news & events

SHARON, Pa. — As a former professional triathlete and a current professional endurance coach, Amy Javens is always looking for the next challenge to conquer. After she retired from competing in triathlons in 2018, she started looking for a new goal to pursue, and decided to open a cycling fitness studio in her hometown of Sharon, Pennsylvania. Over the past six years, she has developed a solid customer base, culture and staff at CycleLife Studio. “Athletic training and the mental training you need to do when you run a small business are so similar,” said Javens, who was recently named head coach...

SHARON, Pa. — Penn State Shenango senior Alex Davis, a business marketing and management major, is one of the inaugural interns at the Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community during the spring 2024 semester. Alex discusses his experience at the LaunchBox, as well as lessons learned, and how his Penn State Shenango classes helped prepare him 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: I would say my primary role at LaunchBox is to reach out to clients who contact...

SHARON, PA – The Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community has teamed up with the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern Pennsylvania to offer a series of brown bag events designed to help tech-based startups in the region.  The “Meet Ben” Sessions will be held on the third Wednesday of each month, beginning Feb. 21 through July 17 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and will include discussions with Brian Slawin, portfolio manager at Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and other special guest speakers. As a bonus feature, attendees have the opportunity to schedule one-on-one sessions with Brian. Each...

SHARON, PA – Entrepreneurs will have a chance to learn and test out their ideas at the 2024 Idea TestLab, sponsored by the Shenango, Harrisburg, Mont Alto and York LaunchBoxes.   Applications are being accepted now through January 23, 2024, for this free, four-week, virtual accelerator designed to help very early-stage entrepreneurs determine the viability of their business idea. It is important to note that, even though the stated application deadline is January 23, interested individuals should apply as soon as possible as admissions are rolling and applications will close as soon as the cohort is filled, which could be earlier than...

SHARON, Pa. — The City of Sharon and the Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community have jointly opened the grant application process for local entrepreneurs and businesses to request resources from the Sharon Economic Development Fund. Letters of intent, the first step in the application process, are accepted on a rolling basis. Last year, two endowments totaling $4 million were introduced by Penn State and the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, with the support of the Sharon community, to increase economic development in the region. The endowments established the Shenango LaunchBox, as well as the Sharon...