Ben Franklin Program Partners with Murata Business Center

Feb. 3, 2011 - PRLog -- CARLISLE, PA – Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern Pennsylvania and the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation are announcing the Ben Franklin TechCelerator Program; a one-on-one business support service program for the companies housed in the Murata Business Center.  

Located in Carlisle, PA, the Murata Business Center which is owned and operated by the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) is a business incubator serving the region.  See www.muratabusinesscenter.com

The facility which can house up to 28 small companies is now also providing its existing tenants the opportunity to utilize, at no cost, the business knowledge and mentoring services provided by the Ben Franklin Program. In addition, the Program offers access to Ben Franklin's investment capital and entrepreneurial development networks.

In the past ten years, Ben Franklin has funded or assisted more than 100 companies in the South Central region of the state.  See http://www.cnp.benfranklin.org

New clients engaged in start-up activity will have the chance to become part of the TechCelerator Zone – a dedicated area in the facility that allows a company to work on their business concept, with the help of Ben Franklin and the Murata staff, for up to 60 days.  Each new participant in the TechCelerator Zone will be encouraged to use the allotted time to grow a good idea into a workable business plan.  

Pam Martin, the Executive Director of the Ben Franklin TechCelerator Program, commented, “The Obama administration has announced the launch of the StartUP America Partnership, which is part of the president’s strategy to encourage innovation and expand mentorship programs for entrepreneurs. We believe our new program at Murata fits in perfectly with President Obama’s plan and hope our efforts will result in a host of new start-up activity in the region.”

David Black, President of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC, added, “The presence of the Ben Franklin staff right on-site creates an incredible value-added impact for our clients and potential clients – whether they decide to locate in the facility or not.  Business mentoring services are critical to the success of start-ups, but are often viewed as a luxury that many emerging companies simply cannot afford. One of our over-arching strategies is new business development, and we are pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to our Murata-based entrepreneurs.”

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Ben Franklin Technology Partners/CNP, an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority, provides operational assistance, entrepreneurial support, and investment capital to emerging tech-based companies and small, existing manufacturers for the purpose of creating and retaining jobs in Pennsylvania. Contact the main office of Ben Franklin in University Park at (814) 863-4559 or see our website at www.cnp.benfranklin.org