Eastern Pennsylvania’s 2022 Entrepreneurial Success of the Year

https://www.soltechsolutions.com/

"Soltech Solutions is a lighting design firm specializing in the research, development, and production of plant lights. Designed out of Bethlehem, Soltech’s advanced photosynthesis spectrum, sleek minimalist fixtures, and ambient indirect lighting offer a simple solution for plant owners to grow any plant with seamlessly integrated lighting anywhere in their home.

The business was started with a Kickstarter campaign in 2017 with the goal of designing grow lights that could be tastefully incorporated into people’s homes. The three cofounders, Paul Hodges, Michael Planer, and Chris Clark started the venture in a friend’s unfinished basement. Today, the three owners continue to maintain 100% ownership of the business. Soltech currently has 21 employees, and the business offers benefits and paid vacation time to its full-time staff.

Soltech is located within Pi: Partnership for Innovation. The space is managed by the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO) and funded by the City of Bethlehem. Soltech has expanded from 232 sq. ft. to 3,500 sq. ft. The innovative nature of Soltech qualified it for the Southside Bethlehem Keystone Innovation Zone Program, managed by the City and BEDCO, which was able to fund Soltech’s initial purchase of inventory and provide them with other resources. Soltech has also utilized Lehigh University Small Business Development Center for international export grants and SCORE for business building advice.

The Soltech team regularly donates to the community-focused non-profit Humanitarian Social Innovations (HSI), which two of the founding members started in 2014, that has provided support to more than 100 goodwill projects and grassroots movements. In 2020, Soltech Solutions founded the Built for Brilliance Award at Temple University. The $10,000 award supports undergraduate students with financial need who are planning to participate in a study abroad program.

SBA’s Eastern Pennsylvania Entrepreneurial Success of the Year award winner is selected annually from among nominees located across the 40 counties of eastern Pennsylvania. National Small Business Week recognizes the small business community’s contribution to the American economy.

During National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration recognizes and awards outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from around the country. "
-Press Release by Sonia Smith