Lancaster has a vibrant economy that is poised for great success. If you are looking for work or are considering starting a small business in the city, you will need to have a thorough knowledge of the types of industries found there. Here are some highlights for you to consider when beginning to familiarize yourself with Lancaster's businesses.

Downtown, you will find the usual array of corporations specializing in everything from marketing to statistics. Retail business are strong inside the city and in surrounding areas. Large box stores can be found throughout the suburban spaces, offering everything from Lusterstone products for the patio to electronics for the den. Lancaster has world class retail offerings for residents and visitors. Its many attractions, the amazing outdoor space outside of the city, have all created a healthy sub-economy in the city.

Lancaster has been undergoing big changes in recent years. As a result, there has been steady growth in sectors spanning the arts, entertainment, retail, dining and more. As well, numerous manufacturers of everything from custom license plate frames to designer furniture can be found throughout the city's surrounding area. These changes have given rise to more opportunities for suppliers for the city such as with private contractors, construction staff and consultants.

While the inner-city has been transitioning during the ongoing downturn, Lancaster's surrounding areas have seen lots of recent growth. The surrounding communities saw its largest boom in employment, almost 20% or 35,000 jobs, in 2002. Factories outside of the city are busy year-round building everything from pneumatic conveyors to surgical supplies. Biomedical manufacturing opportunities are increasingly arising in the city, too.

Lancaster's manufacturing community produce numerous specialty goods for markets around the world. Whether you are interested in pursuing manufacturing, retailing or marketing aquarium heaters or car stereos, you will have numerous resources to assist you. Several local shops are seeing growth in specialty foods that they are making and selling throughout the region.

Burle Business Park is the city's sole commercial and industrial park. It was initially opened in 1942 as an American Navy facility for researching, developing and manufacturing electronics, operated by RCA. Burle Industries is a large area employer. They are best known for manufacturing lead products, vacuum tubes, imaging tubes, power tubes and photomultiplier tubes. The business park's redevelopment is underway now and will involve numerous employment and small business opportunities as the park

The city currently has plans to convert the areas that were once home to Armstrong World Industries into a sports center for Franklin and Marshall College. Lancaster General Hospital will also be developing the entire Northwest Corridor. The hospital has plans to build a multi-purpose development, adding several blocks to Lancaster.