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. The City of Lancaster’s strategic plan identifies a “Sustainable Economy” as one of four key focus areas. Local businesses are an essential part of creating a sustainable economy where everyone can thrive.
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.
For more information, visit assetspa.org.
Finata
Finata is a private, independent non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) whose mission is to provide capital in places where it is not usually available. Finata seeks to create positive change in a community by providing entrepreneurs with access to business development loans for projects that generate jobs, create affordable housing and help to revitalize communities.
For more information, visit finata.org.
Business & Reference Center at the Lancaster Public Library
The Business & Reference Center is located at the Lancaster Public Library in Ewell Plaza, 151 N. Queen Street, and is staffed by experienced Business Reference Librarians. At the Business & Reference 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.lancasterpubliclibrary.org.
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.
For more information, visit www.edclancaster.com.
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.
For more information, visit www.lancasterchamber.com.
Lancaster City Alliance
Lancaster City Alliance is a non-profit that cultivates partnerships with business, local communities, the arts, education, non-profits, and government to ensure Lancaster is a clean, safe, and vibrant city for all. The Lancaster City Alliance also manages the Downtown Investment District (DID), located in the heart of Lancaster City. Property owners in the DID pay for the services and amenities that help to support a vibrant downtown.
For more information, visit lancastercityalliance.org.
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.
For more information on starting a business, visit www.sba.gov.
- 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?