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 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