ASSETS

ASSETS cultivates entrepreneurial leadership to create economic opportunity for underserved communities.

ASSETS is a nonprofit that champions entrepreneurship as a pathway to opportunity. We provide training, capital, and coaching to help underserved founders build thriving, socially responsible businesses.

06/01/2026

A night they will never forget!

We had the honor of interviewing Nakeisha Daniels, the powerhouse behind , during her 2026 Prom Prep event at McCaskey High School. From dresses to glam, her mission is simple but powerful: making prom accessible so every student can feel confident, celebrated, and seen.

Shoutout to the team of volunteers and fellow ASSETS alums who helped bring the magic:

A.Calhoun Events
The Socials Fairy

05/29/2026

May was full of moments that remind us why community matters.

Earlier in the month, our CEO spoke at MEDA’s event honoring S. Dale High, Legacy, Leadership, and Impact, reflecting on leadership that continues to shape our community.

We welcomed a visit from a congressional office to share what we are seeing on the ground and what small business owners need right now.

We spent time with community partners whose collaboration makes this work possible. We also gathered for our Summer Social, spending time with entrepreneurs, partners, and friends who are building businesses.

If you want to be part of what comes next, stay connected with us.

05/28/2026

Thinking about applying for a business loan but not sure where to start?

Join us tonight (5/28) at 6pm at Southern Market for Loan Readiness and Responsible Borrowing, a workshop designed to help entrepreneurs understand what lenders are really looking for and how to prepare before applying for funding.

Whether you’re exploring your first loan or planning for future growth, this session will help you assess your loan readiness.

Register now at tinyurl.com/ASSETS-Loan-Readiness

Presented in collaboration with Northwest Bank

📸 Michelle Johnsen Photography

05/27/2026

Last week, we hosted our Summer Social at Long’s Park, welcoming community partners and small business owners for an evening of networking and connection.

Guests enjoyed catering from Soulcialize Catering, Butter and Bean and Velvet Jar Co, and even a little salsa dancing.

Thank you to everyone who joined us! We’re proud to build community together.

05/20/2026

This AAPI Heritage Month, we’re highlighting AAPI entrepreneurs building businesses that strengthen our community.

With 2 locations in Lancaster and one in Camp Hill, Silantra Asian Street Kitchen was built to bring a fresh approach to Chinese fast-casual dining to the region.

Xiang and Cindy Guo started the business in honor of their parents’ sacrifices and their vision for something different, creating a restaurant that reflects both community and care.

Read their story and learn how Silantra continues to grow while staying grounded in the values that matter most: tinyurl.com/ASSETS-Silantra

In partnership with PNC, ASSETS is building opportunities for entrepreneurs in Central PA, brick by brick.

05/19/2026

Thank you to Stephen Ranck from Congressman Lloyd Smucker’s office for visiting ASSETS last week.

We appreciated the chance to share more about our work supporting entrepreneurs across Lancaster and York, and to discuss the important role Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) play in expanding access to capital, training, and resources for our small business community.

We’re grateful for conversations that help strengthen pathways to economic growth and stability across our region.

05/13/2026

This AAPI Heritage Month, we’re celebrating entrepreneurs who are creating spaces of connection and belonging in our community.

Meet Swezin Toe, owner of Aura Little Cafe in downtown Lancaster. She transformed the café into a cozy, intentional space where conversation matters just as much as the coffee.

In our latest entrepreneur spotlight, Swezin shares her journey of building a business centered on independence, culture, and community, and how ASSETS supported her along the way.

Read the full story at tinyurl.com/ASSETS-Aura-Little-Cafe

In partnership with Hempfield Technology, ASSETS is building opportunities for entrepreneurs in Central PA, brick by brick.

05/07/2026

Whether building a business, growing your creative network, or preparing for funding, ASSETS has opportunities to connect and grow.

Join us this month for:

May 11 @ 4:30pm - 7pm at
South Central PA Creative Community Regional Gathering
RSVP required
In collaboration with

May 28 @ 6pm - 7:30pm at Southern Market
Loan Readiness and Responsible Borrowing

Learn more on our calendar at assetspa.org

05/05/2026

A year later, Extra Rice PA is still growing and staying true to its roots.

Last May, we shared the story of this Filipino food truck bringing bold flavor to Central PA. Now, the team is preparing for their next chapter, a trip to the Philippines to learn new recipes, refine their craft and reconnect with the traditions behind their menu.

As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, we are proud to continue sharing stories like this.

Read their story and see what is next for them at tinyurl.com/Extra-Rice-PA

05/01/2026

Her family fled Vietnam in 1975 in search of safety and opportunity.

Years later, that journey continues to shape how Maian McCauley leads ASSETS and how she thinks about access for entrepreneurs today.

Her story isn’t just about the past. It’s a perspective on what it takes to move forward.

Read Maian’s story on our blog at https://tinyurl.com/ASSETS-Meet-Maian

In recognition of AAPI Heritage Month, ASSETS is highlighting stories of leadership and entrepreneurship across the community.

Address

100 S. Queen Street , Suite 246
Lancaster, PA
17603

Website

http://www.assetsPA.org/

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