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The Benefits of Starting a Small Business in Cumberland Valley

May 7, 2025 ·Business Growth and Development, Small Business How-to

Starting a small business in Pennsylvania can be challenging. However, the Cumberland Valley area is excellent for new owners to experience growth, develop a strong community bond, and drive more revenue to their product or service.

Whether you want to open a new restaurant in Cumberland Valley or build an agritourism experience on your farm, explore the benefits of starting a business here and learn how CAEDC can help.

Benefits of Starting a Small Business

At the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC), we understand that strong communities are built on the success of small businesses. Consider these six advantages when starting a business in Cumberland Valley.

1. Connected Business Resources

Cumberland County has a strong interconnection of business resources to help your endeavor succeed.

  • SBDC: The Small Business Development Center provides resources, training, and consulting services to small business entrepreneurs in Cumberland County. They will help you make informed decisions for your business.
  • Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP) is a leading technology partner that makes innovative investments to increase the growth of technology-based industries in Pennsylvania. They also provide crucial mentorship and guidance to ensure continued success.
  • Local Chambers of Commerce: The four local Chambers of Commerce in Cumberland County can help you grow your business and connect you with local business leaders.

2. Access To Nearby Metropolitan Regions

When you grow a small business in Cumberland County, you can access major metropolitan areas, such as Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., using I-83, I-81, and the Turnpike. The southcentral Pennsylvania region is within a day’s drive of many northeast U.S. cities and some parts of Canada.

3. Great Place To Live

Cumberland County is a great place to start a small business and a wonderful place to call home. It has a unique combination of diverse natural, cultural, agricultural, recreational, and economic resources, ensuring the perfect work-life balance. From abundant outdoor recreation and charming downtowns to boutique shopping and year-round festivals, Cumberland County’s many attractions — combined with the low cost of living and a strong economy — make it an ideal location for your small business.

4. Great Place to Work

Forbes recently ranked Pennsylvania as the 7th best state in the country to start a business based on the metrics of business costs, climate, financial accessibility, economy, and workforce. This means your small business is more likely to grow and succeed in the state.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Cumberland County is also one of the fastest-growing counties in Pennsylvania, making it an excellent place for entrepreneurs to consider.

6. Strong Workforce

You are more likely to find good employees willing to work in your area. According to the Labor and Industry’s Center for Workforce Innovation and Analysis, Cumberland County’s unemployment rate is slightly lower than the state average, hovering at just around 3%.

Cumberland County also has diverse industries and a diverse workforce. Some of the top industries in the area include:

  • Transportation and warehousing
  • Health care and social assistance
  • Retail trade
  • Accommodation and food service
  • Manufacturing
  • Agriculture and agribusiness
  • Professional and technical services

 

Start Your Small Business With Help From CAEDC

As a nonprofit organization, Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) works with small business owners or new entrepreneurs who want to open a new business in the Cumberland Valley area. Founded in 2005, we offer multiple services and financing solutions to support you.

Contact us today to learn more!