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.
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.
