Ben Franklin TechCelerator

Do You Have a New Tech-Business Idea?
Not Sure What To Do With It? Accelerate it!

Ben Franklin Technology Partners CNP and the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) are inviting aspiring entrepreneurs to become part of the Ben Franklin TechCelerator start-up program housed at the Murata Business Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Ben Franklin and the HRC/CREDC have launched a new service program targeting very early-stage entrepreneurs.  The TechCelerator is designated, shared space in a business incubator environment.  If you are an aspiring entrepreneur you could be chosen to participate in this Program which will focus on pre-launch and market research activities.  In addition, you will have access to a “seed account” that will help get you started  on fully developing your business plan.  The Program is designed to provide inventors/entrepreneurs with the skills needed to convert their business ideas into reality.

Those who successfully complete the program will be eligible to compete for seed money to jumpstart their business and will have the opportunity to pitch their idea to a panel of investors.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

• Is there a technology component to your business idea?
• Can you physically locate/work on-site for 60 days?
• Are you willing/able to commercialize your business concept?

As Part of the Program, Start-ups Get:

• Designated  workspace in a shared environment
• On-site, one-on-one business mentors
• Some financial assistance with start-up issues such as legal and accounting
• Marketing research capabilities
• Weekly group sessions on business start-up topics:  How to write a Business Plan, Finance 101, Basic Sales/Marketing Principles
• Presentations from former incubator tenants and graduates of the Ben Franklin Program on topics such as: Best Practices, Mistakes Made, Lessons Learned
• Use of standard incubator offerings such as conference rooms, Internet connectivity, copy/fax machines and the library/resource center

After 60 Days . . .

Those who successfully complete the program will:

• Be able to “pitch” their new business idea to the Ben Franklin funding program
• Be candidates for Murata’s office space
• Be able to compete for seed money to jump start their business venture
• Be invited to make a presentation to potential angel investors