About Us

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA provides funding and business support services to emerging technology-based companies, as well as small, existing manufacturing businesses in our 32-county footprint. It is part of a statewide network of regional Ben Franklin centers.

Our funding is the financial bridge that links the assets of an entrepreneur to future investment opportunities from banks, angel, or venture capital groups. BFTP/CNP’s business support services help our companies grow so they are well-positioned to receive follow-on financing.

Our goal is to create synergy among business, industry, and higher education representatives to help stimulate economic growth. Our investments go to the region’s entrepreneurs, small business owners, and existing manufacturing-based companies that want to produce a new technology-based product or improve an existing process. Ultimately when they succeed, we all succeed. The region gains expertise in an emerging technology and new, high-paying jobs are created.

Today, technology initiatives all across the country look to BFTP as the benchmark for best practices in economic development. In fact, in 2005, BFTP/CNP was honored to receive recognition for Excellence in Economic Development for Regional Competitiveness from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Department of Commerce 2005 awards were designed to showcase best practices and highlight outstanding results in economic development.