Why Bellefonte’s unique bed and breakfasts are thriving post-pandemic
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger The Queen. Photo: Provided. Part of Bellefonte’s draws for visitors are the unique lodging opportunities available at local bed and breakfasts. Owning and operating a B&B requires hard work and commitment, plus a passion for people and hospitality. Three Bellefonte B&B proprietors share how they have continued to thrive amid changes and […]
Central Pennsylvania creative professionals take networking to a new level
By Veronica Heller Photo: Provided. If you’re not yet familiar with the nonprofit support group, Central Pennsylvania Creative Professionals (also simply referred to as [CP]2) is a network by local entrepreneurs for local entrepreneurs in the creative fields. Dedicated to improving businesses near and far, big or small, whether you’re a single-person operation or have […]
Historic Gamble Mill flourishing again with new owners and offerings
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger The picturesque Gamble Mill. Photo: Provided. Most Happy Valley residents know Gamble Mill. Originally constructed in 1786 and known as Lamb Mill, the iconic structure in downtown Bellefonte became Gamble Mill in the early 1900s. It changed hands several times in the next decades, and offered a restaurant and then a brewpub […]
Social worker invents a fix for kids’ cold feet with Koveroo
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Aquito Young, inventor of a blanket that contains an integrated pouch, takes his concept from idea, to reality. Photo: Provided. Aquito Young, a social worker and now inventor and startup founder, was frequently struggling with his child kicking off their bed covers in the middle of the night. This simple, common parental […]
First food and beverage TechCelerator fuels scalable solutions in cancer recovery drinks, gut healing foods and supply chains
Ben Franklin Technology Partners has launched the 2023 round of its TechCelerator program, and for the first time, the food and beverage industry is in the spotlight. This year’s group of participating startup founders is focused on the science and innovation of food and drink. “This program has challenged me to get uncomfortable and develop […]
Taking a groundbreaking idea from the lab to the orchard
By Holly Riddle Photo: Kari A. Peter. Late last year, HappyValley Industry covered the Ben Franklin Technology Partners 2022 BIG IDEA Contest. The 2022 contest focused specifically on the agricultural, food and beverage industries and the second-place winner — and recipient of $10,000 to further his business — was Penn State researcher and associate professor […]
“WE ARE a great place to start a biz!” Local experts on Happy Valley’s secret for business success
Photos: Provided. Ben Franklin Technology Partners makes investments in cutting-edge startups in a 32-county footprint; in fact, it is the largest early-stage investor and supporter in the area. Last year alone, Ben Franklin assisted 301 businesses in the Commonwealth. The programs and resources that Ben Franklin provides help to create an ideal ecosystem for launching […]
FREE intrapreneurship conference focuses on employees as change makers
Mark your calendars for the Conference on Intrapreneurship Employees as ChangeMakers, taking place May 11 at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub. The conference, which is free, is presented by the Penn State College of Engineering’s School of Engineering Design and Innovation and will focus on how employees can create innovation from within a company. […]
Bellefonte’s SpringBoard set for expansion
By David Rockower Springboard, which opened in 2017 as an incubator and coworking space, is moving to The Lofts in downtown Bellefonte. Photo: Ellen Matis. With its local breweries, boutiques and cafes, the vibe in downtown Bellefonte is one of revitalization and change. Just a short drive from State College, Bellefonte continues to develop its […]
