Entrepreneurs in technology, food, creative services, and other fields received advice on financial planning, marketing, pitching products, and other critical skills at the First Annual Lehigh Valley Entrepreneur Summit. 
Held Oct. 21 at Ben Franklin TechVentures in Bethlehem, the summit featured workshops, networking, and opportunities to meet with support organizations to learn about the resources they offer.
“Attending the Entrepreneurship Summit was inspiring and energizing. Connecting with Lehigh University professionals, SCORE mentors, and local business owners gave me new ideas and confidence as I continue to grow RE3D Studio, my 3D printing business focused on creating personalized custom designs, unique products and industrial jigs and fixture solutions,“ entrepreneur Eli Shober said.
Entrepreneurs play a key role in the Lehigh Valley’s $55.7 billion economy. They 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 & CEO of LVEDC, was the keynote speaker.
“You're motivated by your own creativity, your own vision, your own education, your own skill set. But what you're ultimately going to do is create those opportunities for other people by the jobs that you create,” Cunningham told the audience of more than 100. “And that's what business and capitalism and entrepreneurship does, not only creates wealth and opportunity for those who have the great ideas, but those who can participate in the process.”
The Entrepreneurship Summit was a vision of veteran entrepreneur Catherine Bailey of SCORE Lehigh Valley, who spearheaded the planning and execution of the event, with the support of members of the Entrepreneurship Council of the Lehigh Valley.
Led by LVEDC, the council is comprised of organizations, agencies, and colleges and universities that work together to improve the region's environment for start-up businesses by identifying services they need and connecting them to a wide range of resource providers.
“The Lehigh Valley has a strong and growing support network for entrepreneurs. The summit brought together that knowledge, expertise, and experience, along with networking opportunities for entrepreneurs to learn from each other,” said Bailey, Vice Chair and Marketing Chair of SCORE Lehigh Valley and a member of the Summit planning committee.
Organizations that participated in the Entrepreneur Summit included Allentown Economic Development Corporation, Lehigh University, LVEDC, Network Lehigh Valley, Penn State Lehigh Valley LaunchBox, One Million Cups, Rising Tide Community Loan Fund, SCORE Lehigh Valley, and the Small Business Development Center at Lehigh University.
Ben Franklin TechVentures is an incubator for technology related businesses in Bethlehem that’s operated by Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
“We have this incredible, award-winning facility where a venture development organization like Ben Franklin is able to create an ecosystem for our entrepreneurs,” said Angelo Valletta, President & CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Sessions at the summit included:
Preparing to Pitch Your Business, by Patrice Dume, M.A. of East Stroudsburg University. 
Financial Planning for Your Business, by Rob Mineo, Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
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 and Lehigh Valley SCORE mentor.
Veteran Entrepreneur Opportunities, by Norm Phillips, SCORE Bucks Chapter – Chair: Outreach Committee & Veterans Subject Matter Expert.
LEARN MORE: LVEDC publishes a monthly LVstartup e-newsletter with resources and information for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Sign up here.