Whether you are a first-time entrepreneur or an existing business owner, there are many educational resources available to help increase your personal knowledge and business-readiness. The experts from the Opens in new windowSmall Business Development Centers (SBDC) can help. Through your local SBDC, you will gain access to educational classes and free, confidential consulting. New entrepreneurs are strongly encouraged to consider taking the First Step Workshop at a local SBDC, which provides an in-depth preview of establishing your first business. The course is also available online at no cost.
Offices are conveniently hosted at 15 universities and their 49 outreach centers located across Pennsylvania. To learn more about the SBDCs, visit the Opens in new windowPennsylvania SBDCs’ website.
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Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP)
The BFTP has four regional headquarters and six satellite offices to help both startups and established businesses access the capital, expertise, and resources to foster innovation and growth in Pennsylvania’s technology and manufacturing industries. The BFTP pairs financial resources and fundraising strategies with hands-on technical assistance and support through business plan reviews; technical assessments; intellectual property counsel; marketing advice; suggestions for operations; mentorships with industry experts; access to state-of-the-art facilities, labs, and equipment; and the opportunity to test, refine, and demonstrate technologies. This multifaceted support approach can significantly accelerate and contribute to the success of the commercialization process of new technologies in a highly competitive market.
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Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE)
The Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is ushering in a new era of innovation and economic growth in the Harrisburg region. Through a unique blend of cutting-edge technology and founder-focused programming, CIE offers many avenues for creativity and collaboration. From incubators building their start-ups to LaunchU, a Shark-tank-style pitch competition for high school, college, and university students, CIE empowers innovators to build successful ventures. To learn more, contact CIE at cie@harrisburgu.edu or 717.901.5100.
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Invent Penn State LaunchBox & Innovation Network
Invent Penn State’s community-facing LaunchBox and Innovation Network includes 23 locations across Pennsylvania, each offering no-cost and low-cost resources for entrepreneurs and innovators, including startup accelerators, pitch competitions, 1:1 coaching, legal resources, product development resources, coworking space, and more. The LaunchBox and Innovation Network is open to all Pennsylvania-based entrepreneurs, with no affiliation with Penn State required to take advantage of these services.
