Small Business Development Thrives in Cumberland County, PA Cumberland Valley is a great place to start a business. It is the fastest growing county in Pennsylvania and within a three-hour drive of Washington DC, Baltimore, New York City, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. View resources below on where to get started to move your business forward. GETTING STARTED Whether you are just getting started, or already operate a successful business that you are looking to expand by location or market, a strong plan will keep you on track and is required for most financing programs. Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation can help you navigate through each step in the process. Items to consider include: A thorough business plan and financial projections showing three years are required. The Small Business Development Center in Shippensburg offers assistance with these items for free. Historical Financials (if you are expanding an existing business) Financing – we offer a variety of fixed rate loan programs to help. (All previously listed items are required to assess eligibility for financing.) An attorney to assist with filing your business name, drafting organizational documents, etc. A financial planner to discuss retirement plans and insurance coverage A succession plan to plan the future of your business Your local Chamber of Commerce can connect you with the business community Will you need training for employees? Harrisburg Area Community College offers a variety of free training programs. Small Business Development Center – Shippensburg University Confidential consulting at no charge by a staff of skilled professionals to develop planning, management and financial skills necessary for a business to thrive. Low cost workshops on a variety of topics relevant to starting and running your business. The Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania – Harrisburg Area Community College State funding available to businesses to support employee training programs covering a variety of skillsets. SUCCESS STORIES A Child’s Eyes Midway Bowling Center Vrai SotirIS Hoffman Funeral Home & Crematory View all Success Stories here.
