WINNERS OF THE 2024
TECHCELERATOR
Are you a local entrepreneur, grad student, professor, or university researcher with a brilliant startup idea? Ben Franklin’s TechCelerator invites you to embark on a transformative 10-week business boot camp designed to help you take the first crucial step in launching your startup.
Applications will open back up in 2025.
Classes are held virtual via Zoom on Tuesdays 2:00 pm- 5:00 pm
Coaching sessions are held either Wednesday or Thursday at 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, or 3:30 pm.
Eight entrepreneurial teams are currently in the process of completing the boot camp and will be virtually presenting their business ideas and concepts to a panel of judges for a chance to win up to $10,000 to help launch their startup!
When: December 3, 2024, from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Zoom Webinar
During the 10-week program, you’ll dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship, exploring the likelihood of success for your venture. The program offers you the chance to discuss your business model and financials with experts, expand your professional network, engage with fellow entrepreneurs, and craft a compelling pitch deck for potential funding opportunities.
Connect with content experts and fellow participants in interactive group sessions.
Receive personalized guidance to address your unique needs and challenges.
You’ll learn best practices to create a pitch deck, positioning you for future funding opportunities.
You’ll pitch your business concept to a group of judges who will award up to $10,000!
Join us at TechCelerator and let’s kickstart your entrepreneurial journey. Apply for our program and start your path to startup success.
The primary objective of this program is to equip you with the knowledge and insights necessary to make informed decisions about your startup journey. By the end of the 10 weeks, you’ll have a powerful pitch presentation ready to position your business for the next phase – securing funding.
The culmination of the program is a pitch presentation where you’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and vision. You’ll present before a panel of judges who may award up to $10,000 to deserving participants, providing a valuable boost to your startup.
Join us at TechCelerator and let’s kickstart your entrepreneurial journey. Apply for our program and start your path to startup success
TechCelerator is open to local entrepreneurs, grad students, professors, and university researchers.
You must be located in Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton,, Crawford, 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
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.
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
At the end of the program, participants have the opportunity to pitch their startups before a panel of judges who may award up to $10,000 in funding.
Firefighting Innovations: Franklin was instrumental in improving fire safety in Philadelphia. He organized the Union Fire Company in 1736, one of the first volunteer firefighting companies in America. He also invented a number of firefighting tools and techniques, including the Franklin stove’s design, which helped prevent fires by containing flames more effectively.
200 Innovation Boulevard
Suite 150, State College, PA 16803
The Ben Franklin Technology Partners is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and is funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.
Ben Franklin Technology Partners/CNP actively seeks the value brought by diversity in entrepreneurship and business. We welcome participation by all in our investments, programs and services, and we strive for inclusiveness of all in interactions with our team, our clients and our prospects. Like our namesake, we embrace the uniqueness of the individual regardless of their background, personal history or path to us
We encourage those with disabilities to participate in our programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please phone our central office at 814-863-4558 in advance of your participation or visit.
All Ben Franklin information is available in alternative media upon request.
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