UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank supports entrepreneurs by derisking their startups and helping them turn ideas into viable businesses. The LaunchBox services are at no cost and are accessible to Happy Valley community members, as well as Penn State faculty, staff, and students. Through recent support from the College Township Industrial Development Authority (CTIDA), Happy Valley LaunchBox is now able to reach more State College community entrepreneurs through an Idea TestLab program specifically designed to support them.

“At Happy Valley LaunchBox, we believe in empowering entrepreneurs from all walks of life. Whether you're a current business owner looking for the next step, an industry expert ready to go out on your own, a student with a fresh idea, or a stay-at-home parent with a dream,” said Elizabeth Hay, Jack White Family Director of the Happy Valley LaunchBox.

“Our approach, rooted in the lean startup methodology, helps businesses quickly de-risk, find their ideal customers, and launch successfully. Through our accelerator programs, we aim to make entrepreneurship accessible to everyone, providing the tools, guidance, and support needed to turn ideas into businesses. We want to help you launch dreams into reality, no matter what background or industry.”

This summer, five State College community members participated in a Happy Valley community-focused Idea TestLab, an accelerator program specifically designed to de-risk a business idea in State College.

The participants’ business ideas ranged from custom advent calendars, holistic wellness services, and a studio space for content creators, to a professional writing service and redesigned legal services.

Teresa Hamilton, a State College community member and a Penn State faculty member in the College of the Liberal Arts, participated in the recent community-focused Idea TestLab.

“I thought the Idea TestLab was a productive and collaborative experience that focused on ensuring participants’ startup ideas were appropriately fleshed out to solve a problem,” Hamilton said.

She specifically credited the Happy Valley LaunchBox staff to her positive experience, stating she finds it valuable that participants have access to the LaunchBox even after the program is completed.

“This lab isn’t a one-and-done opportunity. It’s a program that keeps on giving, which I think suggests a healthy investment for the residents here and in the surrounding areas,” Hamilton said.

“The program exceeded my expectations,” said Raymond Caravan III, another participant in the community Idea TestLab and current State College business-owner.

“The program challenges your assumptions and forces you to define, focus, and test your ideas. We were presented with several resources that I had never thought of utilizing. If someone is thinking of taking a business idea from the abstract to the real world, I would strongly encourage this program to limit mistakes and avoid taking on unneeded risk. Regardless of age, education, or type of business, I believe there is value in this program for anyone who is seriously contemplating taking that leap into creating a startup,” said Caravan.

Happy Valley LaunchBox has more upcoming opportunities to assist all entrepreneurs in their startup and business journey.

Applications for FastTrack Accelerator are being accepted until midnight on September 6, 2024. This 10-week program helps participants avoid common startup mistakes, build an actionable plan, test the market quickly with “smoke screens,” and launch their business.

Idea TestLab is back this Fall, with applications opening on Sept. 3.

In addition to the multi-week programming, Happy Valley LaunchBox offers a monthly one-hour E-ship CrashCourse that introduces the concepts of business ownership to budding entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and with businesses of all kinds.

About Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank  

Happy Valley LaunchBox, located on the second floor of the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College, 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 can include coworking space, accelerator programs, legal and intellectual property resources, 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 is a signature program of the Invent Penn State initiative and one of 21 innovation spaces located in Penn State campus communities across Pennsylvania. Learn more. 

This project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development.