Allentown, Pennsylvania, has cultivated a robust ecosystem to support entrepreneurs and small business owners. Whether you’re launching a startup or expanding an existing venture, the city offers a variety of resources to assist you.
City of Allentown Business Development Office
The Business Development Office provides comprehensive support throughout the business lifecycle, including assistance with business planning, funding, location selection, and licensing. They can guide you through each stage of development and offer help in different ways. Reach out to the Office of Business Development at 610.437.7610 or business@allentownpa.gov to begin.
Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)
AEDC specializes in property rehabilitation, business incubation, and strengthening urban manufacturing. They offer loan programs, business mentoring, and support for manufacturing startups through their business incubator. AEDC also provides economic development lending assistance through a number of local funds. Companies are eligible to apply for up to $150,000 loans for equipment, real estate purchases/improvements, and in special cases, up to 40% of inventory or working capital. Job creation and retention is an essential component of these loan funds.
WE360° Entrepreneurship Program
Offered by the YWCA Allentown, WE360° is a free program designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women and women of color. It combines online learning with facilitated sessions to help participants develop business skills and networks. The program includes a Speaker Series connecting early-stage entrepreneurs with experienced professionals who share practical guidance and real-world insights.
SPARK Program
The Small Business SPARK Program offers Allentown-based businesses with fewer than 50 employees up to 14 hours of assistance from local experts in areas such as marketing, e-commerce, financial management, legal assistance, and strategic planning. Applications for small Allentown businesses to receive the technical assistance grants are now open.
Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC)
LVEDC provides resources to help entrepreneurs turn ideas into successful businesses. They offer connections to business incubators, entrepreneurship programs, and co-working spaces. The Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop is a go-to resource for planning, registering, operating, and growing a business in Pennsylvania.
By leveraging these resources, entrepreneurs in Allentown can access the support needed to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business, contributing to the city’s vibrant economic landscape.