Cultivate Lancaster

Greater Lancaster’s Small Business Ecosystem working for you.

A Shared Mission, Built Together.

Cultivate Lancaster is a nonprofit — a 501(c)(3) operating under the Foundation of the Lancaster Chamber — built by this community for this community. Local organizations dedicated to small business success came together to create this hub, endorsed and supported by the very people doing the work across Greater Lancaster. Because when small businesses succeed, our whole community grows stronger.

Two women hugging and smiling.
A group of people in a room networking.
A man standing behind a podium in a meeting room.

Our Vision

Cultivate Lancaster is the recognized point of entry for entrepreneurs, business owners and nonprofit leaders and organizations throughout the ecosystem, to provide equitable access to resources and inform strategies that drive a thriving and diverse business sector.

Our Mission

Cultivate Lancaster informs, mentors, connects, and collaborates small business owners, entrepreneurs and non profit leaders with business resource providers to achieve prosperity and equitable economic growth across Greater Lancaster

Steering Committee

Cultivate Lancaster operates within the guidelines of the Foundation of the Lancaster Chamber.  It is directed by a working Steering Committee of key organizations committed to Cultivate Lancaster’s success and includes one representative from the following organizations: ASSETS, Finanta, Lancaster City Alliance, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Lancaster. Each voting member organization is a financial contributor.

Our Story

Cultivate Lancaster launched in 2023 as a central hub — connecting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders in Lancaster County and surrounding areas with a network of organizations dedicated to helping them succeed. That same year, we refreshed our brand and relaunched our website, doubling down on our commitment to make support accessible to every business owner, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader in the region.

Cultivate Lancaster continues to grow as a one-stop destination for business support, continuously bringing more organizations into the fold to serve entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders throughout Lancaster County and beyond.

In 2026, we took a big step forward: hiring a director and building a volunteer team of business professionals to help drive our mission. We also launched Business Mentoring, making it faster and easier to connect small businesses and nonprofits with the right resources — so more people get the right help, right when they need it.

What We Offer

Cultivate Lancaster is your one-stop shop for growing a business or nonprofit in Greater Lancaster. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up, we’ve packed everything you need — people, resources, and guidance — into one easy-to-access hub.

Service Providers

Need a service provider who actually gets small business? Explore our curated list of trusted local providers — accountants, co-working spaces, marketing services, and more.

Toolkit

Skip the guesswork with our collection of guides, templates, and planning tools. Everything’s designed to make the nuts and bolts of running a business a whole lot easier.

Business Mentors

Our mentoring is completely confidential and free — just honest advice from experienced pros who want to see you succeed.

Local Events

Stay in the loop on what’s happening around town. From workshops to networking mixers, we’ll keep you posted on the events and programs worth your time.

Small Business Funding

Looking for funding to fuel your next move? Fill out a quick form and we’ll connect you with a local funding expert to talk through your options.

Stages of Business Guide

Every business goes through stages. Our guide gives you the insights to navigate each one with confidence. Learn more.

“There are dreams you can pursue alone, but there are milestones you reach because someone believed in you enough to guide you. I am incredibly grateful for my mentor, who patiently walked me through every step of creating my business plan and helped turn my vision into a reality. Her knowledge, encouragement, and unwavering support have brought me to the accomplishment of my dream.”

Andres Pabon

Owner, XiKar Lounge By Andrés

“If you’re leading or building something new, hear me: It’s normal not to have it all figured out. Find your “Hugh and Dan”. Today, Tandem is growing into a national resource for employee ownership and I’m a better leader because I didn’t try to do it alone.”

Drew Mousetis

Executive Director Tandem

“What I enjoy most about being part of Cultivate Lancaster is the opportunity to give back by supporting local entrepreneurs and strengthening our business community. It’s inspiring to work alongside talented mentors and passionate business owners who are committed to innovation, growth, and creating meaningful impact in Lancaster.”

John Schenkel

Cultivate Lancaster Business Mentor

“Helping local small businesses flourish is rewarding, but developing relationships with my clients and contributing to their personal and professional growth is especially fulfilling.”  “I enjoy teaming up with my mentor colleagues and Cultivate Lancaster’s partner organizations to make a positive economic and social impact in our community.”

Steve Darby

Cultivate Lancaster Business Mentor

“I truly value being part of a collaborative and supportive community that is committed to empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses. Cultivate Lancaster creates meaningful opportunities to learn from one another, share knowledge, and make a tangible impact in the community, which makes the experience both inspiring and rewarding.”

Aashika Murthy

Cultivate Lancaster Business Mentor

“I’ve been working with my mentor, Hugh, for 8 years. Having a mentor has been a significant part of my leadership journey.  The ability to have a sounding board and get impartial feedback on my most challenging issues and decisions has been invaluable.  It has also been meaningful to maintain this connection over a span of time.  Having a mentor give feedback on the evolution of one’s leadership journey through various stages of growth has been personally meaningful to me.  I recommend it to everyone I know in leadership!”

Steven J. Schedler

TrueNorth Wellness Services, CEO

“I have been working with Eric Parker as my business mentor since 2017. Being a small business owner who wears multiple hats within the business; my time with Eric is spent clarifying priorities and organizing systems to meet my goals. It is a gift to share his time, resources, and guidance helping me stay grounded in moments that can feel disorienting at times. We are privileged to have Cultivate Lancaster providing support to keeping small businesses thriving in Lancaster County.”

Darcy Taylor

Owner, Salon Enso

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Gerard Glenn, my Cultivate Lancaster business mentor, for several years. His guidance, encouragement, and insight have played a meaningful role in the continued growth of Arthur C Woods Coaching. Having a trusted mentor in my corner has provided the motivation and perspective I’ve needed to keep moving forward, navigate challenges, and stay focused on building a stronger business. Working with Gerard has been a true blessing, and I’m incredibly grateful for the impact his mentorship has had on both me and my business.”

Arthur C Woods

Arthur C Woods Coaching LLC

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Interested in partnering with us as we support local businesses? Contact Us