Starting a business can feel overwhelming. The city is here to help!  Experts are ready to 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.

We can help with navigation through the following stages of starting and owning a business:

• • Business Planning Phase
  • Funding/Investment Phase
  • Location Planning and Zoning Approval Phase
  • Licensing and Permitting Phase
  • Operating and Growth Phase

Not sure where to get started? Reach out to us and we'll connect you! 

New Businesses are offered different assistance based on what their need and ideas are. This includes assistance with business plans, financial projections, marketing strategies, and legal setup.

If you are a start-up and have an idea or concept for a business, these organizations can help: 

• • Small Business Development Center at the Lehigh University College of Business
  • Lehigh Valley Launchbox powered by Penn State

If you are in the early stages of your business, you can get help testing your Business Plan from: 

• • Allentown Economic Development Corporation

After solidifying your business plan, the next important step is how to obtain financing for your business. After identifying personal and commercial financing, there are economic development loan programs that could be utilized as gap financing for qualified businesses. These loans are for both new and existing businesses. You can find more info about each loan program below.

• • Allentown Economic Development Corporation provides financing programs that help buy equipment and cover building costs. They're tied to job creation and some are specific to socially and economically disadvantaged groups that might need more help.
  • City of Allentown- Office of Business Development provides technical assistance programs for retail and service-based small businesses. 
  • Lehigh Valley LaunchBox can provide start-up funding from pitch competitions and Boot Camp.
  • Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development has a host of state-level grants, loans, and tax incentive programs. 
  • Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation can assist you in navigating federal, state, and local financing programs, including grants, loans, tax credits, tax abatements, and special incentives.

Businesses need an approved location to operate, so before renting or purchasing a space, check with the Zoning Office to make sure the space is permitted for your business. There are resources to identify a location once you know where your business is allowed:

City of Allentown- Office of Business Development

• • Connections to all City departments
  • Connections with real estate brokers in Allentown
  • Assistance with business licenses, permits, and approvals

Allentown Economic Development Corporation

• • Finding Manufacturing Sites
  • Redeveloping Brownfield sites

Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority (ANIZDA)

• • Starting and Running a business in the Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ)

Allentown Qualified Opportunity Zones

• • Starting and Running a business in the Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ)

Penn State Lehigh Valley Launchbox

• • Finding Office and coworking sites

Ben Franklin Technology Partners

• • Finding Lab and Office Space for medical, science, and technology companies

Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation

• • Finding business space 10,000 square feet or larger

Starting a business in Allentown means following steps from different city departments to get a business license. If you're unsure about any step, ask the City of Allentown’s Business Development Office at business@allentownpa.gov.

• Step 1 - Zoning: First, check with the Zoning Office and fill out a Zoning Permit Application. The application ensures your business is permitted in that part of the city. You can check multiple locations on the Zoning Map online. There might be extra rules in Historic Districts. 
• Step 2 - Building Standards and Safety: After zoning approval, talk to the Building Standards and Safety Office. They will guide you on the requirements of your project. You may be required to submit plans and apply for permits. A professional 3rd Party agency may need to review your plans as well. When your construction is complete, a final Certificate of Occupancy (CO) inspection is required. 
• Step 3 - Environmental Health: Food vendors and child care providers will need approvals from the Environmental Field Services. Contact the Health Bureau at 610.437.7599 for food vending and child care. Mobile Vendor Instructions and Application is available here.  
• Step 4 - State Professional Board: Certain businesses need professional licenses from the PA Department of State. This should happen while you're getting other city approvals. You can learn more about PA State Professional Licensing here.
• Step 5 - Allentown Business License: Once you have all the approvals, apply for an in-city Business License. Send the completed form to the Department of Revenue and Audit.

Small business support continues after a business is up and running. Different resources are available depending on the type of assistance you need.

Professional Assistance in Key Development Areas 

• • Small Business Development Center

Expansion

• • Allentown Economic Development Corporation
  • City of Allentown Business Development Office

Workforce

• • City of Allentown Business Development Office

Accounting, Finance, Legal, Marketing

• • Small Business Development Center

Marketing Assistance

• • Small Business Development Center
  • Allentown Chamber of Commerce