Supporting our Business Community
The City of Lancaster effectively creates a “business friendly” environment with the intent of facilitating business growth and expansion. The City encourages the private sector to seek out new ventures, open and expand businesses and create jobs. The better the relationship between the City and business (existing and new), the more likely that the City will prosper.
The City recognizes that the foundation of a strong city is household sustaining employment and that partnerships with community institutions provide every resident access to One Good Job. Learn more about the role of businesses within the Strategic Plan for the City of Lancaster.
Key Business Policies & Regulations
Economic Development Zones
Explore the areas of the city that are included in special economic development programs.
ASSETS Lancaster
ASSETS Lancaster provides individuals with resources to successfully start, manage and grow their businesses. The ASSETS model includes a 13 week Business Design and Management Program, one-to-one business counseling services, a mentoring program, technology training and resources through the ASSETS Center for Small Business Development, a business incubator located in Lancaster City. All ASSETS programs and services are provided in English and Spanish.
Visit ASSETS Lancaster Online
Community First Fund
A federally certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), the Community First Fund provides loans and technical assistance to small business owners, affordable housing developers and community groups.
Visit the Community First Fund Online
Duke Street Business Center
The Duke Street Business Center is located on the main floor of the Lancaster Public Library on Duke Street and is staffed by experienced Business Reference Librarians. At the Duke Street Business Center, you will receive personal one-on-one assistance directing you to answers to your business and nonprofit-related questions in a friendly environment that is equipped with—
- computers linked to authoritative electronic databases,
- current business and nonprofit print and non-print resources—with most items available for loan using your Lancaster County public library card, and
- a multifunctional copier/printer/fax/scanner available for public use with a nominal fee charged for faxes and prints/copies
The majority of their services are free of charge.
For more information visit www.lancaster.lib.pa.us.
Business Start-Up Toolkit
Economic Development Company of Lancaster County
The Economic Development Company of Lancaster County (EDC) is the leading organization dedicated to promoting business development and expansion within Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. A private, not-for-profit, non-government organization, founded in 1960, EDC works on a number of fronts to promote the economic well-being of our communities. Whether you are starting up your business, expanding your presence here or considering a corporate relocation, EDC can assist you with everything from site location to financing.
Click here for more information about the EDC.
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Industry provides member services to help businesses grow and prosper, leads advocacy efforts for a positive business climate and provides private sector leadership in issues impacting the broader community.
Visit Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Online
Lancaster City Alliance
Two strong and vital Lancaster City organizations have consolidated into a single, more powerful force. On July 1, 2013, the James Street Improvement District (JSID) and the Lancaster Alliance joined forces into a single community-service organization that will be more effective than either was alone.
Together the JSID and the Lancaster Alliance offer 30 years’ experience in community and economic development. As the newly formed Lancaster City Alliance, we will deliver many more.
The combined staff of both organizations now make up the Lancaster City Alliance team. Neighborhood clean-and-safe initiatives will continue. The Lancaster Downtown Investment District (DID) will be managed within this new organization and the Bike Ambassadors will continue to serve within the original JSID boundaries. And, the new organization will continue the Alliance’s work as an engaged intermediary in support of City priorities such as financial sustainability and public
Visit Lancaster City Alliance Online
Small Business Administration
The US Small Business Administration is an independent federal agency that works to assist and protect the interests of American small businesses. They administer programs through district offices throughout the United States and provide additional services through a network of resource partners: Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, U.S. Export Assistance Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and Veteran’s Business Outreach Centers. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
Click here for more information on starting a business from SBA.
- Is there any penalty for not registering a rental unit?
- What happens to my rental property if my license is revoked?
- Who regulates Tattoo Businesses for health?
- Are there any tax or rent rebate programs that I should know about?
- Is there any penalty for renting a unit or allowing it to be occupied without a license?
- Can my occupancy license be revoked for any reason?
- If I lose my occupancy license, how can I get it back?
- The ordinance targets disruptive tenant conduct. How does this work?
- What do you inspect during a health inspection?
- What do you look for in a health inspection?
- What are some problems you might find in a food establishment during a health inspection?
- What is the Food Safety Certification requirement?
