The Pennsylvania Competitiveness Caucus convened a roundtable in Allentown last Thursday to examine how state policy can better support startups and small businesses — a core priority in strengthening Pennsylvania’s competitiveness.

The event was hosted by Senator Nick Miller (D-Lehigh) in his district at the Allentown Economic Development Corporation’s Bridgeworks Enterprise Center. Caucus co-chairs Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York), Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver), and Rep. Paul Friel (D-Chester) joined lawmakers, local economic development leaders, and business stakeholders for the discussion.

The conversation focused on state programs and legislative reforms that impact new business formation, capital access, workforce pathways, and long-term growth.

PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein highlighted the bipartisan progress made in recent years to improve Pennsylvania’s competitive standing. He pointed to tax reform, permitting improvements, and workforce initiatives as meaningful steps forward.

“The work of the Competitiveness Caucus has helped drive that momentum by leading efforts to modernize our tax code to support startups and small businesses, streamline permitting and regulatory reviews, and invest in our workforce,” Bernstein said.

Bernstein also outlined next steps to build on this progress, with a focus on smart implementation of policies that make it easier to start, scale, and sustain small businesses in the Commonwealth.

Strengthening the environment for startups and small businesses is central to making Pennsylvania a more competitive place to invest and grow. Roundtables like this help ensure pro-growth reforms remain front and center in Harrisburg.