Starting a Business

The City of Bethlehem is experiencing an economic and cultural renaissance promising a future as bright as its past. Boasting a population of more than 78,000, two vibrant downtown business districts, and a tight-knit community of diverse enterprises and entrepreneurs, Bethlehem is a unique place for your business to call home. 

City staff is here to help guide you through the specific steps to opening a business within city limits. We can provide premium data sets to help you understand the local market, connect you with our downtown and neighborhood organizations, and assist in accessing state and local incentives that may be available to support your growth. 

Bringing Your Idea to Life

While our team is not able to offer business development services, our community partners can provide valuable guidance on creating a business plan, identifying your market, understanding financing options, and determining the best steps to take to bring your idea to life. 

Be sure to understand the state's requirements for doing business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A highly recommended resource, the Pennyslvania Business One-Stop Shop offers a quick and easy survey that generates a custom business checklist based on your responses. 

Bethlehem is also home to a branch of the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center (SBDC), part of the Lehigh University College of Business and located in the heart of Southside. Lehigh SBDC "provide(s) no-cost, confidential, one-on-one consulting and low-to-no-cost educational workshops for small businesses in Lehigh, Northampton, and Bucks counties." 

ZONING, LICENSES, AND PERMITS

Before you sign a lease or purchase property, it is crucial that you understand the essentials of Bethlehem's zoning rules and requirements. Review the resources our colleagues in the Bureau of Planning & Zoning offer to verify that operating your business will be a "permitted use" at the identified location. You may need to request a special exception, variance, or other appeal. 

To operate a business in the City of Bethlehem, you must obtain at least two licenses: the Business Privilege License (BPL) and Building Commercial Certificate of Occupancy (BCCO). Every business is different! For example, you may need additional inspections from the Health Bureau or permits from another department. 

OUR PARTNERS