Are you looking for small business startup funding?

Do you have an idea for a small business, but need a leg up? Then pitch your idea to make your dream a reality! The Business Plan Competition gives you the opportunity to request and earn up to $5,000 in startup funding.

Penn State Schuylkill LionLaunch has awarded $79,000 in funding to help start 23 new businesses in Schuylkill County. You could be next!

How it works

The "Shark Tank"-style competition is open to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners who live, work, volunteer or go to school in Schuylkill County. Participants pitch their idea to establish or grow a small business to a panel of judges consisting of business and community leaders within Schuylkill County. Following the pitches, the judges deliberate in real time to determine which participants will be awarded funding, and how much they will receive. 

Business Plan Competition judgements are strategic ones, and not all participants are awarded funding in their first competition pitch. By withholding an award, judges allow competitors to polish their ideas and return to compete for a larger amount of funding in a future competition. 

Information for the 2022 Business Plan Competition

The 2022 Business Plan Competition will be held on Thursday, May 19, at 6 p.m., in Penn State Schuylkill's Morgan Auditorium. There is a $100 application fee, which is waived for Business Boot Camp participants. Applications are due by Monday, May 2. Apply for the Business Plan Competition >