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
Let's Get Organized with Seth: How a Busy Schuylkill County Professional Balances it All
September 17, 2026 | 12:00 p.m.
Strategies to stay organized and focused, no matter how full your plate; Seth Hubler wears many hats and wouldn't have it any other way.
As Communications Director for the Office of Senator David G. Argall, serving the 29th Senate District covering Schuylkill, Carbon, and southern Luzerne Counties, a small business owner, seasoned retail and political campaign manager, and nonprofit volunteer, he is a busy guy.
Join us for lunch as Seth shares how he keeps it all together, why staying busy motivates him to do more, and why a positive attitude teamed with his organizational toolbox makes it all come together. He'll also share why keeping an open mind is key to new opportunities and building relationships.
Complimentary lunch provided. Free to attend, but registration is required. For more information, contact Susan Williams.
Idea Test Lab: Test Your Startup Idea
Apply by 5 p.m. Friday, September 18
Don’t quit your daydream. Test it!
Have a business idea you can’t stop thinking about? Before investing significant time and money, find out whether you’ve identified a problem customers genuinely want solved.
The Shenango LaunchBox powered by the Greater Sharon Community is joining eight other Penn State LaunchBoxes to offer the Fall 2026 Idea TestLab, a free, four-week virtual accelerator for Pennsylvania-based entrepreneurs.
Participants will:
- Identify and learn from potential customers
- Test assumptions about the problem their idea solves
- Evaluate existing solutions
- Develop a clear value proposition
- Receive live training and one-on-one startup coaching
The live Zoom sessions will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20 and 27. Individuals and teams are welcome. No previous business experience or Penn State affiliation is required, and there are no fees or equity requirements. For more information, contact Susan Williams.
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.
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.