Clarion, Forest, Warren County Businesses Invited to Enter Ben Franklin’s $50,000 Big Idea Contest

Clarion, Forest, Warren County Businesses Invited to Enter Ben Franklin’s $50,000 Big Idea Contest

Ben Franklin Technology Partners, an award-winning, tech-based economic development program, offers emerging entrepreneurs the opportunity to dip their toe in the startup world by participating in their fun, risk-free BIG IDEA contests.

For this BIG IDEA Contest, Ben Franklin Technology Partners is looking for tech innovators or small manufacturers located in the counties of Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, Warren, Forest, and Clarion who are developing new products, processes, or software applications.

You qualify to apply if: 
  • You are located in Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, or Warren County
  • You have not previously received Ben Franklin funding
  • You plan to commercialize your BIG IDEA
  • You currently do not have more than $500,000 in sales revenue
In addition, other prizes available are:
  • A free consult on how to access federal R&D grant money from the Innovation Partnership (IPART)
  • Free passes to seminars offered by Ben Franklin’s eMarketing Learning Center
  • One year of business training events offered at no cost by the Small Business Development Centers located at Gannon and Clarion University
  • A $2,500 “Peoples’ Choice” Award

Since the contest’s inception, more than $1 million in cash prizes have been awarded all over the state of Pennsylvania.  Winning up to $50,000 will go a long way in helping infuse a startup with some much- needed cash.  But, getting feedback from a panel of business experts is just as valuable.  The experience gained, the training offered, and the contacts made are worth every bit as much as the prize money.  

Learn more and apply here! Applications are due by October 26!

If you have questions about the contest or your application, please contact Jill Edwards by phone at (717) 948-6625 or by email at jilledwards@psu.edu.

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