TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Cohort 3 Showcases Innovative Startups During Final Presentations The latest cohort of TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty celebrated their entrepreneurial journey with a final presentation event held at Marywood University on Wednesday, December 11. Surrounded by local funders, dignitaries, family, and friends, the participants demonstrated the progress of their innovative business ventures developed during the 10-week program. TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty, operated by The Greater Scranton Chamber entrepreneurship and incubator program, IGNITE, in partnership with Lackawanna County, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and tecBRIDGE aims to cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Lackawanna County by empowering tech-based startups with the tools and support needed to succeed. “You are pioneers,” Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan told the entrepreneurs. “By daring to bring your ideas to life, you are not only shaping your own futures but also the future of our community. Your hard work, creativity, and determination embody the entrepreneurial spirit that will drive Lackawanna County forward in the years to come.” Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber, echoed this sentiment, “TechCelerator is a perfect example of what can happen when public and private interests come together. Under this program, the concerted efforts of the Lackawanna County Commissioners, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, tecBRIDGE, and The Chamber have now given a total of 23 individuals and business partners the opportunity to pursue their dreams of business ownership.” This third cohort featured a diverse group of entrepreneurs, each with a unique vision to address real-world challenges: Don McGowan, The Cusp Club John George, CrasherConnect Eric Farrell, EZ Fantasy Sports Veronica LaRocque, Grow with L.E.A.R.N. LLC Fred Aebli, GetMeCoding.com Justin Byrd, SelfServeMenu.com Joel DeCarli, Apex Innovations Bill Booth, trasectory The program provided participants with access to expert mentors, business development resources, and networking opportunities to refine their business plans and pitches. The event culminated in powerful presentations that highlighted each entrepreneur’s vision and progress. The Greater Scranton Chamber and The County are committed to supporting two more cohorts of entrepreneurs who dream of owning and operating their own businesses in the region.
The Third TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Cohort Selects Eight Participants The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Lackawanna County, and Ben Franklin Technology Partners of NEPA are proud to announce the start of the third cohort and participants of TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty. “The mission of The Chamber is to attract, sustain, and grow business in our region. TechCelerator @Lackawanna is a perfect example of how together with Lackawanna County and Ben Franklin Technology Partners. We are providing an entrepreneurial ecosystem to nurture the growth of small businesses in our region,” shared Bob Durkin. In another round of competitive application process, eight new participants were chosen. All eight were selected for their unique for-profit, tech-based business ideas, commitment to completing the 10-week program, and creating a company and jobs based in Lackawanna County. The eight participants are Don McGowan and Arena-X; John George and CrasherCon; Eric Farrell and EZ Fantasy Sports; Veronica LaRocque and Grow With L.E.A.R.N LLC; Fred Aebli and IT Corps, Inc.; Justin Byrd and Machi-System, LLC DBA SelfServeMenu.com; Joel DeCarli and The Job Box; and Bill Booth and Treasectory. “TechCelerator is a great way to help keep our local talent at home,” Commissioner Matt McGloin added. “We welcome and commend the latest group of prospective entrepreneurs to the program, knowing that their ideas and energy will help to expand and diversify the economy, and inspire others to follow their lead.” The third cohort starts on Wednesday, October 2, at the Chamber’s TekRidge Center in the Jessup Small Business Park. Participants will walk away with solid networking skills and a foundational understanding of finances, marketing, business strategy, and more. Those who successfully meet the requirements will be eligible for up to $10,000 on select start-up reimbursement of business expenses, which will assist the participants in launching their venture.
TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Open Applications The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Lackawanna County announce that applications are open for a third cohort of TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty this fall. The program is powered by Lackawanna County, the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA, The Chamber, and its affiliate program, IGNITE. TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty is a 10-week, in-person experience in which participants can access mentors, educational resources, and subject matter experts on business formation strategies, customer discovery, marketing, financial planning, and risk management. The goal of the ten weeks is to build, share, and pitch their early-stage start-ups. “We are proud to be partners in the TechCelerator project with the Chamber and the Ben Franklin Technology Partners because we understand that small businesses are the economic backbone of Lackawanna County,” Commissioner Bill Gaughan said. “We also know that technology is dynamic, and that the world of technology-based start-ups is highly competitive. TechCelerator is a great tool for local entrepreneurs to learn what they need to know to compete, and to germinate their ideas.” Previous TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty programs have helped 15 entrepreneurs gain traction toward achieving their American dreams. In this third cohort, eight more can experience the same resources and excitement “We have continued to build a vibrant entrepreneurial infrastructure throughout Lackawanna County under the Chamber IGNITE program at the Scranton Enterprise Center, Jessup TekRidge Center, and the Carbondale Technology Transfer Center—in concert with a host of outstanding public and private sector partners who share the vision of growing new businesses with the talent we have right here in our region,” shared Bob Durkin. TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty is a competitive application process. All Lackawanna County residents with tech, for-profit business, or early start-up ideas are encouraged to apply”-please include that start-up businesses registered in Lackawanna County are included, not just Lackawanna County residents. To apply, visit ScrantonChamber.com and look for TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty under events. Applications close on Tuesday, September 10.
The Second TechCelerator Cohort Selects the Eight Participants The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Lackawanna County, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of NEPA, The Chamber’s IGNITE program, and tecBRIDGE announce the start of the second cohort and participants of TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty. “We are really excited to again partner with Lackawanna County, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of NEPA, and tecBRIDGE on this initiative that opens the door for aspiring entrepreneurs to advance their dreams of business ownership,” shares Bob Durkin, president and CEO of The Chamber. In another round of competitive application process, eight new participants were chosen. All eight were selected for their unique for-profit, tech-based business ideas, commitment to completing the 10-week program, and creating a company and jobs based in Lackawanna County. The eight participants are: BarBase, INAS (I Need a Speaker), KM Arms, NEPA Lifestyle, Rentchexx, LLC, STAIPUT, The Brian Trust, and Washboard. The second cohort started on Tuesday, October 3, at the Chamber’s TekRidge Center in the Jessup Small Business Park. Participants will walk away with solid networking skills and a foundational understanding of finances, marketing, business strategy, and more. For those who successfully meet the requirements, $10,000 reimbursement of business expenses will assist the participants in launching their venture. PHOTO: Front Row from Left to Right: Don Webster, Executive Director of tecBRIDGE & TechCelerator @ Lackawanna County Program Administrator; Larry Puleo, TechCelerator @ Lackawanna County Program Instructor; Paul Capoccia, TechCelerator Participant; Robert Durkin, CEO and president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Chris Chermak, Lackawanna County Commissioner; Frank Sorokach, TechCelerator Participant; Michael Smitchell, TechCelerator Participant; Aileen Exeter, TechCelerator Participant; Nick Rosati, TechCelerator Participant; Brianna Florovito, IGNITE program manager; Back Row from Left to Right: Ken Okrepkie, Regional Manager for Ben Franklin Technology Partners of NEPA; Austin Dembesky, TechCelerator Participant
