Allentown is the largest city in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, with a population of over 125,000 people. The Lehigh Valley region boasts a strong economy and a diverse population, including a high proportion of same-sex couples, creating a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ business owners. The Lehigh Valley is home to several colleges and universities, as well as major employers like Amazon, which draws top talent from all over the country. In this article, PinkBananaBiz.com explores some great reasons to consider launching your business here!
Affordable Homes
While home prices everywhere are rising, the median sale price for a home in Allentown is just $200,500. If you’re in the market for a home, your money will take you further here compared with many other large US cities. However, it’s worth noting that the housing market is very competitive. The average home goes pending in around 12 days, so you’ll need to move fast when you find the perfect property!
LGBTQ+-Friendly Community
According to SDLGBTN.com, Allentown has always been welcoming of people with diverse backgrounds. The city is home to several LGBTQ-friendly businesses and organizations, and hosts regular events dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, Allentown was the first city in the US to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation!
Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Allentown is lower than the US average and much lower than in neighboring Philadelphia. This means lower overhead business expenses and labor rates, creating more runway for growth. Living affordably in Allentown does not mean sacrificing the business benefits of big-city connections. You’ll be able to drive to Pennsylvania’s largest metropolis in just over an hour!
Strong Sense of Community
Strong, supportive communities are vital to small businesses. In Allentown and the surrounding Lehigh Valley, you’ll find no shortage of customers, business owners, local leaders, and mentors intent on supporting local businesses like yours. These are just a few Lehigh Valley businesses and organizations that can help you get your business off the ground:
- Bridgeworks Enterprise Center
- Pi: Partnership for Innovation
- The Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop
- Flex Launch & Coworking
- IntegrityOffice CoWorking Space
High Quality of Life
There’s a lot to do and enjoy in Allentown, which draws visitors from all around and contributes to a high quality of life for residents. This is good news for local businesses, as general community happiness leads to high employee satisfaction. These are just a few well-known events and attractions in the city:
- Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
- The Allentown Farmers Market
- Miller Symphony Hall
- The Model Train Exhibit
- The Lehigh Valley Grand Prix
- The Liberty Bell Museum
Good Education Options
It’s no secret that an educated workforce is good for business. With plenty of great local colleges to choose from, Allentown residents are well-educated:
- Muhlenberg College
- Cedar Crest College
- DeSales University
- Lehigh Carbon Community College
- Pennsylvania State University
Your Allentown Business Quick-Start Checklist
Are you ready to bring your business to Allentown? There’s a lot to do before you can open up shop! For example, consider forming an LLC so you can shield yourself with personal liability protection and enjoy pass-through taxation. Since states have different rules around forming an LLC, make sure you review and understand the specific steps involved in forming an LLC in Pennsylvania. Here are a few other resources that will help you launch a business in Allentown:
- City resources for starting a business in Allentown, including business planning, financial strategy, and licensing and permitting.
- Call the Bureau of Building Standards and Safety if you’ll be doing alteration work to your business space.
- Ensure your business complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- If your business involves childcare, nursing home operation, massage, or food service, Contact the Bureau of Health for licensing information.
Allentown, PA could be the perfect place to launch your new business. With its strong economy, diverse industries, supportive business community, and inclusive background, Allentown offers a solid foundation for entrepreneurs like you. Plan your launch carefully, seeking out local resources and researching your new location thoroughly. These preparations will set you up for long-term success in this vibrant city!
Are you looking for LGBTQ+ marketing and advertising for your inclusive business? Contact PinkBananaBiz.com to learn how our campaigns can help you reach a broader LGBTQ+ audience!