
Business & Startup Scene in Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States
1. Ben Franklin TechVentures
A business incubator offering resources and funding for tech startups.
- Tech-focused Incubator: Specializes in technology-based startups.
- Funding Opportunities: Provides funding for selected startups through grants, investments, and loans.
- Business Support Services: Offers business development services such as mentoring, networking events, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
2. Lehigh University Small Business Development Center
Provides resources for small businesses, including consulting services, training programs, and access to funding.
- Small Business Focus: Caters specifically to small business owners.
- Consulting Services: Provides one-on-one consulting sessions for businesses at no cost.
- Training Programs: Offers workshops and seminars on various topics such as marketing, finance, and management.
3. Incubator at Muhlenberg College
A business incubator offering resources for startups in the fields of arts, humanities, and sciences.
- Interdisciplinary Incubator: Supports startups across various disciplines such as art, science, and technology.
- Resource Hub: Provides access to shared resources like office space, equipment, and mentoring.
- Networking Opportunities: Facilitates connections with industry professionals, investors, and potential customers.
4. Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)
An organization promoting economic growth by attracting businesses to Allentown.
- Economic Growth: Dedicated to fostering business development and job creation in the city.
- Business Attraction: Works to attract new businesses to Allentown, particularly those in key industries like healthcare, education, and technology.
- Community Engagement: Engages with local community members and businesses to gather insights and tailor economic development strategies.
5. Baker Institute for Entrepreneurship, Creativity & Innovation
A resource center providing education, mentorship, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs.
- Entrepreneur Education: Offers a variety of educational programs, workshops, and seminars for aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Provides mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs who share their insights and strategies.
- Networking Events: Hosts regular networking events where entrepreneurs can connect with potential partners, investors, and customers.
6. Lehigh Valley Angel Investors
A network of investors providing funding to early-stage startups in the Lehigh Valley.
- Early-Stage Funding: Supports startups at an early stage with funding and mentorship.
- Network of Investors: Connects startups with a network of angel investors who can provide financial support and guidance.
- Startup Selection Process: Follows a rigorous selection process to ensure that invested startups have potential for success.
7. Lehigh Valley LaunchBox
A startup accelerator and co-working space offering resources and networking opportunities.
- Accelerator Program: Provides a structured program for startups to grow and develop their businesses.
- Co-working Space: Offers shared office space, equipment, and resources for startups.
- Networking Opportunities: Facilitates connections with industry professionals, investors, and potential customers.
8. Lehigh Valley Business Plan Competition
An annual competition for startups in the Lehigh Valley, offering cash prizes and resources.
- Cash Prizes: Awards cash prizes to winning startups to support their growth.
- Business Plan Evaluation: Allows startups to receive feedback on their business plans from industry experts.
- Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities for startups to connect with potential investors, mentors, and customers.
9. Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC)
An organization promoting economic development in the Lehigh Valley by attracting businesses and creating jobs.
- Economic Growth: Works to grow the economy of the Lehigh Valley through business attraction, retention, and expansion.
- Business Attraction: Efforts focus on attracting businesses to the Lehigh Valley that can create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
- Community Engagement: Engages with local community members, businesses, and leaders to gather insights and tailor strategies for economic development.
10. Lehigh Valley Small Business Development Center
A resource center offering consulting services, training programs, and access to funding for small businesses.
- Small Business Focus: Caters specifically to small business owners.
- Consulting Services: Provides one-on-one consulting sessions for businesses at no cost.
- Training Programs: Offers workshops and seminars on various topics such as marketing, finance, and management.
11. Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Council (LVMC)
An organization promoting manufacturing businesses in the Lehigh Valley by providing resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy.
- Manufacturing Focus: Supports manufacturers through various programs and initiatives.
- Networking Opportunities: Facilitates connections with other manufacturing businesses, suppliers, and potential customers.
- Advocacy Efforts: Works to advocate for policies that support the growth and success of manufacturing businesses in the region.
12. Lehigh Valley Workforce Development Board (LVWDB)
An organization focused on workforce development, providing resources for job seekers and employers in the Lehigh Valley.
- Workforce Development: Offers programs and services to help job seekers find employment and to support businesses with their workforce needs.
- Job Seeker Resources: Provides resources such as career counseling, training programs, and job placement assistance for job seekers.
- Employer Resources: Offers services like recruitment assistance, training programs, and compliance support to help businesses find and retain skilled workers.
13. Lehigh Valley Healthcare Industry Council
An organization supporting the healthcare industry in the Lehigh Valley by providing resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy.
- Healthcare Focus: Supports healthcare businesses through various programs and initiatives.
- Networking Opportunities: Facilitates connections with other healthcare businesses, suppliers, and potential customers.
- Advocacy Efforts: Works to advocate for policies that support the growth and success of the healthcare industry in the region.
14. Lehigh Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
An organization providing resources and networking opportunities for Hispanic-owned businesses in the Lehigh Valley.
- Hispanic Business Focus: Caters specifically to Hispanic business owners.
- Networking Opportunities: Facilitates connections with other Hispanic businesses, suppliers, and potential customers.
- Resources and Support: Offers resources such as business development services, mentorship opportunities, and access to funding.
15. Lehigh Valley Women's Business Alliance (LVWBA)
An organization supporting women-owned businesses in the Lehigh Valley by providing resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy.
- Women-Owned Business Focus: Caters specifically to women business owners.
- Networking Opportunities: Facilitates connections with other women-owned businesses, suppliers, and potential customers.
- Resources and Support: Offers resources such as business development services, mentorship opportunities, and access to funding.