UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Through Invent Penn State’s statewide LaunchBox & Innovation Network, the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) at Penn State has established new regional access points in the western and eastern regions of the state. This strategic effort ensures that entrepreneurial resources are more locally accessible than ever for veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, Reservists, and military spouses in communities across Pennsylvania.
The new access points, housed within the Corner LaunchBox powered by Penn State New Kensington and Lehigh Valley LaunchBox powered by Penn State, build on an existing network designed to support entrepreneurship across Pennsylvania. These locations were strategically chosen to serve communities experiencing rapid economic growth. By working through the local innovation spaces, VBOC services become more accessible to veterans in both rural and urban communities.
Joanna Sutton, director of the Corner LaunchBox, has been appointed program coordinator, western PA, for the VBOC at Penn State, enhancing local access to services for military-connected business owners and entrepreneurs in western Pennsylvania.
As program director, Joanna provides personalized guidance, training opportunities, and access to critical startup resources that help turn ideas into thriving ventures. Having her role embedded within the Corner LaunchBox allows military-connected entrepreneurs to tap into coworking spaces, legal and marketing support, funding opportunities, training, and a community of experienced mentors through the broader LaunchBox & Innovation Network.
“Joanna’s community-driven approach and dedication to inclusive entrepreneurship make her an invaluable resource for veterans pursuing business ownership,” said Hazel Diaz, director of the VBOC at Penn State. “By expanding our reach into western Pennsylvania, we’re meeting veterans and military-connected entrepreneurs where they are — ensuring they have access to the tools, training, and support they need to succeed. The VBOC at Penn State is proud to invest in this region that is demonstrating notable economic growth within and beyond its veteran community.”
The localized service in western Pennsylvania is further supported by the Digital Foundry at Penn State New Kensington, a local innovation space partnering with manufacturers, educators, and workforce leaders to grow regional talent and economic vitality. Its focus on robotics, additive manufacturing, and professional development enhances the pipeline of technical skills available to veteran entrepreneurs and their future teams.
“This expansion means that veterans and military-connected individuals in western Pennsylvania don’t have to travel far to access high-quality entrepreneurial support,” said Sutton. “With the resources available through the VBOC, the Corner LaunchBox, the Digital Foundry, and the broader LaunchBox & Innovation Network, we’re creating a powerful ecosystem where veterans can turn their business ideas into reality — right here in their own communities.”
In eastern Pennsylvania, Cindy Evans, director of Lehigh Valley LaunchBox powered by Penn State, has been appointed as program coordinator, eastern PA, for the VBOC at Penn State. Cindy leads no-cost business consulting, training, and resource navigation for military-connected entrepreneurs in the region.
Her work is amplified through her role as director of Lehigh Valley LaunchBox, where she connects entrepreneurs to the resources of the statewide LaunchBox & Innovation Network. This dual perspective ensures that veteran entrepreneurs in eastern Pennsylvania have access to hands-on support while staying connected to the broader Penn State ecosystem.
Col. Eugene McFeely, Penn State’s inaugural senior director for veterans affairs and services and a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, has long championed efforts to support military-connected individuals in their transition to civilian life. He emphasized the significance of bringing entrepreneurship resources closer to home.
“As a veteran and Penn State administrator, I know firsthand the power of connection and access when transitioning from military service to civilian life,” McFeely said. “By bringing these resources directly into Pennsylvania communities, we’re not only helping veterans and PA National Guardsmen in Pennsylvania succeed in business — we’re strengthening families, creating jobs, and supporting long-term economic growth and resilience across the Commonwealth, powered by those who have served our nation. It is a win-win.”
The addition of new access points in both eastern and western Pennsylvania reflects a broader effort to make entrepreneurial support more local, responsive, and inclusive in areas with strong economic development. As more veterans explore business ownership as a post-service path, these community-based resources offer practical guidance and timely support in the places they call home.
About Veterans Business Outreach Centers
The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program is a U.S. Small Business Administration initiative lead by its Office of Veterans Business Development and spans the country with 31 VBOC locations. This small business program features a number of success stories and offers business plan workshops, concept assessments, mentorship and training for eligible veterans. Find your nearest center.