UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank 2021-22 FastTrack Accelerator will have three information sessions leading up to its application deadline of Nov. 1. The 15-week, no-cost business accelerator, which helps startups advance from a validated idea to attaining their first customer, will run from December 2021 through April 2022 at the brand new, state-of-the-art Penn State Innovation Hub in downtown State College.
Information sessions will take place on the following dates:
- 5 p.m. on Oct. 7 at the HUB-Robeson Center as part of blueStart Startup Market.
- 12 p.m. on Oct. 20 via Zoom.
- 6 p.m. on Oct. 27 at Happy Valley LaunchBox, where participants can see the space and meet other startups interested in the program.
Preregistration is not required to attend FastTrack Accelerator information sessions, which will detail program expectations and benefits, in addition to answering attendees’ questions. For more information on these sessions, visit happyvalley.launchbox.psu.edu/news_events.
The FastTrack Accelerator helps early-stage startups better refine and test their target markets as well as build actionable plans to acquire customers or expand their businesses. Founders retain all rights to their ideas, and no Penn State affiliation is needed to apply.
The FastTrack accelerator has additional benefits that include:
- Weekly one-on-one mentoring sessions with experienced entrepreneurs.
- Access to up to $3,000 in funding for customer discovery through the NSF I-Corps program.
- Server credits, SOLIDWORKS suite and POWr plugins for one year.
- Access to $1,500 Market Test Fund grant.
- Funding for intern for one semester through the SEDTAPP ENtern program.
- Access to 60+ advisors and experts.
- 24/7 access to LaunchBox for one year.
During the accelerator, selected teams will create a formal business entity, craft a unique value proposition, define a viable business model, and sketch out a marketing and sales plan.
About Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank
Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank provides early-stage startups with support and resources they need to build a sustainable and scalable business and a viable plan for growth. No-cost programs and services include co-working space, accelerator programs, legal and intellectual property advice, and expert mentorships from Penn State's extensive network. LaunchBox is open to everyone — community members and those affiliated with Penn State. Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank is a signature program of the Invent Penn State initiative and one of 21 innovation hubs located in Penn State campus communities across Pennsylvania. Learn more at https://happyvalley.launchbox.psu.edu/.