About LaunchBox
Schuylkill LaunchBox supports the local economy by providing programming, training, and mentorship for budding entrepreneurs and small business owners. It is part of the Invent Penn State program, Penn State's Commonwealth-wide initiative to spur economic development, job creation, and student career success.
Upcoming Workshops and Webinars
Happy Hour & Inspiration at Beauty Bee Storefront on the Trail
October 8, 2026 | 5:00 p.m.
Growing a business that creates beauty, connections, & experiences! There's always something exciting at Beauty Bee Storefront on the Trail, a special Schulkill County consignment boutique. Owner and founder of Beauty Bee Soaps, Hayley Barry took a former garden center and transformed it into a vibrant destination featuring local artists and creators, a space for seasonal pop-up gatherings, and an event venue.
Join us for a Happy Hour event as Hayley and business partner Amber Chick, owner of Chick's Creations, share their growing story. Learn how they embrace creativity and build experiences that generate customer excitement, meaningful connections, and lasting success. After the presentation, shop, explore and enjoy.
Complimentary refreshments provided. Free to attend, but registration is required. For more information, contact Susan Williams.
AI Training: Your First Digital Intern
October 21, 2026 | 12:00 p.m.
Build a Digital Intern in 30 Minutes or Less! We all wear many hats. Now it's time to give a few away.
Brad Zdenek, a dynamic leader in entrepreneurship and innovation at Penn State University will show you how to give all those monotonous, repetitive, and time consuming tasks to your very own Al agent.
He'll show you how easy it is to create one in 30 minutes, provide ideas and resources for more robust tasks, and provide examples of busy professionals like you who are benefiting from this technology.
Complimentary refreshments provided. Free to attend, but registration is required. For more information, contact Susan Williams.
Let's Talk Money: Bagels with a Business Banker
February 26, 2027 | 9:00 a.m.
In this casual fireside chat, M&T Bank professionals break down the basics of business banking, why separating finances matters, and what to know before applying for a loan. We'll also talk about fraud and scam protection strategies and online resources to continue your financial journey.
Our presenter, Alexis King supports seven M&T Bank branches throughout Schuylkill and Berks Counties. "I am passionate about helping local businesses grow by providing tailored financial solutions and serving as a trusted advisor to business owners across the communities I call home."
This session is perfect for anyone interested in making smarter financial decisions. Complimentary bagels and beverages provided. Free to attend, but registration is required. For more information, contact Susan Williams.
Resources for entrepreneurs
Resource Navigator: A searchable inventory of entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem resources around our 21 innovation spaces across Pennsylvania.
Penn State Law Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic: This clinic allows Penn State Law students to represent entrepreneurs, startups, and nonprofit organizations in a setting similar to a small law firm.
Penn State Law Intellectual Property Clinic: This clinic provides Penn State Law students an opportunity to gain practice-ready skills in intellectual property law while assisting aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Penn State Dickinson Law’s “Inside Entrepreneurship Law” blog: This blog is designed to aid entrepreneurs and their counsel by providing information on relevant topics.
Penn State Libraries Business Research Services: This resource provides information on competition, consumer demographics, trends, attitudes and behavior data, and will help you determine market size, demand and segments. Also includes library resources to support entrepreneurial study.