How to Apply

Step One
Because it’s our business to invest in and support emerging tech-based companies and small, existing manufacturers who are developing new products or processes, it’s important that we know as much as we can about you, your company, and your plan. If after reading through our site, you believe your idea or company is a good match for our assistance, call one of our local offices and set up a meeting. These conversations help bring to light any issues you may not have initially considered. You’ll need to understand our program and the payback process, just as we’ll need to understand your technology and how you plan to bring it to market.

Step Two
If you decide to move forward, you will make a videoconference presentation to our staff. Depending on where you are located, you will make this presentation at our State College, Harrisburg, or Erie site. Typically, this lasts about 60 minutes so you’ll have plenty of time to explain your project, introduce your management team, and describe the market potential for your product or process, as well as the amount of money you will need to complete at least the prototype stage. The staff will want to know how you plan to spend the money, develop your product, and then sell it to your target market. The list of topics you’ll be expected to cover are described by an Investment Summary. A sample Investment Summary that you can use as a template and Investment Summary Guidelines are available on the Forms and Publications web page.

Step Three
After a successful presentation to our staff, the next step is to submit a formal proposal. The proposal forms are available from any of the Ben Franklin offices, or can be downloaded from the Forms and Publications web page. The proposal’s content, which is largely the information found in a business plan, will be evaluated by our staff based on your project’s technical merit, the product’s marketability, likelihood of near-term completion, and impact on job creation or retention.

Step Four
After our internal review is completed, the proposal will be presented to our Board of Directors at the next quarterly meeting for final approval. If you are awarded funds, a Ben Franklin representative will explain the reporting process required and how/when the money will be distributed.

A few things to keep in mind:

• This process may take two to four months from start to finish.
• Selection of projects is competitive from the 32-county area we serve, so not everyone can be funded.
• Our purpose is to fund technology-based, innovative start-ups and small existing businesses, which are in the process of developing a protectable or patentable product/process. If your new business idea involves a restaurant, hair salon, retail sales, or leisure time services, our program is not a good fit for your needs.