Small Business News

It's Valentine's Day again, but if you're on your own, or you just don't buy into the lovey-dovey stuff, don't worry — these Lehigh Valley businesses have got your back.

Businesses across Downtown Easton are pairing up for "A Match Made in Easton," a special promotion created so shoppers can present a receipt from one business to a partner business for a discount or exclusive item.

Nowhere Coffee Co. co-owners Juan and Lauren Vargas will open their planned roastery in the Allentown area after a permit denial in Upper Macungie.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

Nowhere Coffee Co. co-owners Juan and Lauren Vargas spoke at the Upper Macungie Township supervisors meeting Thursday about their frustration over what they said was a system not set up for small business owners.

Porters' Pub, a beloved bar which served as a launching point for the revitalization of Easton, has been passed on to a local couple with a strong connection to the community.

Nonprofit groups are allowed to apply for $10,000 to $50,000 in funding. But the applicant doesn't necessarily have to be a nonprofit, it just needs to serve the city, officials said.

Fastnacht Day might be Feb. 13, but don't tell that to the customers at Mary Ann Donut Kitchen. They came for the donuts early Thursday, and they'll be sold through Feb. 25.

The popular bookstore Let's Play Books is reaching out to the community to hear what shape they think their store should take, following the success of their new location

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

The Lehigh Valley ranked first in the nation in economic development projects in 2023 than any similarly sized market, according to Site Selection magazine. The region also ranked fourth in all communities in the Northeast.

The Small Business Administration has announced Pennsylvania’s Small Business Person of the Year is Dorothea Spencer, the owner and CEO of D. Gillette Industrial Services, who built her operation from the ground up via help from the community and the SBA.

Representatives from convenience chain Rutter's appeared before Palmer Township's planning commission to discuss opening a new location in the Lehigh Valley.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort's race of self-built cardboard sleds needed some modifications this year because of melting snow, but participants in Sunday's festivities couldn't be stopped.

The “Love, Easton” campaign has officially surpassed its goal of a single handcrafted heart for each resident of the city by more than double, with volunteers producing over 63,000 signs of love.

At 1 Million Cups-Lehigh Valley event in Bethlehem, prospective entrepreneurs gain knowledge to help them realize their dreams.

Lauren and Juan Vargas, owners of Nowhere Coffee Co., expect their latest business venture — a roastery and coffee bar in the heart of Allentown — to be operational very soon, they confirmed Wednesday.

After over a year of both the local pub and Macungie Diner being empty, businesses are re-emerging in the borough to the delight of patrons whose options have been limited.

“The entire region is dependent upon the success of Hamilton Street in Allentown, of Main Street in Bethlehem and Centre Square in Easton,” Mayor Matt Tuerk said.

Willow Haven Farm farmer Reuben DeMaster and independent contractor Bill Kuklinski are partnering to open an organic grocery store at 8150 Hamilton Boulevard in Breinigsville.

The first Easton Sweet Stroll will combine the excitement of a traditional pub crawl with the irresistibility of freshly baked goods. It's planned for noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, and will feature 11 local sweet shops in Downtown Easton.

Following a hearing lasting nearly an hour, Easton's Zoning Hearing Board denied requests for a special exception and variances for a proposed South Side smoke shop.