Small Business News

After decades of celebrating the holidays and serving as a call for love and camaraderie in the world, the Peace Candle was lit in Easton on Saturday night.

Emmaus is among many Lehigh Valley communities to host Small Business Saturday events, to encourage residents to support locally-owned businesses.

Pennsylvania saw a nearly 50% increase in Hispanic-owned businesses between 2012 and 2019, according to Census data. Non-Hispanic businesses increased by 9.3%, which means Latinos are creating businesses at a higher rate than their non-Hispanic peers.

Museum Store Sunday brings three local museums together to support local artisans and crafters.

Jimmy's Hot Dogs has operated in the 25th Street Shopping Center in Palmer Township since 1991. Its original partners worked for Jim's Doggie Stand in Phillipsburg and its owner Jimmy Makris, who established the roadside stand in 1910.

The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce annual meeting attracted about 1,000 at Wind Creek Event Center Thursday afternoon.The event brought together members of the business community — colleagues, customers and competitors — to celebrate their collective mission of making the region a better place to work and live.

The Coop Sports Bar & Kitchen opened Thursday at 2722 Freemansburg Ave. with plans for a neighborhood sports bar and new menu. It's in the building that had been Fat Jacks' since 1991.

The 7-foot-tall hard plastic figure was in storage for over 15 years, and the plan has always been to put him on Yocco's roof. Opportunity recently presented itself. Now, all he needs is a name.

Various local craftspeople, businesses, food amenities and more will be on display and available for attendees at the annual Emmaus Farewell to Summer festival

K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel, an upscale dog-care facility with franchises throughout America, held its grand opening on Saturday in Bethlehem Township.

The rooftop dining spot will provide views of the Forks of the Delaware and Easton and Phillipsburg at one of the city's gateways. Construction of the building has been ongoing for months. Restaurant plans include 3-season balcony outside seating.

The annual food truck festival will feature dozens of vendors selling burgers, barbecue food, ice cream, wine and craft beer.

The Small Business Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses with Excellence in Business Awards on Wednesday at Northampton Country Club.

Cold Nose Lodge, which opened in October 2008, is expanding its location in Alburtis. They'll hold a groundbreaking party on June 26 at the facility.

As part of a broader initiative to assist small businesses in Easton recovering from the pandemic, the Business Retention Assistance of the City of Easton Program is offering grants to local businesses across the city.

Easton City Council approved amendments to the budgets for ARPA and CARES Act funds Wednesday, providing funding for community projects and small business recovery and retention.

The Weyerbacher Hill Challenge 5K is set for this weekend, with runners set to explore the hills of Easton before getting back to the brewery to enjoy some brews.

The 6th Annual Food Truck Thursday, at South Mall, will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. It will happen every Thursday from May 18 to Sept. 14.

An Easton man intending to open a high-end smoke shop was granted a continuance after questions arose around zoning issues related to the Northampton Street retail space's proximity to another specialty business.

Take a look at stories 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 two events hosted in Bethlehem's Rose Garden will bring the city food and drinks, live music, artisans and more.

The program provides technical assistance, mentorship and consulting services to small businesses. Applications are being accepted now.