Programs

Programs To Help You Grow
Whether you are just learning about entrepreneurship, getting started with an idea, looking to acquire your first customer, or working to grow your business, we are here to help!
We Offer:
  • Idea Test Lab
  • Navigator Series
  • Grow with Google
  • Teen Entrepreneurial Challenge
  • Keystone Coding & Careers
  • Youth Entrepreneurial Credentialing
  • Customer Discovery 101

Idea Test Lab

Applications OPEN AUGUST 1, 2024 Have a business idea? Figure out how to turn it into a viable business. Idea TestLab is a "customer discovery" deep-dive designed to help you better understand the customer problem you're trying to solve and how to provide value in a differentiated way. No affiliation with Penn State is required for participation. Applications are welcomed from any Pennsylvania-based entrepreneur. Idea TestLab is free to participants and takes no equity. September 12, 2024. A four week virtual program on Thursday nights from 6-8 PM.
  • 1-on-1 advice from coaches who’ve “been there, done that”
  • The Mom Test and interview journal provided by the Penn State Bookstore
Key Dates:
  • Welcome to the first step on your entrepreneurship journey! The course content will be delivered virtually via Zoom. Applications Open: August 1, 2024 Applications Close: August 31, 2024 Teams Announced: September 6th, 2024 Program Dates: September 12, 19, 26, & October 3, 6-8pm *Participants are required to attend all class sessions in order to participate in the final pitch session event. Please complete the application questions below to be considered for the Idea TestLab.
Register

Navigator Series

The navigator series, is a regionally run set of workshops on topics identified by need in the entrepreneurial/innovation space.
  • Improve time management skills
  • Enhance problem solving capabilities
  • Create achievable benchmarks
Key Dates:
  • Registration is currently closed.

Grow with Google

Free training, tools, and resources to help you build your skills, career, or business. Sessions are held in Spanish and are led by Google trainers.
  • Manage business info across Google Search and Maps
  • Quick advise one starting your business idea
  • Better understand your customers
  • Improve business and marketing skills
Key Dates:
  • Registration is currently closed.

Teen Entrepreneurial Challenge

Students will explore their passions and identify problems in the community, discover personal strengths and limitations, develop business ideas, and learn how to articulate and act on them. The challenge concludes with a pitch competition, where students present their ideas to a panel of judges.
  • Identify problems that need solving
  • Learn to think strategically
  • Design business solutions
  • Present a business pitch
  • Gain resources to support entrepreneurship
  • Ask how you can earn college credit for participating
Key Dates:
  • Registration is currently closed.
Registration is open

Keystone Coding & Careers

Keystone Coding & Careers is an innovative opportunity for local Northeastern Pennsylvania students in grades 9-12 to learn STEAM skills and explore career paths. Keystone Coding & Careers is a partnership between Penn State Wilkes-Barre, Junior Achievement of NEPA, and the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Key Dates:
  • Registration is currently closed.

Youth Entrepreneurial Credentialing

Capture entrepreneurial skills already acquired or in the process of being acquired by youth to expand the reach of entrepreneurial skill development in the community and region.
Key Dates:
  • Registration is currently closed.

Customer Discovery 101

This is a self-guided program with supplemental coaching that is designed to introduce customer discovery basics. Discuss why it's important, and how it reduces risk—whether you are just starting out with an idea for a new product or service, or you are already in business but looking to enter a new market or expand your offerings.
  • Identify Your Most Critical Assumptions
  • Interview Potential Customers
  • Analyze Customer Feedback
  • Define Who, What, and Why
Key Dates:
  • Access the self guided program anytime.
Access self guided program

Interested in starting a startup? We’d love to hear from you.

Contact Us