2011 Archives
Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern Pennsylvania and the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation are announcing the Ben Franklin TechCelerator Program
February 4, 2011 CARLISLE, PA - Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern Pennsylvania and the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation are announcing the Ben Franklin TechCelerator Program; a one-on-one business support service program for the companies housed in the Murata Business Center.
Located in Carlisle, PA, the Murata Business Center, owned and operated by the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) is a business incubator serving the region.
The facility which can house up to 28 small companies is now also providing its existing tenants the opportunity to utilize, at no cost, the business knowledge and mentoring services provided by the Ben Franklin Program. In addition, the Program offers access to Ben Franklin's investment capital and entrepreneurial development networks.
In the past ten years, Ben Franklin has funded or assisted more than 100 companies in the South Central region of the state.
New clients engaged in start-up activity will have the chance to become part of the TechCelerator Zone - a dedicated area in the facility that allows a company to work on their business concept, with the help of Ben Franklin and the Murata staff, for up to 60 days. Each new participant in the TechCelerator Zone will be encouraged to use the allotted time to grow a good idea into a workable business plan.
Ms. Pam Martin, the Executive Director of the Ben Franklin TechCelerator Program, commented, "This week, the Obama administration announced the launch of the StartUP America Partnership, which is part of the president's strategy to encourage innovation and expand mentorship programs for entrepreneurs. We believe our new program and expanded services at Murata fit in perfectly with President Obama's plan and hope our efforts will result in a host of new start-up activity in the region."
David Black, President of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, added, "The presence of the Ben Franklin staff right on-site creates an incredible value added impact for our clients and potential clients whether they locate in the facility or not. Business mentoring services are critical to the success of start-ups, but are often viewed as a luxury that many emerging companies simply cannot afford. One of our overarching strategies is new business development and we're pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to our Murata-based entrepreneurs."
About Ben Franklin Technology Partners
Ben Franklin Technology Partners/CNP, an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority, provides operational assistance, entrepreneurial support, and investment capital to emerging tech-based companies and small, existing manufacturers for the purpose of creating and retaining jobs in Pennsylvania. Contact the main office of Ben Franklin in University Park at (814) 863-4559 or see our website at www.cnp.benfranklin.org
About the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC)
The Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), the economic development arm of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber, is the leading organization for promoting and performing economic development activities in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties. The Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC serves as a catalyst for promoting growth and quality of life in the region by providing a unique blend of business, community and economic development, and advocacy services under one roof to boost our economic vitality and liveability as a region.
