Starting a business requires courage, creativity, and perseverance. New entrepreneurs often need assistance. The Lehigh Valley has a robust network of organizations to assist with everything from free advice to financing to networking opportunities. A new event will bring all those resources together for the first time. 
The Lehigh Valley Entrepreneur Summit on Oct. 21 is designed to equip, teach, and inspire local entrepreneurs by connecting them with the region’s best resources, programs, and support.
Presented by the Entrepreneurship Council of the Lehigh Valley, the summit will be held from 3-7 p.m. at Ben Franklin TechVentures, 116 Research Drive, Bethlehem. Register here.
“This ‘first’ of what we hope becomes an annual event is planned to introduce the many entrepreneurial support organizations and individuals available in the Lehigh Valley. They are ready to guide and support local entrepreneurs and small business owners to start, grow, and transition their businesses and become a part of the Lehigh Valley community," said Catherine Bailey, Vice Chair and Marketing Chair of SCORE Lehigh Valley, and a member of the Summit planning committee.
Entrepreneurs play a key role in the Lehigh Valley’s $55.7 billion economy. Entrepreneurs bring new products and technologies to market, create jobs, and strengthen communities. Supporting entrepreneurs is one of the priorities of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) in the organization’s recently adopted strategic plan for 2025-2027.
Don Cunningham, President and CEO of LVEDC, will be the keynote speaker at the Lehigh Valley Entrepreneur Summit.
Sessions at the summit include:
Preparing to Pitch Your Business, by Patrice Dume, M.A. of East Stroudsburg University.
Financial Planning for Your Business, by Rob Miner, Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
Economic Development Initiatives, by Fadia Halma, Lehigh Valley Regional Director of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Franchising Your Business, by Pam Bartlett, Certified Franchise Consultant and Founder of FranStrategies, LLC.
Creating a Marketing Plan, by William R. Benz, Founder & Chief Strategist of Carnegie Agency.
Veteran Entrepreneur Opportunities, by Norm Phillips, SCORE Bucks Chapter – Chair: Outreach Committee & Veterans Subject Matter Expert
The sessions will be followed by roundtable discussions.
“The Lehigh Valley Entrepreneur Summit will share expertise to guide those who are just thinking about starting a business, and to help those with established businesses to take the next steps to grow,” said LVEDC’s Karianne Gelinas, Vice President of Regional Partnerships and Talent Strategies, who leads the Entrepreneurship Council of the Lehigh Valley. “Our region has a deep support network, and the summit will showcase that strength.”
The Entrepreneurship Council of the Lehigh Valley is a coalition of organizations that support entrepreneurs.
In addition to LVEDC, members include Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, City of Bethlehem, Da Vinci Science Center, Dyer Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Lafayette College, East Stroudsburg University, Jay’s Local, Lehigh University, Lehigh Valley LaunchBox at Penn State Lehigh Valley, Northampton Community College, Northeast PA Strategic Early Warning Network Office, Rising Tide Community Loan Fund, SCORE Lehigh Valley, Small Business Development Center at Lehigh University, and the U.S. Small Business Administration Region III.
Sponsorships for the First Annual Lehigh Valley Entrepreneur Summit are available. Inquire at sponsor@lvesummit.com.