Impact

Happy Valley LaunchBox's Idea TestLab accepting applications through Feb. 4

Happy Valley LaunchBox Idea TestLab Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank invites area residents and Penn State students, faculty and staff with unique business ideas to apply to participate in its Idea TestLab. Entry is competitive, and the application deadline is Feb. 4.

The four-week program is designed to help teams evaluate the viability of their business ideas by coaching them through a proven method of customer discovery and problem analysis. The four-week Idea TestLab helps participants get a better handle on the problem their customer has and what value they can provide them that others can’t.

Participants in the program will:

  • Meet as a group for four, two-hour, hands-on sessions.
  • Enjoy 24/7 access to LaunchBox facilities during the program.
  • Gain access to one-on-one mentoring.
  • Have the potential to qualify for a $3,000 grant for customer discovery activities.

Early-stage entrepreneurs who are just starting to explore the feasibility of their idea will benefit most from the program.

“If your New Year’s resolution was to finally work on that business idea you’ve been kicking around, the Idea TestLab is a great place to start,” said Lee Erickson, chief amplifier at Happy Valley LaunchBox.

Successful Idea TestLab teams will be given priority entry into the FastTrack Accelerator, a 15-week program held later in the year that takes validated business ideas and tests them in the market with customers.

Apply for Idea TestLab online at launchbox.psu.edu/ideatestlab.

Last Updated January 14, 2019