A $10,000 grant could spark an entrepreneurial dream

Scranton, PA — A business idea in Lackawanna County could lead to $10,000.

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce has announced a new entrepreneurial program called TechCelerator @Lackawanna County: a collaborative effort of Lackawanna County, the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA, TecBRIDGE, and the Chamber. The goal is to inspire entrepreneurs with early-stage, tech-based ideas to start a small business in Lackawanna County. Businesses that complete the program requirements will receive $10,000 in grant funding to offset their start-up costs.

“Lackawanna County is thrilled to help facilitate the funding for entrepreneurs to see their dreams get started right in our county. Individuals who are even considering starting a tech-base business should apply to the TechCelerator @Lackwanna County program. Our goal is to see our community’s base diversify and new businesses be successful from start to finish in their entrepreneurial journey,” shared Jerry Notarianni, Chairman of the County Commissioners.

TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty is a ten-week in-person experience where participants have access to formal mentors, educational opportunities, and access to subject matter experts on topics like business formation strategies, customer discovery, marketing, financial planning, and risk management. The result of the ten weeks is to build, share, and present a business plan for their early-stage companies. The program will be presented in collaboration with the Small Business Development Center, Carbondale Technology Transfer Center, The Penn State Scranton Launchbox, and the Lackawanna College Venture Lab.

“Supporting entrepreneurship is at the core of the Chamber’s mission: to Attract, Sustain and, in this case, Grow in our region. This is a natural extension of our ongoing efforts to assist business start-ups through the IGNITE program, where our regional network of partners is working together to provide the platform for entrepreneurial success,” says Robert Durkin, President of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce

Hoping to ignite the county’s entrepreneurial spirit again, this unique program may very well change the participants’ worlds with $10,000. “One of the hardest parts of starting a business is taking the initial step to do it,” said Brianna Florovito from the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce affiliate, IGNITE. She continues, “[…] the TechCelerator program was created to walk entrepreneurs through the steps they need to take to establish their businesses and then provide them with the funding to grow.”

The TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty is a competitive application process. All with ideas or early start-ups are encouraged to submit applications but not all will be selected to participate. To apply, visit the Chamber’s affiliate, IGNITE website at IGNITE.ScrantonChamber.com.

Applications are due by January 16. To apply, visit IGNITE.ScrantonChamber.com and look for TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty.

About The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.