How intrapreneurship has helped New Pig Corporation thrive

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 […]

Every good business has a story about their beginnings – and what helped them get over that proverbial hump. Bellefonte SpringBoard has been exactly that – the little extra push, the additional resources and technical assistance for entrepreneurs throughout Happy Valley. The Bellefonte SpringBoard Initiative was created in 2016 as a coworking space and business […]

Image: Penn State, Barry Fell and Dr. Randy Haluck, Department of Surgery  Penn State doesn’t just nurture entrepreneurs; it provides concrete opportunities for those with promising, disruptive, early-stage technologies and innovations to compete as the best and brightest in their fields. In 2021, Invent Penn State’s annual Tech Tournament went virtual to showcase eight different […]