Ben Franklin TechCelerator Program

Apply for the Spring TechCelerator

Applications due April 5, 2024

  • The spring TechCelerator class will begin on April 30th, 2024 with the Finale on July 9th, 2024.
  • Classes are held Tuesdays 2:00 pm- 5:00 pm
  • All classes are virtual via Zoom
  • Coaching sessions are held either Wednesday or Thursday at 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, or 3:00 pm.
  • The winner (s) of the Final Pitch Competition will take home up to $10,000!
  • Take home $1,000 for successfully completing the TechCelerator course!

Erie TechCelerator Graduation & Pitch Event!

Join us in celebrating eight groundbreaking, Erie County based startup companies who have completed the intensive 10-week Erie TechCelerator.

Witness the culmination of months of hard work and dedication as eight Erie County-based startup companies showcase their innovative ideas and pitch their business concepts to a panel of judges. These entrepreneurs have undergone intensive coaching and mentorship to refine their business models, develop comprehensive pitch decks, and prepare for potential funding opportunities.

Date: March 20, 2024
Time: 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: 5240 Knowledge Parkway, Erie, PA 16510

FREE to attend and following there will be networking, complimentary beverages, and food!

Launch Your Startup with Ben Franklin’s TechCelerator!

Ben Franklin’s TechCelerator is offering local entrepreneurs, grad students, professors, and university researchers a 10-week business boot camp to help take the first step in launching your startup.

Throughout the 10-week program, you’ll be able to explore the likelihood of success, discuss your business model and financials with experts, expand your network, engage with other entrepreneurs, and develop a pitch deck for funding opportunities.

The TechCelerator boot camp involves weekly group sessions with content experts and a weekly one-on-one session with your mentor to discuss individual needs. The goal of the program is to provide a framework that will enable you to have the information needed to decide if it’s the right time to start your business.

At the end of the 10 weeks, you’ll have a pitch presentation that will position your business to take the first step toward funding. You’ll have a chance to test your presentation skills at the final session by pitching before a group of judges who will award up to $10,000 to participants.

All About the Ben Franklin TechCelerator Experience

Classes are once per week for 10 weeks. You will also have a 1-hour one-on-one coaching session per week.

This program is offered at NO COST to entrepreneurs in the following counties: Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Cumberland, Dauphin, Elk, Erie, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, McKean, Mercer, Mifflin, Perry, Potter, Somerset, Venango, Warren, and York.

  • You are located in Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Cumberland, Dauphin, Elk, Erie, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, McKean, Mercer, Mifflin, Perry, Potter, Somerset, Venango, Warren, or York county.
  • You have not previously received Ben Franklin funding or a cash prize from the BIG IDEA Contest

While cohorts range in size, there are usually 6-8 finalists selected per TechCelerator.

Participation in the TechCelerator will require 5-10 hours per week, so make sure you’re ready to commit.

This is a remote course, utilizing Canvas Learning System and Zoom.

  • Business Model Overview
  • Who’s your Customer? What’s your market?
  • What’s your Value Proposition
  • Customer Relationships – Get/Keep/Grow
  • Basic Financials – Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow
  • Estimating Operating & Startup Costs
  • Revenue/Pricing/Costs
  • Funding Options
  • Basic Legal – Business Structure & Ownership

Questions?

If you have questions about the TechCelerator, please fill out the form below.

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