Blog - ASSETS

Built By Us Podcast | Ep. 23 It All Started at Champs: Barbers Who Changed the Game

Some places do more than serve a purpose, they shape people. Champ’s Barbershop is one of those places. In this episode, we trace the roots of three incredible entrepreneurs who […]

Not Your Average Hot Dog: Meet Drifters

Drifters was born from a love of food, a sense of adventure, and a dream shared by Jake and Becca Petri. They wanted to build something meaningful, something they could […]

Soulcialize Brings Its Southern Flavor to Long’s Park

On July 10th, Soulcialize officially opened its second location inside Long’s Park, bringing authentic Southern comfort food to one of the city’s most popular summer destinations. Whether you’re planning a […]

Cafe 301: Where Purpose Meets the Plate

Partners like Fulton Bank make it possible for ASSETS to support small businesses like Cafe 301. Laurie Myers didn’t just step into business ownership, she stepped out on faith. What […]

Honoring the 2024 Great Social Enterprise Pitch Finalists and Looking Ahead

At ASSETS, we believe business can, and should, be a force for good. That belief comes to life every year at the Great Social Enterprise Pitch, where purpose-driven entrepreneurs take […]

Built By Us Podcast | Ep. 22 From Clippers to Classrooms

On episode 22 of the Built by Us podcast, we’re talking with Tyrik Jackson, master barber, educator, and the visionary behind Sharper Image Barbershop and Premier Barber Institute. Tyrik started […]

Built with Pride: How Pride Painting Is Redefining the Trades

When Marsden Dvorak (he/they) and Lindsey McWilliams (they/them) launched Pride Painting in Lancaster, PA, it was not just about running a successful business. It was about making space with intention […]

Turning Numbers Into Impact: The Story of Friday Financials

For Aileen Wigotow, entrepreneurship was never just about running a business. It was about creating something meaningful, using her strengths to support others, and building a life rooted in purpose […]

Built By Us Podcast | Ep. 21 Language, Love, and a Leap of Faith

In this episode, we meet Champagne Domingo, the heart and mind behind Una Vision Childcare, a Spanish immersion early education center in Lancaster. Guided by her faith and a calling […]

How Extra Rice is Bringing Filipino Flavor to Central PA

Cromwell Palicte grew up in the Philippines surrounded by the rich, comforting flavors of Filipino cooking. Today, he’s bringing that experience to Central Pennsylvania through his food trailer, Extra Rice. […]

Back the Builders: Meet the Entrepreneurs Reshaping Our Communities

May is Small Business Month and here at ASSETS, we’re taking this time to spotlight a few of the visionary entrepreneurs who recently completed our Idea Incubator program. These dreamers […]

How State Support Is Powering Small Business in Lancaster

Earlier this week, ASSETS had the honor of hosting PA State Representative Ismail Smith-Wade-El for a press event highlighting the power of state investment in small businesses. The focus? The […]

How Keystone Claws Is Redefining Creative Expression in Lancaster

With support from Univest Financial, ASSETS has helped equip Keystone Claws to grow their vision. When you walk into Keystone Claws, you’re met with more than just a nail studio. […]

Building Community Through Banking: Joseph Martinez on Volunteering, Partnership, and Local Impact

Celebrating trusted ASSETS partner, Bank of Bird-in-Hand April is Financial Literacy Month, and here at ASSETS, we’re celebrating the people and partnerships helping communities grow stronger, smarter, and more financially […]

Built By Us Podcast | Ep. 20 Cutting Through: Business, Identity, and Community Leadership

In this episode, we meet Jorge Valentin, better known as Flaco, the visionary behind Who’s Next Barbershop, a cultural landmark in Lancaster since 2005. More than a place to get […]

Honoring Our Board: Celebrating the Leaders Behind the Mission

During National Volunteer Week, ASSETS is proud to recognize a group of remarkable individuals who offer their time, insight, and leadership to advance our mission: our Board of Directors. Each […]

Color Outside the Lines: Happy Happy Joy Joy Is Making Lancaster Brighter

Happy Happy Joy Joy has been empowered by ASSETS with support from S&T Bank. When you walk into Happy Happy Joy Joy, you instantly feel like you’ve entered a world […]

Built By Us Podcast | Ep. 19 The Power of Purposeful Retail: Prism Thrift Redefines Secondhand Style

In this episode, we sit down with Kate Farbo, founder of Prism Thrift, a vibrant, queer-owned thrift store that’s redefining what secondhand shopping looks and feels like. With a lovingly […]

How House of Clarendon Is Expanding Its Vision

Martine Cajas isn’t just building a business—he’s building something that reflects the people around him. From a loyal team to a supportive customer base, House of Clarendon is powered by […]

Curio: A Creative Haven for Lancaster’s Artists

Lancaster is home to a thriving community of passionate entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of business with creativity, and resilience. One of these businesses is curio. Gallery & Creative […]