Seven New Businesses Open in Downtown Coatesville

COATESVILLE, PA —U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan toured the new Made In Coatesville Small Business Incubator on Lincoln Highway in Coatesville to learn more about the state of small businesses.

“It cannot be said enough—small businesses are the backbone of our local economy,” said Houlahan, a Democrat representing Chester County and portions of Berks.

In November, Second Century Alliance opened seven small shops run by entrepreneurs in the former Army-Navy store to help young start-up businesses grow.

These are the new businesses in Coatesvill Business Incubator:

• Looker Books
• Mimi’s Favorite Things
• Kissed by Noelle
• West Branch Herbs & Tea
• Stingy Brims Hat Company
• Valley Crossing Digital
• DLG Bookkeeping & Payroll Services
• West Branch Herbs & Tea

“The incubator launch is one of the latest initiatives in the city’s and 2nd Century Alliance’s collaboration to encourage and stimulate the creation of small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs,” said James Logan, Coatesville manager, during the tour Dec. 9 tour.

Century Alliance secured an $80,000 Neighborhood Partnership Program grant for the project.

Group Tour

Houlahan toured the new shops and with several small business owners to learn more about small business needs and the continued economic development of downtown Coatesville.

Commissioner Josh Maxwell, and 2ndCentury Alliance’s Sonia Huntzinger and Amber Little Turner also went on the tour.

Following the tour, Houlahan led a roundtable discussion.

“As someone who grew several businesses and nonprofits in southeastern Pennsylvania, I understand the challenges facing entrepreneurs as they build their piece of the American Dream,” Houlahan said.

Houlahan said the small business incubator is innovative, giving a helping hand to entrepreneurs in need.

Sonny Huntzinger, executive director of the 2nd Century Alliance, said the alliance was thrilled to have Houlahan visit Made in Coatesville Small Business Incubator

“The merchants truly appreciated having the opportunity to share the successes and challenges with her and learn about her advocacy in Washington on their behalf."