Shenango LaunchBox announces “Meet Ben” Sessions available for technology-based startups in Mercer County

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 session will be at the Shenango LaunchBox at 115 Anson Way in Sharon, unless otherwise noted. 

“’Meet Ben’ is a very popular program where we get to overview a particular entrepreneurial topic and then have one-on-one discussions with entrepreneurs in support of their vision,” Slawin said. “Entrepreneurship is expanding throughout the Penn State University footprint, and all of us at Ben Franklin are excited to partner with the Shenango LaunchBox.” 

Ben Franklin Technology Partners, the largest seed investor in the region, is an initiative of the PA Department of Community & Economic Development and funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority, and has been providing investment capital, business support services, and operational assistance to emerging tech-startups and small manufacturers for nearly 40 years. 

“Relationships in our entrepreneurial ecosystem are so important to maximizing impact through true collaboration,” said Shenango LaunchBox Project Coordinator Tom Roberts. “Taking time for lunch will do exactly that by leveraging the regional assets and help entrepreneurs connect with funding and learn about the path to success.”  

“Meet Ben” Sessions: 

• Feb. 21 – Networking 101 with special guest Courtney Steding 
• March 20 – Building a Proforma with special guest Jennifer Wingard (alternate location: Grove City College) 
• April 17 – How to Pitch an Investor with special guest Julie Bratton 
• May 15 – Starting a Startup 
• June 19 – The Importance of Customer Delivery 
• July 17 – How Startup Funding Works with special guest Jordan Fuller 

For more information and to register for a “Meet Ben” Session, visit https://shenango.launchbox.psu.edu/meet-ben/.  

Learn more about Ben Franklin Technology Partners at cnp.benfranklin.org    

Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community provides early-stage startups with support and resources they need to build a sustainable and scalable business and a viable plan for growth. No-cost programs and services include coworking space, accelerator programs, free legal and intellectual property advice, and expert mentorships from Penn State’s extensive network. LaunchBox is open to everyone – community members and those affiliated with Penn State. Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community is a signature program of the Invent Penn State initiative and one of 21 innovation hubs located in Penn State campus communities across Pennsylvania. Learn more at launchbox.psu.edu. 

This project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development.