Launchbox Events
The Mont Alto LaunchBox ― one of 21 innovation hubs in the Commonwealth ― is part of Invent Penn State, a broader Penn State initiative to promote entrepreneurship and innovation across the Commonwealth.
The idea is to offer free services to entrepreneurs in communities around the Commonwealth to help them start and grow businesses that will drive economic development in their communities. Services include legal and patent advice, co-working space, mentorship to help de-risk and accelerate startups, entrepreneur development workshops, and connection to micro grants and other resources. The Mont Alto LaunchBox opened in early 2018.
Penn State Startup Week
On Monday, April 3, 2019, Penn State Mont Alto will host a LaunchBox Panel Discussion, “What does it take to be an entrepreneur?” 12:20 p.m. to 1:10 p.m., Heritage Room, Mill Café. Join Chancellor Francis K. Achampong and Mont Alto LaunchBox Advisory Council members Kathyrn Gratton, SCORE certified small business mentor and Arts Alliance of Greater Waynesboro (AAGW) executive director; Kristen Laidig, author, entrepreneur, and owner of InterACT, LLC, parent company to Chambersburg’s Toy Box Gifts & Wonder and Nerdvana Outpost; and Mike Unruh, Shippensburg Small Business Development Center executive director, in a panel discussion about what it takes to be an entrepreneur.
This event is offered in conjunction with Penn State Startup Week April 1 - 4, a week-long celebration of ingenuity and inspiration.
Global Entrepreneurship Week
On Wednesday, November 14, 2018 the campus hosted the Entrepreneurship Forum, from 12:20 - 1:10 p.m. in Wiestling Hall. This event included three Penn State students who have successfully started businesses from Invent Penn State / Happy Valley LaunchBox. The event was free of charge and open to the public. Community members, aspiring entrepreneurs, business leaders, and government and economic development officials attended.
The forum was held in conjunction with Penn State’s Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 12 - 18).