Free small business lab lauches, offers cash prizes for local startups

Entrepreneurs who have recently opened a small business in York and Lancaster counties can apply to be part of a free mini lab that will offer them knowledge, tools and resources needed for success, according to a news release.

The Small Business Mini Lab launched this week at Keystone Innovation Collaborative in downtown York. It will offer a free, five-week education program to entrepreneurs operating small companies that have been open for fewer than five years and have less than $1 million in annual revenue. Founders who have not yet launched their businesses also are eligible to participate, the release states.

The meetings will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings, starting Sept. 23, at Keystone Innovation Collaborative, located on the second floor of 2 W. Market St. in York.

Topics that will be covered include business planning, AI tools, financial and legal protections for business owners, and pitch development, the release states.

>> Please consider subscribing to support local journalism.

Community leaders, entrepreneurs and economic development partners highlighted the importance of small businesses to the local economy during a kickoff event this week. The lab is run by Keystone Innovation Collaborative and supported by M&T Bank, ASSETS, and Finanta.

"The first few years of a business are often when access to advice, capital and connections matters most," Martin Fedorko, interim executive director of Keystone Innovation Collaborative, said in the news release. "This program is designed to put those resources directly in the hands of York and Lancaster-area entrepreneurs while they're building and growing their companies."

The lab includes a pitch competition, where participants will compete for cash prizes of $200, $300 and $500. The top prize is $500. The competition is slated for Oct. 21.

Applications to participate in the Small Business Mini Lab are being accepted now through Wednesday, Sept. 16. A limited number of seats are available. To apply, visit bit.ly/mini-lab.

Teresa Boeckel is a reporter for the York Daily Record, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK. Contact her at tboeckel@ydr.com.