PA Wilds Big Idea contest finalists announced

DUBOIS - In partnership with the PA WILDS Center for Entrepreneurship, Ben Franklin Technology Partners recently sponsored a BIG IDEA contest targeting innovators working in the maker economy, forest products, outdoors and recreation, and even tech manufacturing. The winner will receive a prize package that includes:

• Up to $50,000 in cash

• The opportunity to win an additional $2,500 in a People’s Choice Award sponsored by CNB Bank

• The chance to pitch the business concept for a $10,000 seed grant from Ben Franklin

• A guaranteed seat in an upcoming business accelerator program.

Please join us to cheer on these regional entrepreneurs and finalists as they pitch their business concepts to a team of independent judges: American Precast Industries, Billett Electric, Brinc Building Products, Neodime, NimbusT Global, and The PA Mushroom Company.

Stay for a fun networking event, sponsored by Just Realty, following the presentations. Those who prefer to attend virtually via Zoom will receive the link after registering.

The presentations will take place on Thursday, June 9 from 2-5 p.m. at the North Central PA LaunchBox, Powered by Penn State DuBois located at 2 East Long Avenue in DuBois.

Visit this website to RSVP to the event: http s://2022pawildsbigidea contest.eventbrite.com

Ben Franklin Technology Partners is the largest early-stage investor in our region, Ben Franklin Technology Partners/CNP, (an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority) provides investment capital, operational assistance, and business support services to emerging techbased companies and small, existing manufacturers for the purpose of creating and retaining jobs in Pennsylvania. Visit Ben Franklin’s website at www.cnp.benfranklin.org. The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc. (PA Wilds Center) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to integrate conservation and economic development in a way that strengthens and inspires communities in the Pennsylvania Wilds. https:// pawilds.com/

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) (www.arc.gov) is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia.