SoWe Work
We believe Southwest Lancaster has economic vitality as evidenced by a revitalized Manor Street commercial corridor and ample supportive programs for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
SoWe work to:
- Make Concentrated Improvements to Manor Street between W. King & New Dorwart.
- Reinvigorate Vacant or Underutilized Properties in the Neighborhoods.
- Support SoWe Neighborhood Entrepreneurs.
Your SoWe Work Committee Chair: Ole Hongvanthong
W. King and Manor St Streetscape improvements
The City of Lancaster will be improving the streetscapes of W. King St. and Manor St. corridors. This includes the installation of pedestrian style lighting and street trees. These improvements will attract entrepreneurs and business owners to these commercial corridors as well as increase the quality of life for SoWe residents. Construction is ongoing.
SoWe Façade Improvement Program
Lancaster City Alliance and SoWe are providing matching façade improvement grants for Manor St. and condemned properties in SoWe. For program details and to see if you qualify contact Jeremy Young or 717.394.0783.
Assets
ASSETS is a non-profit that works with start-up and existing businesses to form a more ethical economy.
ASSETS offers in-depth training and creative financing for entrepreneurs, especially women and people of color, and works with established businesses to improve their social and environmental footprint. Resources for entrepreneurs and business owners include: 12-week Business Start-up Classes, business seminars, The Great Social Enterprise Pitch competition, credit-building microloans, fast-track loans, and impact business strategy consulting.
The ASSETS staff is a team of innovators, changing the culture of business and building an economy where everyone can prosper. We’re a diverse group of passionate individuals, with extensive experience in entrepreneurship, social change, and economic development. Program staff are bi-lingual in English and Spanish
Cultivate Lanc
Whether you are looking to start a new business or expand your existing business in SoWe, Cultivate Lanc has a long list of resources to get you to the next step. Cultivate Lanc is where Lancaster’s entrepreneurs, small businesses & business resource providers connect, collaborate & grow. Check out their Resource Directory to take the next steps in growing your business.
Building On Strength Plan
Building on Strength is the City of Lancaster’s Economic Development Strategic Plan. This plan helps guide development in SoWe and throughout the city. Recommendations on Manor St. include the reconversion of historically commercial buildings back to their intended use. It also identifies key locations for future development.
Career & Job Postings
PA CareerLink
106 N Charlotte St., Lancaster, PA 17603
PA CareerLink is a job-matching system for employers and job-seekers. They offer free access to many career resources and services such as career tools and exploration, veteran services, and training opportunities.
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
The Lancaster Chamber is a business-focused organization dedicated to building a prosperous community by helping businesses excel and people thrive. The organization provides resources for individuals and businesses, opportunities and solutions, as well as helping to connect business professionals to one another through their programs such as its Business Success Hub. The Chamber’s job board is a great resource for local job opportunities.
Tec Centro
453 S. Lime St., Lancaster, PA 17602
SACA (Spanish American Civic Association) is an organization committed to empowering the Latino community through offering many services for self-help and self-development, such as health programs and education resources. Tec Centro is one of the organization’s offered programs that provide language development, adult basic education training, bilingual skills training, job readiness and placement.
Internet Access
Comcast Internet Essential Package brings affordable, high-speed Internet to your home so you can have greater access to homework, job opportunities, healthcare and benefits, higher education resources and more. The program is now available to low-income households beyond those participating in the National School Lunch Program and receiving housing assistance, including Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and others. Learn more and if you qualify here.
The SoWe Office has internet and computer access available for individuals. Please stop by M-F 8:30 – 5. (717)455-3626. 417 Poplar St. Lancaster, PA.