TechCelerator

WINNERS OF THE 2024
TECHCELERATOR

's name is represented in smaller black text beside it. The overall design conveys innovation, creativity, technological development and support for entrepreneurial ventures.

Launch Your Startup with Ben Franklin’s TechCelerator

The winner(s) of the Final Pitch Competition will take home up to $10,000!

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.

Upcoming
TechCelerator​

Applications due: September 13, 2024
Class begins: September 24, 2024
Finale: December 3, 2024

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.

Techcelerator
Graduation & Pitch Event

Graduation : December 3, 2024

Check back soon for event details!

WINNERS OF THE 2019
TECHCELERATOR

What to Expect

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.

Weekly Group Sessions

Connect with content experts and fellow participants in interactive group sessions.

Weekly One-on-One Mentorship

Receive personalized guidance to address your unique needs and challenges.

CRAFTING A PITCH DECK

You’ll learn best practices to create a pitch deck, positioning you for future funding opportunities.

PITCHING FOR FUNDING

You’ll pitch your business concept to a group of judges who will award up to $10,000!

Ready to Take the First Step? 

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

Frequently
Asked
Questions

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.

Ben Facts!

Ben Facts!

DID YOU KNOW?

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.

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