Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania

A well-crafted annual report isn’t just a collection of financials—it’s a strategic tool that communicates impact, vision and outcomes. SSTI, a leader in tech-based economic development, shares the story behind Ben Franklin Northeast's approach to preparing reports and the key elements that make them effective. To read the full article, visit https://brnw.ch/21wRsv7 🔗 #BFInnovatesNEPA

Last chance to sponsor #VentureIdol25! March 25 is the final day to secure your sponsorship for this high-energy pitch competition that brings together top entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders from across #NortheastPA. Showcase your commitment to innovation and be part of an event that fuels the next generation of groundbreaking businesses. To learn more, visit https://brnw.ch/21wRqPd 🔗 #BFInnovatesNEPA

Investing in innovation, driving economic growth. We’re more than investors—we’re partners in progress. By providing capital, mentorship and business support, we help startups scale, manufacturers innovate, and our region thrive. To learn more about Ben Franklin Northeast and the work we do, visit https://brnw.ch/21wRl3W 🔗 #BFInnovatesNEPA

#VentureIdol25 pitch competitor spotlight: Americhanvre ⭐ The construction industry is evolving and #Americhanvre is leading the way with hempcrete - a hemp-and-lime-based insulation that is carbon-negative, highly durable and energy-efficient. To learn more about this year's event and how to watch the pitch live and in person, visit https://brnw.ch/21wRiQc 🔗 #BFInnovatesNEPA Thank you to our #TitleSponsor: Olympus Corporation of the Americas and our #PresentingSponsors: ARS Investment Partners, LLC, JPMorganChase, Service Electric Business, and PenTeleData.

Ben Franklin Northeast #PortfolioSpotlight: American Paper Bag ⭐ With sustainability and innovation at its core, American Paper Bag (APB) is modernizing retail packaging—offering customizable, eco-friendly paper bags and mailers that help brands elevate their customer experience. With our support, APB has enhanced its manufacturing processes, expanded its workforce and strengthened its operational capabilities to drive innovation in sustainable packaging. To learn more, visit https://brnw.ch/21wRh8m 🔗 #BFInnovatesNEPA

Last month, members of our team had the opportunity to attend DeSales University's Ethics Breakfast: Prism of Ethics – Role of Culture, featuring an insightful discussion on the role of culture in building trust, driving innovation and ensuring ethical business practices. Thank you to Tom Garrity of Compass Point Consulting LLC, a proud member of our Solutions Network, for moderating such a thought-provoking conversation. We’re proud to engage in discussions that help shape the future of leadership and ethical business practices across our region 💬 #BFInnovatesNEPA

Exciting news: Wayne Barz returns as our #VentureIdol25 emcee! As our Chief Investment Officer and COO, Wayne has played a pivotal role in helping companies across many counties in #NortheastPA access funding, private capital and federal grants. With his extensive industry knowledge and passion for innovation, he is the perfect person to lead an exciting evening filled with pitches, networking and investment opportunities. Extending our thanks to our event #TitleSponsor: Olympus Corporation of the Americas, and #PresentingSponsors: ARS Investment Partners, LLC and JPMorganChase. To learn more and secure your tickets, visit https://brnw.ch/21wRaZo 🔗 #BFInnovatesNEPA

#VentureIdolThanks to our #TitleSponsor, Olympus Corporation of the Americas ⭐ Their commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation is helping to bring together more than 250 business leaders, entrepreneurs, students, and investors for a night of networking, live pitches, and awards. To learn more about #VentureIdol25 and how to get involved, visit https://brnw.ch/21wR7MQ 🔗 #BFInnovatesNEPA

We are proud to have our very own Ben Franklin Northeast portfolio company, OCOA - Curly Hair Care, represented at the 2025 Lehigh Valley Young Professionals Council's Leadership Summit, hosted at DeSales University. Co-founder, Nicol Cancelmo, took the stage to share valuable insights on brand authenticity and building a strong personal brand. Extending an additional shoutout to team member, Hope Williams, who was in attendance to show OCOA and Nicol our support. #BFInnovatesNEPA Social T Marketing & PR Lehigh Valley with Love Media, LLC

Venture Idol is BACK! Join us for an exciting night of pitches, networking, and awards as Ben Franklin Northeast portfolio companies take the stage to compete for funding and top honors. Sharing our thanks to this year's event #TitleSponsor: Olympus Corporation of the Americas and our #PresentingSponsors: ARS Investment Partners, LLC and JPMorganChase. Get your tickets and secure your spot at https://brnw.ch/21wQZOS 🔗 #BFInnovatesNEPA #VentureIdol25