Pennsylvania has 1.1 million small businesses that employ about half of the state’s private workforce. Because of the crucial roles these small businesses play in our economy, we are committed to helping them succeed any way that we can.
Has starting or improving your business been a goal of yours this year? Na’Toria Marketing & Design Solutions has compiled a toolbox of Harrisburg businesses events and resources to support you, no matter at what stage your business currently stands. Discover new ideas and opportunities to thrive!
Pennsylvania Small Business Resources
Your success benefits the entire community, and there are diverse programs across the commonwealth that can supply you with building blocks to take you to new heights. When you need assistance navigating parts of the start-up landscape, do not be afraid to reach out to experts. Pennsylvania offers programs that are catered to new and minority businesses. See which resources might benefit you.
The PA Business One-Stop Shop
When you are looking to start up a business or in need of assistance for your existing business in Pennsylvania, the PA Business One-Stop Shop is the one of the first places you should poke around. A dedicated government office that is fully equipped to help business owners hit the ground running, it gives you the tools and education to take your first steps.
In addition to providing guides to start your business and establish yourself as an entrepreneur, the One-Stop Shop is a central location to access business registration forms for the PA Departments of Labor, Revenue, and State. Take your time clicking around the different resources, and search through the webinars for guidance maneuvering the registration processes and accessing business resources.
Harrisburg LaunchBox – Powered by Penn State University
Businesses in Harrisburg can take advantage of the local Penn State University branch’s small resources. The Harrisburg LaunchBox provides local entrepreneurs with resources that can bring their startup or established business to the next level. With free and low-cost services, this team of professionals will equip you with tried-and-true methods to develop your strategies. To serve a wide variety of entrepreneurs, the LaunchBox offers numerous programs.
- Idea TestLab Virtual Accelerator: When you are establishing a business idea, this 5-week start-up accelerator breaks down the market and customer experience to help you get a better idea of the problem you are trying to solve and how you can solve it in a unique way. This includes one-on-one business coaching, and the opportunity for up to $3,000 in funding for your idea.
- Legal Assistance: If you need legal counsel and do not otherwise have access, the LaunchBox has clinics to assist with agreements, acquisitions, certification preparation, intellectual property management, and more.
- 1:1 Coaching Sessions: Take advantage of the expertise of those around you by talking through your roadblocks and hearing honest feedback.
Discover your business’ potential by checking out what the Harrisburg LaunchBox can do for you.
PA Minority Business Development Agency Business Center
The MBDA is a federal agency dedicated to the advancement of minority owned and operated businesses. With the goal of increasing jobs across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey for minority-run businesses, the Pennsylvania sector of the agency features expertise including commercial banking, navigating loans, and risk analysis.
Do you qualify for MBDA services? The MBDA Business Center is open to minority business enterprises that are owned and operated by:
- African Americans
- Asian Americans
- Hasidic Jews
- Latino Americans
- Native Americans
- Pacific Islanders
Upcoming Business Conferences
No matter what stage of business development you are at, there is room to expand your knowledge. And who better to learn from than other professionals who have been in your shoes and found success with their businesses? Conferences offer the chance to learn from others’ personal experiences, as well as network with other entrepreneurs. Take a look at the business events in Eastern and Central Pennsylvania for the next few months to find an event near you.
Small Business Summit
June 15 | Website
Hosted by the Harrisburg Launchbox, you will learn valuable tools to scale your business, including how to get your business registered with the Department of General Services so you can find opportunities across the state. Listen to local entrepreneurs share their lessons and successes, and get to network with other business owners in the area.
Pennsylvania Conference for Women
October 19 | Website
Seeking personal as well as professional development opportunities? At the Pennsylvania Conference for Women, well-known speakers take the stage to discuss matters such as health, leadership, personal finance, work-life balance—and that is just the tip of the iceberg. What started in 2004 has developed into a 10,000-person annual event that fosters networking and growth. In 2023, actress/writer Tina Fey and former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern join the long list of inspiring voices.
Economic Forecast and Business Leadership Conference
2024 | Website
Co-hosted by the PA Chamber and PA Bankers Association, the Economic Forecast and Business Leadership Conference keeps business owners up to date on the economic states of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Stay informed as times change and businesses and their owners have to adapt. This conference also provides valuable leadership lessons, so you can leave the half-day event with applicable takeaways.
Stand Out with Na’Toria Marketing & Design Solutions
As you focus on self-improvement and continuing your education as an entrepreneur, your business, too, can continue to advance. Stand out from the competition with creative resources from Na’Toria Marketing & Design Solutions. Offering an array of digital marketing services, including brand development, logo design, website creation, social media marketing, and print media, Na’Toria can establish effective strategies to build valuable online representation for your business. Contact us today to discuss your goals and inquire about how Na’Toria can support Harrisburg small businesses.
