What is Cultivate Lancaster?

Cultivate Lancaster is Greater Lancaster’s go-to hub for entrepreneurs and small business owners. We connect you with the resources, organizations, mentors, and funding opportunities you need to start, grow, and thrive — all in one place.

Is Cultivate Lancaster free to use?

Yes! Our resources, referrals, and connections are available at no cost. We’re here to make sure every entrepreneur in Greater Lancaster has access to the support they need.

I’m just starting out. Is Cultivate Lancaster for me?

Absolutely. Whether you have a business idea on a napkin or you’ve been open for years, we can help. We’ll point you toward the right resources for wherever you are in your journey.

What kinds of businesses do you support?

All of them, including non-profits!! From food businesses and retail shops to tech startups and creative ventures — if you’re building something in Greater Lancaster, we want to help.

How does the business mentor program work?

We match you with an experienced local mentor who can offer guidance, answer questions, and help you think through challenges. It’s one-on-one, personalized, confidential, and free.

What if I’m not sure what kind of help I need?

That’s totally okay — it’s actually one of the most common things we hear. Request a business mentor and they’ll help you figure out exactly what you need and point you in the right direction. And if you want to keep the momentum going, your mentor can stick with you and provide ongoing guidance as your business grows.

Do you offer support in languages other than English?

Yes. Greater Lancaster is a diverse community, and we’re committed to making sure language isn’t a barrier to getting the help you need.

How can a business mentor help me prepare my funding application?

Chasing funding can feel like a maze — but you don’t have to figure it out alone. A Cultivate Lancaster mentor will sit down with you, one-on-one and completely free, to help you get ready. They’ll give you the honest truth on whether you’re actually ready for funding, help you build a plan that makes sense, and point you toward the right local resources at exactly the right moment. And the best part? They don’t disappear once the funding lands — your mentor sticks around to keep guiding you as your business grows.

Where can nonprofits find information about local grants?

Start with the Lancaster Public Library’s grant library, a fantastic resource for finding funding options. Also check out our Funding page, where you’ll find partners like Finanta, who provide loans designed specifically to support nonprofits doing essential community work.