Harrisburg LaunchBox, Rotary Veterans Initiative partner for business bootcamp

Participants in the Veterans Business Bootcamp will receive mentorship and support to help build their business plans

September 13, 2024

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Harrisburg LaunchBox powered by Penn State will host an 8-week, veteran-focused, business bootcamp, in partnership with the Rotary Veterans Initiative.

Participants in the Veterans Business Bootcamp will receive mentorship and support to help build their business plans, be connected with resources to help them advance their business ideas, and have the chance to compete for up to $10,000 in awards to support their startup ideas.

The bootcamp is open to veterans, their family members or others who have an idea to serve the veteran community. The program aims to support regional entrepreneurship among veterans, an underrepresented group among entrepreneurs.

"We're excited to partner with the Rotary Veterans Initiative led by Rick Coplen and we greatly value the service of our veterans in this community," said Amma Johnson, director of the Penn State Harrisburg Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, who also oversees the Harrisburg LaunchBox. "There are a lot of resources out there for veteran startups, and this program is a way to connect them with those resources as well as connect participants with business mentors."

Coplen, chairman of the Rotary Veterans Initiative, said the organization is grateful to Johnson and other partners for collaborating to provide the opportunity for veterans across Pennsylvania.

"We look forward to someday standing beside beaming veterans as they open their new businesses, achieve their career dreams, provide family-sustaining jobs, and enhance economic vitality in our communities," Coplen said.

The bootcamp will be held virtually from Oct. 1-Nov. 12. A pitch competition, which will be a hybrid event, will be held during Startup Challenge Weekend from 3 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 17 at Penn State Harrisburg in room 103 of the Educational Activities Building.

Those interested can apply by Sept. 20.