Resources
Lehigh Valley Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Building a Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in the Lehigh Valley
The Lehigh Valley is more than a hub of innovation—it’s a growing ecosystem where entrepreneurs, small businesses, and startups can thrive. Our region has cultivated a strong network of resources, support organizations, and community partnerships that make it an ideal place to launch and grow new ventures.
A Connected Network of Resources
Entrepreneurs in the Lehigh Valley benefit from a wide range of organizations that provide mentorship, education, access to capital, and specialized services. From incubators and accelerators to university-led initiatives and nonprofit programs, business owners can find the right support at every stage of growth.
Fueling Innovation and Growth
The ecosystem is designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are. Whether you’re developing a new product, scaling an established business, or exploring funding opportunities, there are resources available to guide the journey. This connected support system not only strengthens individual businesses but also contributes to the region’s overall economic vitality.
Collaboration Across the Valley
What makes the Lehigh Valley entrepreneurial ecosystem unique is its collaborative spirit. Universities, business leaders, community organizations, and investors all play a role in creating pathways for success. This collective approach ensures that entrepreneurs have the tools they need to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.
Lehigh Valley Resources
Networking:
Network Lehigh Valley- One Resource for all Networking and Business Resources in the Lehigh Valley and Beyond
https://networklehighvalley.com/
Educational Opportunities:
Mentoring and Coaching:
- U.S. Small Business Administration – https://www.sba.gov/
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – https://sbdc.lehigh.edu
- SCORE Lehigh Valley: https://lehighvalley.score.org
Resources & Toolkits:
- LVEDC – Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation https://lehighvalley.org/
- Full list of local economic organizations: https://lehighvalley.org/about-lvedc/partners/
- A map of the Lehigh Valley Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: https://kumu.io/ECLV/lehigh-valley-entrepreneurial-ecosystem
- Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar: https://web.lehighvalleychamber.org/events
25 Email Newsletters Every Entrepreneur Should Read
Artificial Intelligence
- Generative AI for Entrepreneurs
- Center for Socially Responsible Artificial Intelligence (PSU) https://ai.psu.edu/
Funding
- Lehigh Valley Angel Investors: https://www.lehighvalleyangelinvestors.com
- Hello Alice: https://helloalice.com/funding/grants/
- https://ifundwomen.com/grants/apply-for-grants
- Truist NonProfit Grant – The Truist Foundation supports nonprofits with grants that target leadership development, economic mobility, thriving communities and educational equity. Quarterly deadlines – https://www.truist.com/purpose/truist-foundation/grant-application
Intellectual Property & Patents
Additional Resources
Books:
- Guide to borrowing from the PSU LV Library: https://libraries.psu.edu/services/borrow-renew/pennsylvania-residents
- Free Online Books: https://archive.org (outside resource)
Articles:
- The Minimum Viable Testing Process for Evaluating Startup Ideas: https://review.firstround.com/the-minimum-viable-testing-process-for-evaluating-startup-ideas
Outside resources:
- https://www.klaviyo.com/ (email marketing )
- https://www.volunteerlv.org/ (Volunteer organizations)
- https://afpglobal.org (Association of Fundraising Professionals)
- Kauffman FoundersSchool – YouTube
- The Kauffman Founders School taps the potential of online education, presenting a robust curriculum from which entrepreneurs can learn anywhere, anytime. Subject experts present lectures that are embedded in modules designed to give founders a rich learning experience, engaging them in lessons that will make a difference in what they do in their business today, tomorrow, and in the future.
More Coming Soon!
This list of resources is under construction and we’ll be add and updating it throughout 2024! Please email us at LVLaunchBox@psu.edu to suggest resources that should appear on this page. Thank you for your help!