ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The city is accepting applications for its small business mentorship program.
- Allentown is accepting applications for its Spark program, which offers business development mentorship services
- Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees are eligible to receive up to 14 hours of support
- The program launched in 2021 with funding from the CARES Act and has helped 23 businesses so far
Local businesses can submit applications for the city's Spark program, a business development mentorship initiative that provides one-on-one technical assistance, mentorship and consulting services.
Run by the Department of Community and Economic Development, the program offers a variety of resources, including social media and digital marketing, e-commerce, financial planning, strategic planning, cybersecurity and legal assistance from local professionals.
Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees are eligible to receive up to 14 hours of support.
The Spark program launched in 2021 with funding from the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, designed to help small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CARES Act provides "direct economic assistance for American workers, families, small businesses and industries," according to the U.S. Department of Treasury.
The Spark program has helped 23 businesses to date, city officials said.
"Having partners who provide free consulting to help us through various challenges is invaluable for a small business post-COVID."Jon Clark, co-owner of RE:find Furnishings
It is tailored to the needs of each participating business, with the Downtown Allentown Business Alliance and the Allentown Chamber of Commerce of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce managing the initiative. They also establish strategic connections to mentors to assist businesses.
Jon Clark, co-owner of RE:find Furnishings, said in a news release that participating in the Spark program has been beneficial.
"Having partners who provide free consulting to help us through various challenges is invaluable for a small business post-COVID," he added.
Businesses that are interested can apply online, with the application being available in both English and Spanish. The deadline for applications is October 31, 2023, or until funding runs out.
In addition, the Spark program is seeking bilingual service providers who can offer mentorship services in Spanish in areas such as social media and digital marketing, e-commerce, financial planning and legal assistance. Those interested can get in touch with the City's Office of Business Expansion, Attraction, and Retention at business@allentownpa.gov.
