Launching and growing a small business is one of the boldest moves a person can make. But for entrepreneurs in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and across Northeastern Pennsylvania, the journey doesn’t have to be (and shouldn’t be) taken alone. The businesses that succeed early and grow sustainably almost always have one thing in common: they plug into strong local support systems.
National data continues to reinforce this point. Roughly 20% of small businesses fail within their first year, and about 50% close by year five. Yet research from the U.S. Small Business Administration also shows that entrepreneurs who work with mentors have double the survival rate of those who don’t. In other words: guidance matters. Community matters. Connection matters.
If you’re committed to growing your business the right way – strategically, intentionally, and with a stronger local presence – these resources will accelerate your progress.
Leverage Your Local Chambers of Commerce
Chambers of commerce are often misunderstood. Many new entrepreneurs believe they’re “nice to have” but optional. In reality, they’re economic engines, with two in particular playing a major role in driving small business development throughout the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton metropolitan area.
Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce (Wilkes-Barre)
As one of the region’s most active business organizations, the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce offers a strong combination of visibility, advocacy, and support. Whether you’re looking to build local awareness, position yourself as a trusted leader, or meet people who can open doors, this organization is a must for businesses in the Wilkes-Barre area.
Scranton Chamber of Commerce
Business owners in Lackawanna County benefit from a robust ecosystem of events, committees, professional development opportunities, and community partnerships. The Scranton Chamber of Commerce consistently draws entrepreneurs, executives, and community influencers – making it a high-impact resource for expanding your reach.
Other local chambers include:
- Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce
- Chamber of the Northern Poconos
- Pocono Chamber of Commerce
- Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce
- Back Mountain Chamber
- Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce
Chambers help you:
- Meet potential partners and clients
- Get plugged into regional business initiatives
- Build credibility as a legitimate, visible local business
- Learn from peers facing similar challenges
If you’re working to establish deeper roots in Northeastern Pennsylvania, joining at least one chamber is a strategic move – not an optional one.
Tap Into Local Networking Groups That Drive Momentum
While chambers offer broad visibility, networking groups offer deeper relationship-building. These organizations provide a more intimate environment where entrepreneurs can share ideas, generate referrals, and support one another’s growth.
Wilkes-Barre POWER
POWER stands for Professionals Organized and Working to Enrich the Region. This nonprofit is dedicated to professional development, business growth, and community enrichment. As its current President, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be. Wilkes-Barre POWER brings together ambitious professionals who want to sharpen their skills, strengthen their presence, and contribute meaningfully to Northeastern Pennsylvania. It’s a place where relationships evolve into genuine opportunities. In the last year, we’ve also had a strong push to collaborate with local colleges, and we’re actively working on new initiatives for the future. Stay tuned!
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NEPA Networkers
This popular networking group offers a relaxed but highly effective way to meet peers. For solopreneurs and early-stage businesses, this kind of community support can provide confidence, direction, and quick wins.
BNI (Local Chapters)
BNI (Business Network International) offers a structured, referral-driven system where each chapter becomes a small ecosystem of mutual support. For service-based businesses especially, these referral networks can become one of the strongest lead generators.
In a world where digital marketing is noisy and oversaturated, local relationships still carry extraordinary weight. These groups help entrepreneurs build trust faster than almost any online channel.
Utilize College and University Resources That Entrepreneurs Often Overlook
Not every entrepreneur realizes that local colleges and universities are home to some of the most powerful local business growth resources available.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
Both Wilkes University and the University of Scranton host respected SBDC programs that provide:
- One-on-one business consulting
- Workshops and training sessions
- Market research insights
- Support with planning, financing, and growth
These services are often free or low-cost and offer an extraordinary depth of expertise.
The Broader Value of Collegiate Programs
While not local to NEPA, the Odyssey Program at Johns Hopkins University, where I serve as an instructor, is a prime example of how academic institutions invest in entrepreneurial development. Programs like this underscore the value of education-backed mentorship and the kind of strategic guidance that helps small businesses thrive long-term.
The takeaway is simple: tapping into educational resources gives your business a competitive advantage that many local competitors overlook.
Combine Community Support with Mentorship for Maximum Impact
Community resources are powerful – but when combined with mentorship, they transform into something far more impactful.
Research shows:
- 92% of small business owners with mentors say mentorship directly impacted their growth and survival.
- Mentorship strengthens leadership confidence, problem-solving ability, and long-term planning. These are core capabilities every entrepreneur needs.
The combination of:
- Chamber involvement
- Networking groups
- Educational programs
- Professional coaching
…creates a multi-layered support system that accelerates progress and reduces risk.
This is where I come in. As a business coach and consultant, I help entrepreneurs and local businesses navigate these resources, build the right strategy, and avoid the pitfalls that stall growth. You don’t need to face these challenges alone, and the truth is, you shouldn’t.
Your Business Doesn’t Have to Do This Alone
Wilkes-Barre and Scranton have a powerful ecosystem of organizations designed to help you grow. Whether you’re building your first business or scaling an existing one, tapping into these local business growth resources is one of the best investments you can make.
Attend a chamber event. Visit a local SBDC. Join a networking group. Surround yourself with people who believe in what you’re building.
And when you’re ready for more personalized, strategic support to turn your vision into a sustainable plan, I’m here to help you take that next step.
