In the News

By Nikki Ciecierski Sharina Johnson (right) is pictured at the Ben Franklin TechCelerator program with Arcana Recovery co-founder Laura Arciuolo (left). Photo: Provided. There can often be shame in seeking help for addiction. Just ask Sharina Johnson. As a military veteran who struggled with addiction after coming home from Iraq, she said the military taught […]

Ben Franklin Technology Partner’s BIG IDEA Contest recently offered agriculture and food & beverage entrepreneurs, innovators and companies in Ben Franklin’s 32-county footprint the chance to pitch to win up to $25,000 in seed funding. This cash prize is designed to support every aspect of turning a business idea into a business reality. “This is […]

By David Rockower Credit: Pennsylvania College of Technology If you haven’t read about the labor shortage, you’ve more than likely experienced it firsthand at your favorite location restaurant or retail store, or even in your own firm. During a recent webinar sponsored by The Ben Franklin Learning Center, Shannon Munro shared details about what’s causing […]

By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Linsey Covert with TEAMology’s Ruby. Credit: Photo Provided If you’ve ever seen Pixar’s movie “Inside Out,” you may have already gotten a taste of how TEAMology helps children regulate and control their emotions. Founded in 2016, TEAMology is the brainchild of CEO Linsey Covert. As a grad student at Penn State, she […]

By Staff Writer Registration is open for this fall’s TechCelerator@StateCollege — a virtual, 10-week business startup bootcamp that helps entrepreneurs expand their network, engage with other successful entrepreneurs, discuss their business model with experts and develop a pitch that could win up to $10,000. The weekly ZOOM sessions will be on Tuesdays, Sept. 13–Nov. 29, […]

By Staff Writer Do you have a startup concept revolving around agriculture, food or beverages? Ben Franklin Technology Partners’ BIG IDEA contests have awarded over $2 million in cash prizes to startups in central and northern Pennsylvania, and the newest BIG IDEA contest is focused on innovators who are developing new products or processes in […]