Small Businesses Lead to Big Economic Development in York Count

Economic development organizations support business attraction and retention efforts within communities. For many years, the focus of development teams across the country was attracting new businesses and bringing in major employers. While this is still a key goal for the York County Development Corporation (YCDC), the team is pivoting its efforts to invest more resources in existing local businesses.  

In early March, Executive Director Lisa Hurley shared York County’s small business programs at the 2026 IEDC Leadership Summit. Her presentation and the discussions around it allowed her to reflect on YCDC’s impact and its role in the region.

“While business attraction remains important, communities across the country are recognizing something powerful: small businesses are the foundation of economic growth,” says Hurley. “Today’s entrepreneurs are tomorrow’s job creators as their dreams turn into realities and small startups turn into thriving companies.”

The small business ecosystem in York County is growing, with YCDC providing resources and opportunities to help entrepreneurs expand and learn. This can have untold economic impacts in the coming years as these organizations have the support they need to succeed. 

The Rise of the Rural Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship is not just a York County story; it’s a national trend. Across the country, new businesses are being created at levels we haven’t seen in decades. Experts believe 2026 could set a national record for new businesses, with 29.8 million solopreneurs currently running their own businesses.

The same report found that rural entrepreneurship is growing 2.5 times faster than in urban areas.

Entrepreneurship important for diversifying the economy and bringing new companies to the region, but it also creates jobs. One study found 42% of entrepreneurs plan to increase their headcount in the next 12 months. When an employee leaves a company to become an entrepreneur, they create an opportunity for another worker to step into their role. When they expand, they create even more positions for York County residents to find meaningful employment. 

Growth Comes From the People Who Live Here

Some of the most sustainable growth in rural communities starts with the people who already live here. That’s why YCDC has been expanding programs and resources focused on small business development and entrepreneurship. This creates an entrepreneurial ecosystem – an environment where ideas, data, mentorship, and capital all work together to support local innovation.

“Economic development teams support all businesses in their communities, and YCDC is supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses,” says Hurley. “We are excited by what our local companies are doing and the ideas of York County entrepreneurs. We will continue to offer support and resources where we can.”

Small businesses can shape rural downtowns, create community buy-in, and attract new residents while retaining talent. The growth found across the York County community creates opportunities for high school and college graduates, while improving the quality of life for families across the region.   

YCDC Provides Business Analytics Intelligence Through SizeUp

Small business support means providing tools and opportunities that meet entrepreneurs where they are. YCDC has invested in SizeUp, a free online tool that generates business intelligence reports related to competition, customer demographics, and marketing opportunities. In the past year, more than 600 users have generated over 2,000 business intelligence reports through the SizeUp York County platform.

“Our SizeUp support team tells us York County’s usage levels compete with major metro areas where the tool is deployed,” says Hurley. “For a rural county of just over 14,000 people, that says something important. It shows how our entrepreneurs and business owners are leaning into data, technology, and smart decision-making.”

YCDC introduced SizeUp York County to give local entrepreneurs access to the same business analytics that larger companies often pay thousands of dollars for. Historically, these tools were only available through consultants or at great expense through market research. Today, valuable insights are available to anyone in York County with an idea, a startup, or an existing business looking to grow. YCDC estimates that York County businesses have saved $1.8 million by using this tool.

YCDC Brings Education and Development to the Community

While entrepreneurs across York County use the SizeUp digital tools, YCDC also invests in in-person learning and development opportunities. The SPARK Pitch Contest allows entrepreneurs to present ideas to a panel of judges and potentially receive funding for their work. Additionally, programs like 17-County Leadership and the seasonal Dale Carnegie Trainings prepare business owners and local employees to step into leadership roles and take big-picture approaches to workplace problems.

YCDC also hosts business events throughout the year that allow company leaders to network, find potential employees, and learn about trends that could affect them. Every entrepreneur or business owner has specific needs and growth goals. By offering a range of programs and opportunities, local community members can find what best suits them. 

Explore Opportunities to Grow Your Business

York County entrepreneurs create a more resilient local economy and inspire others around them to develop their ideas into viable business plans. The strong engagement in SizeUp, participation in SPARK, and enrollment in various leadership courses show that York County entrepreneurs are eager to grow and actively seeking new tools and support systems.

If you own a business, are considering starting one, or simply want to better understand your market, we encourage you to explore the SizeUp York County platform. It’s free, easy to use, and designed to help entrepreneurs make data-informed decisions.

You can also reach out to the team at YCDC to discuss your plans for the future and see how we can help. When entrepreneurs succeed, York County succeeds. Contact us today and let us create a path for your business to move forward.