Announcing:
StartUp Lehigh Valley Entrepreneur Pitch Competition
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
Idea TestLab
Have a business idea? Figure out how to turn it into a viable business. Idea TestLab is a "customer discovery" deep-dive designed to help you better understand the customer problem you're trying to solve and how to provide value in a differentiated way. No affiliation with Penn State is required for participation. Applications are welcomed from any Pennsylvania-based entrepreneur. Idea TestLab is free to participants and takes no equity. Participants must be 18 years of age or older to apply.
- 6 Week startup virtual accelerator
- 1:1 coaching support
- Final elevator pitch competition
- Continued support after program competition
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 free PSU Legal and Intellectual Property Services
- Ongoing education and programming
- Business development resources
- A safety net of advisors
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.
LaunchBox Ladies
A conversational speaker 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, THE SUMMER 2021 PROGRAM WAS OFFERED AS A VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE.
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
- Virtual program learning real-world experiences from local companies
- 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 2021 virtual program)
news & events
March 19, 2021
Lehigh Valley LaunchBox (LVLB) partnered with Factory, LLC on StartUp Lehigh Valley in November 2020 where ten entrepreneurs, selected to participate through an application process, presented a virtual, two-minute live pitch with their business ideas to the panel of judges...
February 3, 2021
Lehigh Valley LaunchBox (LVLB) partnered with Factory, LLC on StartUp Lehigh Valley in November where ten entrepreneurs, selected to participate through an application process, presented a virtual, two-minute live pitch with their business ideas to the panel of judges and virtual audience in a...
February 2, 2021
Lehigh Valley LaunchBox (LVLB) partnered with Factory, LLC on StartUp Lehigh Valley in November where ten entrepreneurs, selected to participate through an application process, presented a virtual, two-minute live pitch with their business ideas to the panel of judges and virtual audience...
January 13, 2021
Lehigh Valley LaunchBox (LVLB) partnered with Factory, LLC on StartUp Lehigh Valley in November where ten entrepreneurs, selected to participate through an application process, presented a virtual, two-minute live pitch with their business ideas to the panel of judges and virtual audience in a lively...
February 3, 2021
Lehigh Valley LaunchBox (LVLB) partnered with Factory, LLC on StartUp Lehigh Valley in November where ten entrepreneurs, selected to participate through an application process, presented a virtual, two-minute live pitch with their business ideas to the panel of judges and virtual audience...
August 25, 2020
After more than 20 years of working for large companies, Ceceilia Jackson had the confidence to leave the corporate world and follow her love of chips! Jackson recently opened her own business, Cece J’s Snacks, with the help of Lehigh...
Tools for Entrepreneurs, Innovators, and Industry
Our Navigators are built with you in mind. See what Penn State has to offer.
Resource Navigator
The Resource Navigator showcases entrepreneurship and innovation resources in Penn State University communities across Pennsylvania.
IP Navigator
The Intellectual Property Navigator is a showcase of Penn State University’s intellectual property available for licensing.
Startup Navigator
The Startup Navigator is a showcase of startups with Penn State DNA.
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Startups Graduated
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Awards
800+
LaunchBox Ladies Participants
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Million+ PA Jobs Supported by Retail