WYOMISSING, Pa. — The Penn State Berks LaunchBox recently partnered with several other Penn State LaunchBoxes – Abington LaunchBox, Corner LaunchBox, Great Valley LaunchBox, Happy Valley LaunchBox, Harrisburg LaunchBox – and Invent Penn State to offer the startup challenge virtual accelerator, a one-week program that aimed to help entrepreneurs to build their business idea and craft an elevator pitch. Eight startups were hand-picked from a large pool of community members, students, and professionals who applied.
Entrepreneurs who were selected received extensive virtual coaching, training, advice and pitch feedback from experienced entrepreneurs and mentors. In one week, the startups interviewed customers, built their early business model, and crafted a powerful pitch while competing for prizes.
The following teams placed in first, second and third place:
— 1st place: Tiger Resilience – Bernie Tiger and Valerie Laboranti. Tiger Resilience offers online, interactive, substance abuse counseling and treatment services through holistic and evidenced-based practices.
— 2nd place: AccountABILITY – Nancy H. Meyers, Esq.
AccountABILITY is creating an organizational, reporting and connectivity app to help those who are helping others.
— 3rd place: SchoolStack – Sarah Schwartz and Hal Schwartz.
SchoolStack is an easy-to-use virtual infrastructure that supports pre-K–eighth grade students’ cognitive and socio-emotional growth.
Although no Berks LaunchBox contestants received top honors, they gained valuable experience that propelled their business ideas forward considerably.