Mon Valley LaunchBox opens new location with focus on workforce development

McKEESPORT, Pa. — The Mon Valley LaunchBox, powered by Penn State Greater Allegheny, marked the opening of its new location at the Tube City Center for Business and Innovation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house Sept. 29. Located at 409 Walnut St. in McKeesport in the former Daily News Building, the space will support entrepreneurs, small businesses and individuals exploring new career opportunities throughout the region.

The move supports a shared vision between McKeesport Mayor Tom Maglicco and Rosemary Martinelli, assistant teaching professor of marketing and communications at Penn State Greater Allegheny and LaunchBox director of community engagement, to create new opportunities for prospective and established business owners throughout the Youghiogheny and Monongahela river valleys.

“We are fortunate to be working alongside Penn State as the University continues to invest in McKeesport and the Mon Valley,” Maglicco said. “Today’s students are tomorrow’s innovators, and our facility provides small businesses with a place to grow and to be nurtured by Penn State’s resources.”

The LaunchBox’s new location on the building’s second floor provides space for in-person and virtual programming, along with co-working opportunities.

“As the LaunchBox expands its presence in the community, we hope to offer both in-person and virtual programming,” Martinelli said. “The new location will include a conference room, three private offices, and a central area that can function as a small theater, along with Wi-Fi and other technology.”

Martinelli described the location as a “hip, industrial” space with black walls, exposed silver ductwork and glass doors.

“It is just a cool space that the City of McKeesport has developed in a historic building,” she said.

The LaunchBox serves entrepreneurs at every stage, including those who are still deciding whether to pursue a business idea and established owners seeking to strengthen their operations. It also helps individuals explore new directions in their careers.

“When someone contacts us by email or social media, or visits us in person, the first and most important thing is that they will be acknowledged,” Martinelli said. “No idea is invalid. It is always important for anyone who wants to become an entrepreneur, to step back, take another look and ask, ‘What do I need to improve? What do I need to do next?’ Sometimes it can seem overwhelming, but that is why we are here — to help each other learn.”

The LaunchBox is supported by alumni, friends and community partners such as the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, which also funds the Invent Penn State program. The Mon Valley location will offer in-person office hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, but appointments may be requested for other weekdays.

Visit Greater Allegheny's website for a current schedule of workshops and events.