Our Story

For more than 30 years, ASSETS has worked alongside entrepreneurs to create economic opportunity through business ownership.

ASSETS was founded in Lancaster in 1993 as part of a broader North American microenterprise development initiative through Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA).

During our first two decades, ASSETS focused primarily on business training and mentorship for entrepreneurs with low to moderate incomes in Lancaster County. That commitment to expanding access to entrepreneurship remains at the heart of our work today.

Over the years, ASSETS has grown alongside the entrepreneurs and communities we serve. Our programs have expanded to include small business lending, the Women’s Business Center, business incubator programs and support for social enterprise.

Today, ASSETS continues to help entrepreneurs start, grow and strengthen their businesses through training, support and access to capital across South Central Pennsylvania.

Our work has evolved since 1993, but our purpose remains rooted in creating greater economic opportunity through entrepreneurship.