ASSETS
ASSETS cultivates entrepreneurial leadership to create economic opportunity for underserved communities.
ASSETS is a nonprofit that champions entrepreneurship as a pathway to opportunity. We provide training, capital, and coaching to help underserved founders build thriving, socially responsible businesses.
Investing in small businesses means investing in Pennsylvania’s future.
Last week, our ASSETS team joined the PA CDFI Network, entrepreneurs, and partners from across the state at the Capitol to advocate for the funding and resources small businesses need to grow, create jobs, and strengthen our communities.
Right now, too many small businesses are facing barriers to capital, rising costs, and limited access to support. Through increased investment in organizations like ASSETS, we can expand access to training, capital, and opportunity, to small business leaders across the state!
We are proud to stand alongside so many voices from around PA calling for action that helps entrepreneurs not just survive, but thrive.
06/04/2026
Thinking about owning a business but not sure where to start?
Franchising can offer a pathway to business ownership, but it's important to understand both the opportunities and the realities before making a decision.
Join the Women’s Business Center at ASSETS and our partners at Women's Business Enterprise Center East for a free online webinar on June 11 at 6pm featuring franchise expert Sean Haggerty from FranNet. Together, we'll explore what franchising is, how it works, and whether it might be the right fit for your goals.
Register today at tinyurl.com/ASSETS-Franchising
Hosted by The Women’s Business Center at ASSETS
A night they will never forget!
We had the honor of interviewing Nakeisha Daniels, the powerhouse behind , during her 2026 Prom Prep event at McCaskey High School. From dresses to glam, her mission is simple but powerful: making prom accessible so every student can feel confident, celebrated, and seen.
Shoutout to the team of volunteers and fellow ASSETS alums who helped bring the magic:
A.Calhoun Events
The Socials Fairy
05/29/2026
May was full of moments that remind us why community matters.
Earlier in the month, our CEO spoke at MEDA’s event honoring S. Dale High, Legacy, Leadership, and Impact, reflecting on leadership that continues to shape our community.
We welcomed a visit from a congressional office to share what we are seeing on the ground and what small business owners need right now.
We spent time with community partners whose collaboration makes this work possible. We also gathered for our Summer Social, spending time with entrepreneurs, partners, and friends who are building businesses.
If you want to be part of what comes next, stay connected with us.
05/28/2026
Thinking about applying for a business loan but not sure where to start?
Join us tonight (5/28) at 6pm at Southern Market for Loan Readiness and Responsible Borrowing, a workshop designed to help entrepreneurs understand what lenders are really looking for and how to prepare before applying for funding.
Whether you’re exploring your first loan or planning for future growth, this session will help you assess your loan readiness.
Register now at tinyurl.com/ASSETS-Loan-Readiness
Presented in collaboration with Northwest Bank
📸 Michelle Johnsen Photography
05/27/2026
Last week, we hosted our Summer Social at Long’s Park, welcoming community partners and small business owners for an evening of networking and connection.
Guests enjoyed catering from Soulcialize Catering, Butter and Bean and Velvet Jar Co, and even a little salsa dancing.
Thank you to everyone who joined us! We’re proud to build community together.
05/20/2026
This AAPI Heritage Month, we’re highlighting AAPI entrepreneurs building businesses that strengthen our community.
With 2 locations in Lancaster and one in Camp Hill, Silantra Asian Street Kitchen was built to bring a fresh approach to Chinese fast-casual dining to the region.
Xiang and Cindy Guo started the business in honor of their parents’ sacrifices and their vision for something different, creating a restaurant that reflects both community and care.
Read their story and learn how Silantra continues to grow while staying grounded in the values that matter most: tinyurl.com/ASSETS-Silantra
In partnership with PNC, ASSETS is building opportunities for entrepreneurs in Central PA, brick by brick.
05/19/2026
Thank you to Stephen Ranck from Congressman Lloyd Smucker’s office for visiting ASSETS last week.
We appreciated the chance to share more about our work supporting entrepreneurs across Lancaster and York, and to discuss the important role Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) play in expanding access to capital, training, and resources for our small business community.
We’re grateful for conversations that help strengthen pathways to economic growth and stability across our region.
05/13/2026
This AAPI Heritage Month, we’re celebrating entrepreneurs who are creating spaces of connection and belonging in our community.
Meet Swezin Toe, owner of Aura Little Cafe in downtown Lancaster. She transformed the café into a cozy, intentional space where conversation matters just as much as the coffee.
In our latest entrepreneur spotlight, Swezin shares her journey of building a business centered on independence, culture, and community, and how ASSETS supported her along the way.
Read the full story at tinyurl.com/ASSETS-Aura-Little-Cafe
In partnership with Hempfield Technology, ASSETS is building opportunities for entrepreneurs in Central PA, brick by brick.
Whether building a business, growing your creative network, or preparing for funding, ASSETS has opportunities to connect and grow.
Join us this month for:
May 11 @ 4:30pm - 7pm at
South Central PA Creative Community Regional Gathering
RSVP required
In collaboration with
May 28 @ 6pm - 7:30pm at Southern Market
Loan Readiness and Responsible Borrowing
Learn more on our calendar at assetspa.org
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Address
100 S. Queen Street , Suite 246
Lancaster, PA
17603