Welcome to Downtown State College: The Heart of Happy Valley
Experience our vibrant downtown district, home to nearly 350 shops, restaurants, services, professional businesses, and organizations. Nestled in the heart of Centre County, also known as Happy Valley, and directly adjacent to Pennsylvania State University, our downtown is the cultural and entertainment hub of the region and a key economic driver.
Surrounded by mountains and natural beauty, 5 million visitors flock each year. They come to enjoy the great outdoors, with opportunities for world-class hiking, biking, and fishing, and to witness the beauty of all four seasons. Visitors experience the area’s arts, culture, and athletic competitions, including the Special Olympics, Ironman, and the 2026 State Games of America. Additionally, the events and opportunities provided by Penn State University make this region a bustling destination.
Discover the energy, charm, and opportunity in Downtown State College, the heart of Happy Valley, where business opportunities abound.
Discover the Benefits of Locating Your Business in Downtown State College:
Whether you are planning to start a new business, relocate, or expand your footprint, we are here to connect you to the resources you need to open your business.
• Proximity to Penn State University: 76,000 students, faculty, and staff border downtown, providing a steady flow of visitors, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic market. In fact, during Penn State’s home football games, it is the third largest city in Pennsylvania.
• High Foot Traffic & Walkability from Bordering Neighborhoods: The area attracts significant foot traffic from local residents, as well as, students and visitors, increasing business visibility and customer base.
• Strong Community Support: Our small-town charm attracts a community that is engaged, loyal, and proudly supports our local businesses.
• Cultural and Entertainment Hub: Our numerous events, festivals, and entertainment options draw in large crowds and create opportunities for businesses to engage with a diverse audience.
• Diverse Dining and Retail Scene: With various dining, retail, and service options, the area is an attractive destination for shoppers and diners, benefiting businesses through complementary industries.
• Access to Resources and Networking: The Downtown State College Improvement District (DSCID) offers resources, networking opportunities, and support to help businesses thrive.
• Tourism and Visitor Appeal: Visitors come from around the world to experience our great outdoors and participate in athletic events and cultural experiences. As a college town, State College attracts year-round visitors, including alumni, prospective students, professors, fans, and more.
• Quality of Life: State College boasts a high quality of life with a clean, safe environment, excellent healthcare, top-notch public and private schools, and a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for both business owners and employees to thrive.
• Transportation and Accessibility: The downtown area is well-connected with public transportation options, making it easily accessible for customers and employees.
• Collaborative Business Environment: Downtown businesses have a strong collaborative spirit, with partnership opportunities, joint promotions, and community involvement.
• Marketing and Promotion: The DSCID engages in marketing and promotional activities that benefit downtown businesses, attracting more customers and creating a thriving downtown business environment.
Discover the energy and opportunity in Downtown State College, the heart of Happy Valley, where business opportunities abound.
For more information, reach out to our Retail and Commercial Business Advocate, Kendra Kielbasa, [email protected]
Resources to Help You Get Started:
Click on the logos below to find more details.
Your guide for doing business in Pennsylvania! Whether you are thinking about starting your own business, expanding your existing company, or are considering a move to the Keystone State, this site will provide useful information to help you work smart and live happy in Pennsylvania. This website will walk you through how to register your business in PA, turn you idea into a business, write a business plan and more! It truly is your one-stop shop!
Happy Valley LaunchBox is an innovation hub, a Penn State program for the whole community. The LaunchBox provides entrepreneurs support, resources, and facilities at no cost as an initiative to spur economic development, job creation, and student career success.
Schlow Library can help you conduct research, start a new business, improve your current business, or learn new skills with a variety of onsite references and web based resources.
The Penn State Small Business Development Center provides one-on-one, confidential, no-cost business consulting and low-cost seminars to pre-venture, start-up, and existing small businesses located in Centre County.
SCORE has been mentoring new and existing businesses – and non-profit organizations – for over 40 years and has a network of over 13,000 volunteers who donated their time to help entrepreneurs.
CREN (Centre Region Entrepreneur Network) provides a place for entrepreneurs in central Pennsylvania to get together with their peers and discuss the success and difficulties of running a business. It is a place for entrepreneurs to support one another.
Loopnet displays real estate listings in State College available for lease, including retail, office space, and more!
The Ben Franklin Fund Technology PArtners provides early-stage, technology-based firms and established manufacturers with funding, business and technical expertise, and access to a network of innovative, expert resources.
The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC) is a membership organization comprised of businesses of all sizes and sectors. Events like Business After Hours, panel discussions, and annual signature events offer attendees networking and learning opportunities.
To promote the growth and development of business in Centre County, the CBICC offers a multitude of financing options. The CBICC/CDICC Loan Fund provides funding for projects that may not be eligible for traditional funding.
CBICC Connect is the Chamber’s young professional group, which offers networking, panel discussion, and mentoring opportunities.
State College Young Professionals is State College’s largest networking group for Young Professionals looking for Social, Sports, and Volunteering events.
WiNGS (Women’s Network Group) is a haven for women entrepreneurs, committed to empowering members by providing opportunities to enhance their unique strengths.
Central Pennsylvania Creative Professionals, also known as [CP2], is a non-profit membership organization that supports professionals across the entire marketing communications arena.
Click the logo to learn more about licenses, permits, code, zoning, services, and other business owner concerns for businesses operating in the Borough of State College.
Invent Penn State Venture & IP Conference – moving innovative ideas to market.
Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is the annual celebration of Penn State’s year-round commitment to innovation.
The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) is a non-profit, membership organization with a mission to develop, promote, and engage in travel related activities and coordinate visitor services designed to enhance the economic activity and quality of life with the county and thereby contribute to the commonwealth. In addition to membership promotions, the HVAB also offers annual grants.
