news & events

NCPA LaunchBox seeks participation in COVID-19 Business Impact Survey

DUBOIS, Pa. — Professionals at the North Central PA LaunchBox have made it their top priority to help business and industry navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak. LaunchBox staff members are already looking ahead to the end of quarantine — when deemed appropriate by the governor and public health officials — and helping businesses in the region return to normal operations. To help meet that end, business owners and industry leaders are being asked to participate in a short survey to help identify their needs and concerns during this trying time, and into the future. Image: Penn State Some...

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...