Explore events for small businesses across Pa. during Global Entrepreneurship Week at Penn State

Inviting current and aspiring entrepreneurs to events across Centre, Clinton, Lycoming and Mifflin counties

Four women smile and pose behind a large, colorful circular frame during a Global Entrepreneurship Week Penn State event, while a photographer captures the moment and attendees network in the background. — Attendees pose for a photo during a Global Entrepreneurship Week Penn State event, celebrating entrepreneurship, innovation and community connections across Pennsylvania. Credit: Penn State SBDC / Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Entrepreneurs, business owners, students and community members across central Pennsylvania will have opportunities to explore local entrepreneurship this November during Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Penn State.

Organized by the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC), this year’s programming will bring featured events to communities across Centre, Clinton, Lycoming and Mifflin counties, as well as other events across the commonwealth. GEW is designed to bring entrepreneurs and communities together while connecting attendees with the people and resources available to help businesses and ideas grow.

Nov. 5 – Lycoming County

Celebrate the first anniversary of Williamsport LaunchBox supported by Ken and Kristie Healy

As an early lead-in to GEW Penn State, the PM Exchange: One Year of Innovation at Williamsport LaunchBox will take place Nov. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.

This event will celebrate the first anniversary of the Williamsport LaunchBox, Penn College’s hub for entrepreneurship and innovation and one of Invent Penn State’s 24 LaunchBox and Innovation Network spaces across the commonwealth.

Attendees will explore the Williamsport LaunchBox and tour the Makerspace, a creative area where tools, equipment and free supplies allow students to pursue their own projects and interests.

Event is Nov. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. and presented by the Penn State SBDC and the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.

Event is $10 for chamber members and $25 for non-members.

Nov. 16 – Mifflin County

Reedsville Takeover: Explore and support Reedsville small businesses

On Nov. 16, the Reedsville Takeover will bring GEW Penn State to Mifflin County through a special edition of the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Entrepreneurial Meetup.

The event will begin at Logan’s Tavern and from 6 to 8 p.m., attendees can meet the owners, hear their entrepreneurial journey and connect with other business owners and community members. Guests will also be encouraged to visit participating Reedsville businesses, meet their owners and shop locally. Participating businesses include: the Melted Hive, East End Coffee, Stone House Market, Friendship Bookstore, Merchant Square and more.

Presented by the Penn State SBDC in partnership with the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Event is free to attend. Food and beverages available to purchase.

Nov. 17 – Centre County

Community Networking Event (CBICC Business After Hours)

The Community Networking Event , held in conjunction with the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County’s (CBICC) Business After Hours, will celebrate its fifth anniversary from 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College.

This year, attendees can network and meet local resource partners over refreshments and anniversary cake while touring the six-story Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub, home to Invent Penn State’s Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank and OriginLabs.

This event is presented by the CBICC, the Penn State SBDC and Invent Penn State, with supporting sponsors Centre Region Entrepreneur Network (CREN) and Happy Valley Changemaker Collective.

Event is free and open to the public, food and drink included. Registration required.

Nov. 18 – Clinton County

Connect & Grow: Clinton County Entrepreneur Luncheon

During this free networking luncheon on Nov. 18 at the Susquehanna Event Centre in Lock Haven, attendees can connect with local entrepreneurs, business owners and resource partners before enjoying lunch prepared by Keystone Central School District Culinary Arts. Event begins at 11 a.m. From noon to 2 p.m., local small businesses and community leaders will share their experiences, and attendees will learn about resources available throughout Clinton County and Pennsylvania to help start and grow businesses.

This event is presented by Penn State SBDC and Clinton County Economic Partnership.

Event is free, but registration is required.

Nov. 19 – Centre County

WEconnect Conference: Happy Valley’s largest gathering of entrepreneurs and business leaders

Centre County programming will continue Nov. 19 with the WEconnect Conference, a full day of hands-on workshops, expert panels and networking for entrepreneurs and small business owners. WEconnect puts the best of Happy Valley’s business ecosystem in one place: founders, funders, local business organizations and Penn State experts. Choose from 10 sessions, meet potential partners and head home with ideas you can put to work.

Event is presented by Happy Valley LaunchBox, Penn State SBDC, Happy Valley Changemaker Collective, OriginLabs, the Rivet, College Township Industrial Development Authority, Downtown State College, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA, Penn State Dickinson Law, CREN, Penn State Smeal College of Business and the CBICC.

Tickets are $60 or $100 with Business Showcase add-on. Catered breakfast, lunch and cocktail hour included.

Nov. 19 – Lycoming County

50 seasons of the Community Theatre League

Lycoming County programming will continue Nov. 19 with Celebrating 50 Seasons of Community Theatre League, held from 5 to 7 p.m. in Williamsport.

The event will bring together entrepreneurs, members of the local creative community and theater enthusiasts for networking, live performances, demonstrations and tours of the theater while celebrating the organization’s 50th season.

Event is presented by Penn State SBDC and the Community Theatre League.

Event is free to attend and includes hors d’oeuvres. Drinks available for purchase.

GEW Penn State Featured Event Schedule

For a full list of events happening across Pennsylvania, visit GEW Penn State.

About the Penn State SBDC

Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community & Economic Development, through support from Penn State, and by other sources of state and federal funding. Full disclosures are available here.

SBDCs are hosted by leading universities, colleges, state economic development agencies and private partners. There are nearly 1,000 local centers available to provide no-cost business consulting and low-cost training to new and existing businesses. The Penn State SBDC services Centre, Clinton, Lycoming and Mifflin counties in Central Pennsylvania.