Lancaster, PA – With funding support from the BB&T Economic Growth Fund at the Lancaster County Community Foundation, Ben Franklin Technology Partners/CNP and the Candy Factory Coworking Community are pleased to announce a new program designed to increase the growth of entrepreneurial activity in Lancaster County. “We thank BB&T Bank and the Lancaster Community Foundation for their belief in Lancaster County entrepreneurs and support of this exciting partnership. Ben Franklin’s TechCelerator@TheCandyFactory will be a tremendous resource for those considering a leap into tech-based entrepreneurship as well as those who have already launched,” said Stephen Brawley, President/CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners.
Ben Franklin’s TechCelerator@TheCandyFactory is an exciting partnership between the area’s premier coworking space and a state-funded program that has been investing in tech startups, offering business support services, and helping create high-paying jobs in the Commonwealth for 35 years. Together they are providing a one-stop-shop for emerging tech-entrepreneurs that offers business mentoring, tech-startup training, professional services, and funding opportunities – all housed at one convenient location on North Queen Street in Lancaster.
Steve Fafel, Director of Business Development and Portfolio Manager for Ben Franklin, commented, “Because of our long-standing commitment to the area, we are excited to help get this project up and running. Currently, Lancaster does not have a defined and marketed incubator/accelerator program for startups. Many of our best and brightest entrepreneurs end up leaving to get the support they need elsewhere.” The Founder of the Candy Factory, Anne Kirby, remarked, “Our vision for Lancaster County is one where entrepreneurs with innovations in industries such as robotics and virtual reality will be able to access the resources needed to start, grow, and sustain their companies right here in our community.”
With 2,000 square feet of available space, the TechCelerator@TheCandy Factory, will offer free business-grade WiFi, six conference rooms with large screen TVs and whiteboards, three workshop areas, event space, and parking for guests and clients along with business mentoring and support services provided by Ben Franklin’s Transformation Business Services Network personnel. A grand-opening celebration, which is co-sponsored by the Technology Council of Central PA, is planned for March 29, 2018. Those who would like to attend are encouraged to register here: https://tccp.wildapricot.org/event-2822187/Registration
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About The Candy Factory:
The Candy Factory’s mission is to spur the growth of small businesses in and around Lancaster, PA by supporting a community of professionals who gather, share, imagine, create, and thrive through the power of coworking. https://candyissweet.com
About Ben Franklin Technology Partners:
The largest early-stage/seed investor in our region, 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 funding, operational assistance, and business support services to emerging tech-based companies and small manufacturers for the purpose of creating and retaining jobs in Pennsylvania. Visit Ben Franklin’s website at www.cnp.benfranklin.org.
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