news & events

SHARON, Pa. — The Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community along with eight other Penn State LaunchBoxes across Pennsylvania are accepting applications for the Fall 2026 Idea TestLab, a free, four-week virtual accelerator for people exploring new business ideas. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. Idea TestLab is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who have identified a potential business idea or problem they want to solve but have not yet determined whether there is a viable market for it. Participants will learn how to test their assumptions, identify and interview potential customers, evaluate existing alternatives,...

SHARON, Pa. – The Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community, along with the City of Sharon and the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, have announced the three local businesses who will receive a total of $95,000 in grant funding awarded through the Sharon Economic Development Fund. The businesses receiving funding are: Allie’s Sweet Tooth CycleLife Studio Sharon Community Development Corporation (SCDC) Each business completed the application process on the Shenango LaunchBox website and gave a funding pitch to the Grant Selection Committee in May. “These businesses have all shown a commitment to sustainable growth and are...

SHARON, Pa. – The Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community, along with the City of Sharon and the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, have announced the eight local businesses who will receive a total of $150,000 in inaugural grant funding awarded through the Sharon Economic Development Fund.  The businesses receiving funding are:  Early Explorers Montessori Preschool   Evolve Training  ICG Hobbies & Games   In Bloom Preschool   JCL Development   The Thrift Room   The Wandering Soul: Books, Gifts & Furniture  Warehouse Sales  Each business completed the application process on the Shenango LaunchBox website and gave a funding pitch to the...

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Entrepreneurs will have a chance to test out their ideas at the 2025 Idea TestLab, sponsored by the Penn State Beaver, Harrisburg, Mont Alto, New Kensington (The Corner), Shenango and York LaunchBoxes. Applications are being accepted now through March 17​ for this free, five-week, virtual accelerator. Entrepreneurs will learn more about exploring the viability of their business ideas, identifying their target customers and refining their business models. The partnership among Penn State campuses gives participants the opportunity to connect with startups across Pennsylvania and access a diverse network of successful industry coaches, mentors and small business resource...

SHARON, Pa. — Recent Penn State Shenango graduate Gianna Effinite, a corporate communication major, was one of the inaugural interns at the Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community during the spring 2024 semester. Gianna discusses her experience at the LaunchBox, as well as lessons learned, and how her Penn State Shenango classes helped prepare her for success in this role. Begin Q&A: Q: What are your roles at the LaunchBox, and what are some of the projects you're involved with? A: The roles I had at the LaunchBox were coordinating meetings and running them with clients. I also...