Every small-town entrepreneur knows that big dreams often require a little help to get off the ground. That’s exactly why Stephanie Menor, a Penn State Beaver senior, loves managing the Beaver Valley LaunchBox.
The Monaca location, one of 22 throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a business accelerator program that connects community entrepreneurs to local resources in addition to providing ongoing educational workshops and services.
Menor explained that LaunchBox focuses on helping entrepreneurs who cannot afford a business consultant.
“We’re here for the little guy,” Menor said.
A Rochester native, Menor brings firsthand business experience to the role, having spent much of her adult life living in California. There, she gained experience in sales and marketing working with companies like Walmart, Michaels, and Target to name a few.
After moving back to Beaver County, Menor decided to finish the degree she started in 1994. Penn State Beaver’s business program was the perfect fit. Menor started her work at LaunchBox as a summer intern where she said she fell in love with supporting small business in Beaver County.
“After moving back to my hometown, I realized I could use my corporate experience along with what I’m learning at Penn State to help businesses or aspiring business owners.”
The LaunchBox team consists of Menor, her director, and four Penn State Beaver interns. They typically work with owners of start-ups or established small businesses who are looking to grow. They meet every two to three weeks to discuss ideas and progress.
“We are their accountability partner,” Menor said, explaining that Beaver Valley LaunchBox has worked with a wide range of businesses including electricians, fitness instructors, and even a soda company.
LaunchBox provides no-cost training programs, networking events, and professional advice in areas such as marketing, technology, finance, and legal.
To fund these efforts, LaunchBox is fully funded by state grants and other donations and endowments. In 2022, Lincoln Learning established the Lincoln Learning Endowment for the Beaver Valley LaunchBox. To date, Lincoln Learning has donated $80,000 towards its $100,000 commitment.
“Entrepreneurs and startups are key assets to Beaver County communities,” Lincoln CEO Bob Clements said. “They lead innovation, deliver creative products and services, and generate economic opportunity. As an edtech organization, Lincoln Learning sees great value in supporting LaunchBox’s workforce development and student support efforts.”
Menor said that her work at LaunchBox will be an important stepping stone for her once she graduates in May.
“LaunchBox has taught me so much about entrepreneurship, taking my book studies to the real world. It has grown my circle of influence through so many networking opportunities and connections I’ve made.”
After graduation, she plans to continue managing the LaunchBox and work to grow her own business.
For any entrepreneur who may be struggling to get started, Menor has this advice:
“Start now. Start with what you have. The model of having a 50-page business plan and an approved business loan before starting your dream is antiquated. In today’s fast-paced world, we advise people to find the smallest version of their product or service and start talking to people about it immediately.”
Beaver County entrepreneurs seeking assistance can contact the Beaver Valley LaunchBox team by visiting beavervalley.launchbox.psu.edu.