KU Advance Joins Community Partners for National Small Business Week Walk in Hamburg, PA
On Wednesday, May 6, KU Advance joined community and economic development partners for a National Small Business Week Business Walk in Hamburg. The event brought together representatives from higher education, state and federal agencies, and regional business organizations to celebrate and support the small businesses that help drive local communities forward.
KU SBDC and business partners present owners of Interlace Communications with award in celebration of Making Main Street Matter
The celebratory small business walk kicked off at Windosr Distributing Inc. Owners shared the distributor's history, along with challenges and triumphs of small business ownership
Representatives in attendance included members of the Kutztown Small Business Development Center (KUSBDC), Kutztown University leadership and staff, the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), and regional chamber partners. KU Advance was proud to participate alongside these organizations in recognizing the importance of small businesses throughout the region.
Supporting the Main Street Matters Initiative
The walk aligned with Pennsylvania’s new Main Street Matters initiative, a statewide investment aimed at strengthening downtowns and revitalizing Main Street corridors across communities like Hamburg. As highlighted during the event, the program reflects a $20 million investment into supporting local businesses and enhancing community growth opportunities.
Through initiatives like Main Street Matters, communities are gaining access to resources that help foster economic development, attract visitors, and create vibrant downtown districts.
KU SBDC Business Consulting Manager, Rachael Wolfe, delivers award to local Hamburg business
Learning from Local Business Leaders
Guided by Lynn Weller of Our Town Foundation, attendees visited several small businesses throughout downtown Hamburg to learn more about their work, hear directly from business owners, and connect them with available resources and support networks.
The group visited:
- Windsor Distributing Inc.
- Interlace Communications
- Lucky Leprechaun Winery
- Liv Holistic
- Hazel's Café
At each stop, business owners shared insights into their operations, community impact, and experiences as small business owners in Hamburg. Conversations focused on both the successes and challenges facing local businesses while highlighting the importance of community partnerships and economic development initiatives.
Co-owner of Lucky Leprechaun Winery shared how their wine-making hobby turned into a business passion project
Formerly based in Kutztown, Hazel's Café now calls Hamburg home, serving as a gathering place for both locals and visitors passing through
Building Stronger Community Connections
Events like the National Small Business Week Walk demonstrate the power of collaboration between educational institutions, economic development agencies, and small businesses in building vibrant communities.
As National Small Business Week recognizes the impact of entrepreneurs and local business owners across the country, KU Advance was honored to participate in a day dedicated to listening, learning, and supporting the businesses that make Hamburg's downtown unique.