MONT ALTO, Pa. ― The Mont Alto LaunchBox, which provides free services and assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs, will offer three workshops this fall to provide inspiration and education for business start-ups. They are free of charge and open to the public. Participants can register to attend at montalto.psu.edu/launchbox/workshops.
Sept. 26, “Protecting Your Bright Ideas: Intellectual Property” (patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets), 6 to 7 p.m., 40 North Second Street, Chambersburg. Presented by Rachel Herder, Penn State Law assistant professor of clinical law and Intellectual Property Clinic director.
Whether you are an artist, musician, scientist, or entrepreneur, safeguarding your ideas, intellectual property is essential. In this introductory session, attendees will learn the basics of intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. We will discuss what you can and cannot protect, the limits to your legal rights, and how to avoid infringing on the rights of others. It will be an engaging discussion, come with questions.
Oct. 31, “Purposeful Marketing,” 6 to 7 p.m., 40 North Second Street, Chambersburg -- Presented by Kim Crider, business owner; Optavia Independent Certified Health Coach; Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce Board chair
Do all the options to market your business make you cross-eyed? Are you overwhelmed and confused about how to create a marketing plan, but know you need one if your business is to thrive? Then, it’s time to experience an easy step-by-step system that will ramp up your sales without breaking your brain or wallet. Come and learn how to create your marketing plan.
Nov. 20, Mont Alto LaunchBox Fall Forum as part of Penn State’s Global Entrepreneurship Week, 12:20 to 1:10 p.m., Wiestling Student Center
Happy Valley Chief Amplifier Lee Erickson will lead a panel discussion of Penn State student entrepreneurs describing their business ideas and plans and how they are launching them into the marketplace.
In addition to workshops, the Mont Alto LaunchBox is accepting proposals for its third annual micro-grant pitch competition, LION Tank, which will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on March 11, 2020, in the General Studies Building Auditorium on the University’s campus.
The LION Tank Competition is a “Shark-Tank-like” competition, where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges. The top two competitors will be awarded mini grants of $1,000 to $1,500, get one year’s access to the Mont Alto LaunchBox facility, and receive additional services to help launch their products into the marketplace. The deadline to submit proposals is Feb. 28, 2020. To submit a proposal go to montalto.psu.edu/launchbox/apply.
The Mont Alto LaunchBox provides resources and support to entrepreneurs in a free co-working space to help early-stage and advanced startups build a sustainable and scalable business and a viable plan for growth. It is open to the Penn State community and the general public. LaunchBox is a signature program of Invent Penn State ― an initiative meant to spur economic development, job creation, and student career success. Find out more at invent.psu.edu.
For more information about the workshops, contact Debra Collins at dlc43@psu.edu or 717-749-6112. More about the Mont Alto LaunchBox is available at montalto.psu.edu/launchbox and Invent Penn State at invent.psu.edu.