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.
The Mont Alto LaunchBox will provide inspiration and education for entrepreneurs this spring with relevant workshops and a Lunch and Learn at the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce. Start Up Week is scheduled in April where panelists will discuss the steps it takes to launch a business ideas into the marketplace. Save the date to compete or attend the Third Annual LION Tank Competition, March 4. Registration for LaunchBox workshops, services, and LION Tank™ is available online: see navigation to the left or below!
Spring Entrepreneur Workshop Series
Reserve your seats for one or all of these great free sessions!
- February 27, 2020 “What Does It take to be an Entrepreneur”
- April 23, 2020 "Business One-Stop Shop"
Mont Alto LaunchBox LION Tank™
On March 4 in the General Studies building Auditorium from 6:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Penn State Mont Alto, the Mont Alto LaunchBox will host its third annual micro-grant pitch competition — a “Shark-Tank-like competition — when the top two competitors will be awarded mini-grants of $1,000 to $1,500, get one year’s access to the Mont Alto LaunchBox facility, and receive additional services to help launch their products into the marketplace. The deadline to submit proposals is Feburary 21.
Lunch and Learn
The Mont Alto LaunchBox will host this Lunch and Learn at the Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce on March 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The two-part panel of speakers include discussions about funding resources available and what qualities it takes to own your own business, and other entrepreneurship ideas. Mike Ross, President, FCDAC and John Rotz, retired banking executive will to discuss funding opportunities. Kristen Laidig, author, entrepreneur, and owner of InterACT, LLC, parent company to Chambersburg's Nerdvana Outpost and Kathyrn Gratton Kathyrn Gratton, Certified Small Business Mentor and the Communications & Marketing Director for SCORE Mid-Maryland and the Founder & Chief Strategic Officer for her business, Red Lips Mentor will talk about what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Registration for this Lunch and Learn can be completed at the Chamber's website.
Start Up Week Panel Discussion
To be hosted in the Heritage Room of the Mill Cafe on Mont Alto campus on March 30, 2020. Details in progress.