It’s a good time to start up.
From accelerator programs, to legal advice, to coworking space, we’re here to help.
For entrepreneurs
Located at the Penn State Lehigh Valley campus in Center Valley, we are the hub connecting Lehigh Valley entrepreneurs to the support, resources, and facilities they need to build a sustainable and scalable business with a viable plan for growth. By centralizing our no-cost services, we help entrepreneurs avoid the common mistakes startups often face and enable them to focus their time on growing their business.
- Business accelerator program
- Microgrants
- Coworking space
- Legal and intellectual property services
- Business advice and mentorship
- Mastermind Program
Accelerator & Microgrant Program
Lehigh Valley Launchbox (LVLB) is an early-stage business accelerator program for entrepreneurs. It propels business concepts into startup companies with:
- Microgrants awarded annually
- Free coworking space in downtown Allentown
- Access to PSU Legal and Intellectual Property Services
- Ongoing education and programming
- Business development resources
- A safety net of advisors
Application for Penn State Lehigh Valley LaunchBox 2020 Virtual StartUp Bootcamp
Do you have an idea that you would like to turn into a scalable business but are not sure how to proceed?
Join us for our 2020 Lehigh Valley LaunchBox (LVLB) Virtual StartUp Bootcamp and we’ll help you build an actionable business plan.
The LVLB Bootcamp will run for six weeks with the optional seventh week reserved for individual practice pitch coaching sessions. Program starts on Wednesday, August 26th. All classes will run from 6:00-8:00pm. Classes will be virtual and hosted using the Zoom platform and will include instruction as well as workshops/breakout sessions.
Participants are encouraged to attend all 6 classes and will be required to attend a minimum of 4. Participation in this Bootcamp is by application only. Applications must be received by August 10th. Accepted applicants will be notified by August 17, 2020. No affiliation with Penn State University is required. Applications are welcomed from any Pennsylvania-based entrepreneur. There is no fee to attend this program. Participants will be encouraged to apply for PSU-LV LaunchBox grants which will be awarded during the StartUp LV competition on November 4th, 2020.
For Bootcamp application please contact Janel Hanna @ Janelhanna@psu.edu
Participants will also have access to:
Join us for our 2020 Lehigh Valley LaunchBox (LVLB) Virtual StartUp Bootcamp and we’ll help you build an actionable business plan.
The LVLB Bootcamp will run for six weeks with the optional seventh week reserved for individual practice pitch coaching sessions. Program starts on Wednesday, August 26th. All classes will run from 6:00-8:00pm. Classes will be virtual and hosted using the Zoom platform and will include instruction as well as workshops/breakout sessions.
Participants are encouraged to attend all 6 classes and will be required to attend a minimum of 4. Participation in this Bootcamp is by application only. Applications must be received by August 10th. Accepted applicants will be notified by August 17, 2020. No affiliation with Penn State University is required. Applications are welcomed from any Pennsylvania-based entrepreneur. There is no fee to attend this program. Participants will be encouraged to apply for PSU-LV LaunchBox grants which will be awarded during the StartUp LV competition on November 4th, 2020.
For Bootcamp application please contact Janel Hanna @ Janelhanna@psu.edu
Participants will also have access to:
- 1:1 coaching support
- Free access to legal support
- Access to extensive network of advisors
- Participation in future Mastermind programs
- Free co-working space
Coworking Space
Lehigh Valley LaunchBox microgrant recipients have access to coworking space at Velocity in downtown Allentown.
Find an inviting space to work or book a conference room or training room. You will also find 24-7 access to the building, wi-fi, a kitchenette, and a lounge.
Penn State Law Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic
Provides a variety of free legal services related to startups.
Penn State Law Intellectual Property Clinic
Provides entrepreneurs free assistance to determine if they have intellectual property and how to protect it.
Dickinson Law’s “Inside Entrepreneurship Law” Blog
INSIDE ENTREPRENEURSHIP LAW blog provides information on relevant topics for entrepreneurs and their counsel.
Ongoing Programming
Lehigh Valley LaunchBox Ladies Speaker Series
A conversational event series focusing on the unique challenges and victories of female entrepreneurs. Using interviews, video, and interactive presentations, invited speakers will share with students and the community their personal experiences running a successful business.
Teen Entrepreneur Challenge
COVID-19 UPDATE:
DUE TO THE PANDEMIC, THIS SUMMER PROGRAM FOR TEENS WILL BE OFFERED AS A VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE. JOIN US FOR THE 2020 TEEN ENTREPRENEUR CHALLENGE: ENGINEERING PUBLIC HEALTH SOLUTIONS.
Our Teen Entrepreneur Challenge (TEC) empowers rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to be successful business owners.
Our Teen Entrepreneur Challenge (TEC) empowers rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to be successful business owners.
- Learn key strategies for starting a business and developing an entrepreneurial spirit
- Programming at Penn State Lehigh Valley and the Perkiomen School, with field trips to area businesses for real-world experiences
- Housing at the Perkiomen School in air-conditioned dorms and use of the Innovation Center for 3D virtual reality, additive manufacturing, computer design, and rapid prototyping
- Camp culminates in a “Shark Tank” style team pitch competition to a panel of judges
- Receive a 50 percent discount on transferable college credits for camp participation through the optional dual-enrollment program (not offered for 2020 virtual program)
The Council for Retail and Sales
Formed to be the leading authority on issues facing the retail and sales industries, the Council for Retail and Sales (CRS) facilitates the needs of businesses on the movement of goods and services to end users by developing students, academics and professionals, and educating organizations on how best to meet their sales goals.
Meet the Experts Speaker Series
Each event in this speaker series addresses an important topic in the retail and sales professions and features a panel of subject matter experts.
47
Startups Graduated
$128k+
Awards
750+
LaunchBox Ladies Participants
1.6
Million+ PA Jobs Supported by Retail
news & events
‘LaunchBox Ladies’: Female entrepreneurs to share personal journeys June 6
June 5, 2019
Lehigh Valley LaunchBox continues its educational event series focusing on the unique challenges and victories of female entrepreneurs called “LaunchBox Ladies: From Passion to Profit” with a program on Thursday, June 6. This event "toasts" three of the female Lehigh Valley...
Penn State Lehigh Valley announces 2019 Teen Entrepreneur Challenge
June 5, 2019
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Creative collaboration fuels innovation, and the Teen Entrepreneur Challenge (TEC) is poised to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. Offered by Penn State Lehigh Valley, Lehigh Valley LaunchBox, and Perkiomen School, the 10-day summer camp is...
Meet the Experts event focuses on the changing landscape of the food industry
June 12, 2019
The Council for Retail and Sales (CRS) held its first Meet the Experts event at Factory in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on April 25. This first event focused on the "Changing Landscape of the Food Industry" and featured a panel of experts from various...
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