local organizations who may be an option. Before meeting with a funder or local organization about financing, you will need to have your business information ready for them to review. Below is a list of commonly requested documentation from lenders. Most of this documentation should have been created or identified in your business formation process. If you do not have the information on hand, then you may not yet be ready to seek funding.
You can find out more about Funding options here
New Business Checklist for Funding |
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Three years of personal tax returns with all pages and schedules |
Two pay periods of pay stubs if you are a W2 employee and plan to keep the job |
Three months of personal and business bank statements |
Valid Driver's License for all borrowers |
Real estate Sales agreement - 90-day due diligence period recommended - if applicable |
Sales agreement - Trucks, small vehicles or heavy equipment |
Equipment invoice for small or large pieces of equipment, FF&E |
Incorporation documentation, such as registration and by-laws or operating agreement |
EIN # |
Invoice and estimate from contractors for leasehold improvements or renovations - if applicable |
Business plan - needed for businesses under one year old |
Projections with assumptions - needed for businesses under one year old |
Personal Financial Statement - form will be provided by lender |
Credit Report - lender will pull your credit report |
If client is purchasing an existing business: |
Three years of business tax returns |
Sales Agreement |
Professional Business valuation may be needed if over 250K |