Recognizing the need for more localized and individualized tools for small business owners to succeed during the current pandemic, the City of Allentown is launching the new Allentown Small Business SPARK Program in collaboration with the Allentown Chamber of Commerce to provide technical assistance grants to Allentown businesses recovering from the impact of COVID-19.
Businesses with fewer than 50 employees will be eligible to receive up to 14 hours of assistance from local experts in the following areas:
- marketing, photography, social media
- e-commerce/website,
- cybersecurity,
- financial management,
- legal assistance,
- strategic planning
Applications for small Allentown businesses to receive the technical assistance grants are open now. Businesses are required to complete a three-page intake form available here. Click here to review the application questions prior to beginning the application: SPARK Program Application. This collects basic contact information and allows business owners to specify their needs. These applications will be available in both English and Spanish. Note: This grant consists of technical assistance provided at no cost to awardees. There is no monetary award associated with this grant.
Consulting services are provided by other local businesses. Priority has been given to small, diverse, and Allentown-based service providers. Applications that meet the guidelines will be approved in the order they are received. Applications will continue to be accepted until funding is exhausted or until October 31, 2023, whichever is first.
Successful applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- The principal place of business is within the city limits of Allentown, Pennsylvania.
- The business has 50 or fewer full-time employees.
Technical assistance grants will be awarded with work to begin taking place in early May and will continue through October 2023.


For additional information, please email business@allentownpa.gov..