Special Presentation
Special Presentation: Fueling Your Future: Funding Pathways for Small Business Success
Pictured left to right: Dave Aichele, Executive Director of the Downtown Investment District (DID), Denzel Brown, Senior Loan Officer, ASSETS, Yessenia Maldonado, VP Community Lending, and Deb Joyce, VP Community Lending, finanta Lancaster-Lebanon, with Colleen Wagner, Lancaster City Alliance Vice President, Administration & Relations.
At February’s Merchant Meeting, attendees gained practical insights into funding options designed to support businesses at every stage of growth. Presenters from ASSETS and finanta outlined how Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) expand access to capital for entrepreneurs who may face barriers to traditional lending. The session covered common funding myths, credit readiness, and the documentation typically required when applying for financing.
Participants also learned about flexible loan products, including small dollar loans, microloans, and small business loans, along with the value of credit-building tools and technical assistance. The presentation emphasized preparation, planning, and working with the right financial partners to strengthen long-term business stability.
Presented by Denzel Brown (ASSETS), Yessenia Maldonado, and Deb Joyce (finanta Lancaster-Lebanon).
Exploring a Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban in Lancaster City
Join the Conversation!
At February’s Merchant Meeting, City Councilor John Hursh led an informational discussion on what a potential single-use plastic bag ban in Lancaster City could look like. The presentation clarified that no legislation has been proposed and emphasized the City’s commitment to gathering community and merchant feedback before considering any action.
Attendees reviewed key background data on plastic bag usage, environmental impacts, and outcomes observed in other Pennsylvania municipalities. The City outlined concepts that may be considered — including a ban on point-of-sale plastic bags, a 180-day grace period, and an education-first approach — as well as measures not currently under consideration, such as per-bag fees or bans on food safety plastics.
Merchants were encouraged to participate in a survey launched in partnership with Lancaster City Alliance to share perspectives, concerns, and transition ideas.
👉 Take the survey today and make sure your voice is part of the conversation!
