Help choose the Big Idea winner on June 9

By Chara Fitch

Credit: Ben Franklin Technology Partners

Six companies are competing in the Ben Franklin Technology Partners Big Idea contest, and the winner will walk away with $50,000 in vital startup capital. Get a front row seat to the June 9 event and you can help choose the People’s Choice winner.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners recently partnered with PA WILDS Center for Entrepreneurship and the Appalachian Regional Commission to develop the Big Idea competition for innovators in the maker economy, forest products, outdoors and recreation, and even tech manufacturing.  

In addition to up to $50,000 in cash prize, the winner will receive the opportunity to win an additional $2,500 in a People’s Choice Award, the chance to pitch the business concept for a $10,000 seed grant from Ben Franklin, and a guaranteed seat in an upcoming business accelerator program. 

Entrepreneurs and finalists will pitch their business contest to a team of independent judges (to read more about the startups, see our earlier article).  

The winner will be announced following the presentations. Just Realty is sponsoring a networking event following the contest. There will also be a Zoom option for those unable to attend in person.

The event will be held on June 9, 2022, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the North Central PA LaunchBox powered by Penn State DuBois (you can register here to attend).