The township driving Happy Valley's population growth

“Silicon Valley is more of a spirit than a place,” says Todd Erdley, the founder, chairman and president of Videon. “And that spirit is based on entrepreneurs coming together, sharing best practices, enabling great outcomes, spurring one another on and fostering a sense of community.” Erdley started the Centre Region Entrepreneur Network (CREN) about 10 years ago […]

The Penn State SBDC, part of the federally-funded nationwide network of SBDCs, has provided resources and services to businesses for almost 25 years, says director Tim Keohane — and many of those businesses have gone on to make big impacts on their industries. As of September 2020, SBDC is serving 650 clients and assisting with […]

Almost two years ago, Krista Schneider had an idea for a new business: up-cycling spent grain from the beer brewing process into pre-seeded, biodegradable “garden squares” ready for growing vegetables, herbs and flowers. To test the viability of her business model, she took advantage of programs offered by the Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC […]

Have a great idea? It could be worth BIG bucks. Ben Franklin Technology Partners is currently accepting applications for its BIG IDEA competition, an event that's awarded nearly $2 million to entrepreneurs and small businesses to date. The contest is open to aspiring tech innovators, small manufacturers and budding entrepreneurs interested in developing their products, […]

When you walk in, you feel as though you’ve just been transported. The space is open, colorful and filled with light from tall windows, recycled barn wood and green leafy plants. Desks — some with monitors and computers — tables and seating areas are scattered throughout the space.  In 2008, childhood friends Spud Marshall and Eric Sauder graduated together […]

Image: Ben Franklin Technology Partners Having a strong support system is necessary for the success of any entrepreneur, particularly when they’re just starting out. Here in Happy Valley, one of the strongest supporters of budding entrepreneurs is Ben Franklin Technology Partners, one of the longest-running technology-based economic development programs in the country. Since 1983, Ben […]