“Accelerate” Your Tech-Based Business Ideas !

March 17, 2011 - PRLog -- CARLISLE, PA – Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern Pennsylvania and the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) are inviting eligible, new start-ups to become part of the Ben Franklin TechCelerator, a new, one-on-one business support service program for emerging tech-based companies located in or near Carlisle, PA

The TechCelerator is a designated, shared workspace and boot camp located within the HRC-CREDC Business Incubator in Carlisle.  Start-up companies and entrepreneurs chosen to participate in the program will each receive $1,000 in a seed account to get them started on fully developing their business concept.

Business mentoring from Ben Franklin’s Transformation Business Services Network, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and Incubator personnel will be available at no cost for 60 days.  Those who successfully complete the program will be able to compete for $10,000 to jump start their venture, and will have the opportunity to pitch their business idea to a panel of investors.

Weekly group sessions on topics such as Finance 101, Making Elevator Pitches, and How to Approach Your Banker will be offered.  In addition, successful entrepreneurs and area business leaders will make presentations on how to start and grow a successful small business.  Standard incubator offerings such as conference room space, Internet connectivity, copy/fax machines and a library resource center will also be available.  

To apply http://cnp.benfranklin.org/programs-services/techcelerator or contact
Pam Martin at Pmartin@muratabusinesscenter.com / 717-249-2356  

Pam Martin, the Executive Director of the Ben Franklin TechCelerator Program commented, “In the past ten years, Ben Franklin has funded or assisted more than 100 companies in the South Central region of the state. We’re proud of our results and hope that this new effort at the location in Carlisle will create a significant amount of new start-up activity in the region.”

Go to http://www.cnp.benfranklin.org for details on the Ben Franklin Program in Central and Northern Pennsylvania.


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About the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC)

The Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), the economic development arm of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber, is the leading organization for promoting and performing economic development activities in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties. The Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC serves as a catalyst for promoting growth and quality of life in the region by providing a unique blend of business, community and economic development, and advocacy services under one roof to boost our economic vitality and liveability as a region.

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About Ben Franklin Technology Partners
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 for a listing of satellite offices.