SHARON, Pa. – The Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community is hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, to celebrate the opening of its new location on the second floor of the Hope Center for Arts and Technology (HopeCAT) at 115 Anson Way in Sharon. 

The ribbon cutting event comes after more than a year of collaborative behind-the-scenes work to establish the Shenango LaunchBox and its programs and resources in the Sharon community.  

In 2022, two endowments totaling $4 million were introduced by Penn State and the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, with the support of the Sharon community, to increase economic development in the region. The endowments established the Shenango LaunchBox as well as the Sharon Economic Development Fund in order to support existing and new businesses in the area. 

Various community partners, collaborators, and local elected officials are expected to attend the ribbon cutting event. Representatives from Penn State University will also be in attendance, including Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi. The ribbon cutting ceremony is free and open to the public. Anyone interested in participating may register online. 

For more information about the Shenango LaunchBox, visit them online. 

Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community 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 coworking space, accelerator programs, free 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. Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community 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 by visiting LaunchBox online.