Local Startups
State College local grows storytelling workshop business with Happy Valley LaunchBox
“Anyone I meet who has a business, I tell them to go to Happy Valley LaunchBox. It’s hundreds of brains that are there to mentor you for free. These programs give you structure and dozens of sets of eyes on your work, helping you improve.”
Dawn Ziegerer
Founder
Connect with a statewide network of innovation spaces, expert support, and other local founders. From workshops to workspace, we’re here to help your business grow.
Business Training
Access immersive accelerator programs, workshops, and hands-on seminars—open to community entrepreneurs and scalable for startups at all stages.
Funding & Investment
Tap into early-stage fellowships, grants, investor connections, and pitch competitions to accelerate your startup’s growth trajectory.
Workspace & Facilities
Leverage flexible coworking spaces, makerspaces, and research or manufacturing facilities linked to Penn State’s 23 innovation spaces. Affordably support your growth—some options are free depending on stage and eligibility.
Networking & Exposure
Raise your profile through access to Penn State events, expert mentors, industry partners, and student talent—creating connections that accelerate your business’s reach.
Talent & Training Support
Engage Penn State programs or students to mentor or train your existing workforce—or to expand your team with skilled, entrepreneurial talent.
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Business Training
Access immersive accelerator programs, workshops, and hands-on seminars—open to community entrepreneurs and scalable for startups at all stages.
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Funding & Investment
Tap into early-stage fellowships, grants, investor connections, and pitch competitions to accelerate your startup’s growth trajectory.
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Workspace & Facilities
Leverage flexible coworking spaces, makerspaces, and research or manufacturing facilities linked to Penn State’s 23 innovation spaces. Affordably support your growth—some options are free depending on stage and eligibility.
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Networking & Exposure
Raise your profile through access to Penn State events, expert mentors, industry partners, and student talent—creating connections that accelerate your business’s reach.
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Talent & Training Support
Engage Penn State programs or students to mentor or train your existing workforce—or to expand your team with skilled, entrepreneurial talent.
Featured Resources
Many University resources are open to startups in our extended community. Discover some of the ways Invent Penn State can help your business.
Penn State Dickinson Law Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic
University ParkProvides a variety of free legal services through Invent Penn State innovation spaces, including advice on business/entity formation, founder agreements, employee management, and compliance with regulatory requirements
Provides a variety of free legal services through Invent Penn State innovation spaces, including advice…
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Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA
Central and Northern PAA PA state-funded investor in promising, technology-oriented startup companies with a focus on funding their critical commercialization activities and meeting growth needs. A key collaborator with Invent Penn State & partner in the University's tech transfer organization
A PA state-funded investor in promising, technology-oriented startup companies with a focus on funding their…
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Chamber of Business & Industry Centre County
State CollegeOffers education, information, resources, networking, marketing and promotion to encourage economic development and business growth
Offers education, information, resources, networking, marketing and promotion to encourage economic development and business growth
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Why Grow with Invent Penn State?
Invent Penn State offers entrepreneurs across Pennsylvania the support they need to start, grow, and succeed. From free business resources and startup training to workspace, mentorship, and funding connections—we make it easier to turn ideas into thriving businesses.
With 23 innovation spaces across the Commonwealth and a strong network of experts, Invent Penn State helps local startups build momentum, connect to their communities, and scale their impact.
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