news & events

At the North Central PA LaunchBox, collaboration is reigniting the region

DUBOIS, Pa. — Laughing Owl Press in Kane is developing software that brings digital convenience to high-end letterpress printed products. Wilds Sonshine Factory is distilling a new spirit derived from a sunflower plant grown solely in the Pennsylvania Wilds region. These are two of many startups and small manufacturers creating new products, processes or applications in North Central Pennsylvania. In November, at an event hosted at the North Central PA LaunchBox powered by Penn State DuBois, these startup companies won $30,000 and $20,000, respectively, in Ben Franklin Technology Partners’ Big Idea Contest. Laughing Owl Press went on to receive an investment of $40,000 from the Ben...

North Central PA LaunchBox to host webinar for businesses navigating COVID-19

DUBOIS, Pa. — In ongoing efforts to help small businesses navigate the COVID-19 crisis, the North Central LaunchBox has scheduled a free, informative webinar at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 16. “Mindfulness Tips for Small Businesses During Tough Times” addresses this time of uncertainty and how it has caused many to experience feelings of sadness, fear, and grief. The webinar will admit the difficulty of this time and discuss ways to help our minds cope with this stress. Mindfulness strategies have been shown to alleviate stress and emotional difficulties and can be useful to practice in difficult moments. The program...

Winners of Techcelerator Competition receive $10K award

DUBOIS, Pa. — Two award-winning entrepreneurs will split the $10,000 top prize for business ideas submitted to Ben Franklin Technology Partner’s Techcelerator Competition. Kristen and Boyd Lewis with EasyRaising fundraising will receive $5,000 to be used for the development of their business idea for improving school and community fundraising.  Evan Klapec of EMKO Technologies, Oil City, will also receive $5,000 to develop a new dust collection system for auto body shops. As participants in a 10-Week Business Startup Boot Camp, six startups, including Emko Technologies (Evan Klapec), Odin’s Eye (Dr. David Parrott),Workflow Automation (Cesare Ferrari), Shop Local Fundraising (Kristen and...

‘Navigating COVID-19’ for small businesses offered via Zoom on March 27 Penn State Small Business Development Center and North Central PA LaunchBox will present free, one-hour video conference

DUBOIS, Pa. — The Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the North Central PA (NCPA) LaunchBox are hosting “Navigating COVID-19: Resources and Relief for Small Businesses,” a free, one-hour video conference via Zoom at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 27. This webinar is open to all small business owners seeking resources and financial/legal assistance as they navigate the COVID-19 crisis. During the one-hour session, an expert panel will offer their insights and respond to questions from participants. Panelists will help small business owners understand resources and relief in response to COVID-19 regulations, including: SBDC availability and resources SBA Disaster Loan program and process Working...