The Fayette LaunchBox

LaunchBox is a no-cost business accelerator designed to connect early-stage startups with the resources and support necessary for growth. We connect entrepreneurs at every stage of development to educational programming, legal and business services, collaborative workspaces, tools, and even business competitions.

Penn State Fayette has partnered with the Fay-Penn Economic Development Council to introduce this unique resource to the five-county service area. Penn State Fayette and Fay-Penn have collaborated for over 25 years in a shared commitment to advancement. Today, Fayette LaunchBox represents a paradigm shift in economic development in the region.

Students sitting outside Penn State Fayette's community center.

Who has access to the LaunchBox?

These services are available to Penn State faculty, staff, students and alumni—as well as unaffiliated residents of Fayette, Greene, Washington, Westmoreland, and Somerset counties.

Students giving a small business pitch.

Annual Shark Tank Competitions

The Fayette LaunchBox sponsored Shark Tank encourages entrepreneurs to pitch to the community ways that their products and services can improve the community around them and efficiency in the marketplace. Entrepreneurs are awarded cash prizes to use in order to grow their business.

Students from the LaunchBox Summer Cohort

Summer Cohorts

Each summer, a select few are chosen to receive grants to conduct research and develop their innovative business ideas. This program provides an incredible opportunity to turn one’s entrepreneurial dreams into a reality by receiving the necessary resources and mentorship to transform their ideas into successful businesses.

Student operating machines with a teacher.

Invent Penn State Startup Week

An integral part of the broader Invent Penn State initiative, Startup Week powered by PNC is a University-wide event that connects students with innovative alumni and pioneers who are achieving success in a variety of industries and disciplines Startup Week presents a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs to engage with business concepts.

Justin Aglio at Penn State Startup Week

Keep in touch on social media

For more information on the Fayette LaunchBox and its programming, visit their Facebook page and keep up to date!