“Revitalizing the Heart of Pennsylvania: Shapiro Administration Kicks Off Small Business Week with a Focus on Downtowns and Main Streets”
In the Keystone State, the heartbeat of community and economic growth lies in the quaint charm of downtowns and main streets. These iconic gathering places are the lifeblood of small towns and cities across Pennsylvania, fostering a sense of local identity and driving innovation. As Small Business Week kicks off, the Shapiro Administration is shining a spotlight on the vital investments being made to revitalize these critical hubs of commerce and community.
Success Stories and Community Investments
Recently, Governor Josh Shapiro visited small businesses in downtown Lancaster to highlight his Administration’s historic investments in 81 Main Street Matters projects across the Commonwealth, including more than $1.2 million for Lancaster County. These initiatives aim to revitalize downtowns, grow local economies, and create jobs.
During his visit, Governor Shapiro toured businesses along North Queen and King streets, including BellaBoo, a boutique selling children’s and baby items; Ric’s Bread, a popular bakery with additional locations at Lancaster Central Market and a Philadelphia farmer’s market; and Foxduck, a design and print shop specializing in Lancaster-branded apparel and goods.
Case Studies of Funded Projects in Lancaster County
The Governor also visited Place Marie Mall, a historic downtown property undergoing renovations that received a $100,000 façade improvement grant through the Main Street Matters initiative. The grant, awarded to the Lancaster City Alliance, will support upgrades like fresh paint and new lighting to enhance the building’s presence and draw more foot traffic to the area.
In addition to this project, four other community projects in Lancaster County were awarded funding in this most recent round of Main Street Matters initiatives, including:
- $823,917 to Community Basics for a district development grant to restore and preserve the historic Three Center Square Apartments in East Donegal Township, maintaining 23 two- and three-bedroom units.
- $200,000 to the Lancaster Downtown Investment District for the “Light Up Lancaster” project, which will install lighting enhancements to boost safety, visibility, and the visual appeal of the downtown.
- $100,000 to SACA Development Corporation for the Historic Howard Avenue Façade Improvement Program, aimed at revitalizing the city’s southeast neighborhood.
- $46,156 to the Borough of Ephrata for gateway signage improvements to promote access to local recreational areas.
Testimonials from Local Business Owners and Officials
“I’m pleased to welcome Governor Shapiro to Lancaster city’s ‘main street,’ known around here as Queen Street – where local businesses reign. We know that in every community – whatever its name – main street matters,” said Mayor Sorace. “They are the core of our local economies attracting residents, businesses, and visitors. When main street does well, there is a positive ripple effect throughout the community.”
Supporting Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
Gamestanza’s mission is to support entrepreneurs and small businesses by providing resources and guidance throughout their development journey. To achieve this goal, we have created the Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop and The Entrepreneur’s Guide.
The Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop
Serving as the first point of contact for Pennsylvania business development concerns, the Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop connects and guides businesses through all stages of development – from planning and startup to operating and expanding.
With the Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop, entrepreneurs and small businesses can access a range of resources, including:
- Business registration and licensing information
- Funding and financing options
- Business planning and development guidance
- Industry-specific resources and support
- A comprehensive guide to starting a business in Pennsylvania
- Access to funding and financing options
- Business planning and development guidance
- Industry-specific resources and support
The Entrepreneur’s Guide
Download PA’s comprehensive business resource guide to help you launch your business in Pennsylvania. This e-guide provides expert information regarding building a business plan, registration, funding advice, and more. It is printer-friendly and eco-friendly, making it easy to refer to at any time.
Veterans Resources
Gamestanza recognizes the valuable contributions of veterans and their families to our community. As such, we provide dedicated resources to support their entrepreneurial endeavors. These resources include:
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Shapiro Administration’s launch of Small Business Week marks a significant milestone in Pennsylvania’s economic development journey. The administration’s commitment to investing in the state’s main streets and downtowns is a testament to the critical role small businesses play in driving local economies and fostering community growth. The numbers are clear: from revitalizing underutilized properties to supporting local entrepreneurs, the Shapiro Administration’s investments are expected to yield tangible results, including increased foot traffic, improved quality of life, and most importantly, job creation.
The significance of this initiative cannot be overstated. By prioritizing small businesses, Pennsylvania is not only fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship but also acknowledging the critical role that local economies play in shaping the state’s overall prosperity. As we look to the future, it is imperative that policymakers and stakeholders continue to work hand-in-hand to create an environment that supports small businesses, the backbone of our communities. The ripple effects of these investments will be felt for years to come, from revitalized commercial corridors to thriving local economies.
As we move forward, it is imperative that we remember that the true measure of a thriving economy is not just about dollars and cents, but about the people and communities that drive it. The Shapiro Administration’s commitment to Pennsylvania’s small businesses is a powerful reminder that, when we invest in our communities, we invest in ourselves. As we celebrate Small Business Week, let us also acknowledge the tremendous potential that lies ahead – a future where our main streets and downtowns are thriving, our entrepreneurs are empowered, and our communities are the envy of the nation.
