This just in: City named one of the top ten places for small business in the Northeast!
Services for Existing Business
The City of Lock Haven is here to help you retain and grow your business in our community. Resources are available here online and also by contacting the planning department for additional opportunities. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has developed online resources to help existing businesses sustain success including Growth Strategy development, human resource and record-keeping guides, and information on how to secure contracts with government agencies.
CONSULTING SERVICES
The City participates with the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center through Lock Haven University which provides free professional consulting services for new business owners. Our staff can provide links to networks that may be able to provide consultation and support to help you with informed decision-making including the Susquehanna Economic Development Association – Council of Governments.
FUNDING SERVICES
The City offers Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) on qualifying commercial and industrial projects, and maintains a revolving loan fund to benefit local businesses. Additionally, Pennsylvania’s Department of Community & Economic Development currently has 59 funding programs that you may be eligible for including grants, low interest loans and tax credits. The City is also a member of the SEDA-COG which has financing resources as does the county. The city also retains a revolving low-interest loan fund for business.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX CREDIT
One of the 59 funding programs Pennsylvania offers to encourage entrepreneurship, the Historic Preservation Tax Credit offers of up to $500,000 per year to qualified taxpayers who will complete the restoration of a qualified historic structure into an income producing property. Buildings in Lock Haven’s Historic District may qualify.