Apply Now - Happy Valley LaunchBox

E-Ship CrashCourse

This one-hour session is a great introduction for anyone who has considered launching their own startup but has no idea where to begin. It is designed to be a high-level, interactive info session where participants can expect to:

Learn the basics of “What is entrepreneurship”
Dispel common myths about entrepreneurship
Receive actionable steps to build your own startup

Key Dates:

Third Thursday of each month from 1–2 pm

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Idea TestLab

This 4-week program helps you figure out if you can turn your idea into a viable business. Get help better defining the problem you’re trying to solve, who has it, and what value you can provide to them.

Four 2-hour sessions held virtually on Zoom from Noon–2 pm
Up to $500 for customer discovery
Access to 1-on-1 mentoring

Key Dates:

Applications closed

Sept 18

Session Dates (held 6–8 pm)

Oct 3, 10, 17, 24

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Digital TestLab

Digital TestLab is a 4-week program designed to help participants learn how to effectively run digital marketing experiments. Participants will explore strategies for connecting with customers, validate their ideas and assumptions, and better identify their target markets. Learn about customer journey mapping, Meta ads, Google ads, and analytics.

Four 2-hour group sessions
Up to $300 for designing and testing ads
Access to 1-on-1 mentoring

Key Dates:

Applications open

Oct 4

Applications close

Oct 18 at midnight

Session Dates

Nov 1, 8, 15, 29

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MVP DevLab

MVP DevLab is designed to support entrepreneurs in the crucial phase between the idea and the business creation stage. Participants receive resources and guidance to develop their Minimum Viable Products (MVP) and progress towards successful startup launches.

1-on-1 mentoring
Potential for up to $1000 to support the development of prototypes
Access to 70+ advisors and experts
1-yr subscription to SolidWorks and POWr.io plug-ins
24x7 access to LaunchBox with space in our team room

Key Dates:

Submissions for MVP DevLab are open and accepted on an ongoing basis with January 15, 2024 being the final day to enroll

Sessions occur each Monday from 3–5 pm, beginning September 2023 and concluding March 2024

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FastTrack Accelerator

The 10-week program is open to community and Penn State students, staff, and faculty. We focus on helping you build an actionable plan to launch your business, test the market quickly, and build a solution based on customer feedback.

1-on-1 mentoring
Potential for up to $2000 in startup funding
Access to market test funds
Access to 70+ advisors and experts
1-yr subscription to SolidWorks and POWr.io plug-ins
Funding for intern for one semester
24x7 access to LaunchBox with space in our team room

Key Dates:

Applications closed

Sept 4

Session Dates (held 6–8 pm)

Sept 13, 20, 27

Oct 4, 11, 18, 25

Nov 1, 8

Final Pitch Competition

Nov 15

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Summer Founders Program

This 13-week program is available to startups with at least one current student founder. Teams work full-time on their ventures over the summer here in State College.

$15K grant
Access to an additional $3000 for customer discovery
Access to 70+ advisors and experts
1-yr subscription to SolidWorks and POWr.io plug-ins
Funding for intern for one semester
24x7 access to LaunchBox with space in our team room

Key Dates:

Summer Founders Program has concluded for 2023. Stay tuned for more information on the 2024 session.

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