Ben Franklin's TechCelerator@South Central PA will offer local entrepreneurs from Adams, York, Lancaster, Lebanon, Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, and Perry counties a virtual 10-week Business Startup Boot Camp. Business owners who want to expand their network, engage with serial entrepreneurs, and participate in discussions with experts in marketing, sales, and finance to help shape their business and develop a pitch presentation are encouraged to apply.

The boot camp entails a weekly three-hour group session with content experts and a weekly one-hour session with a start-up business mentor to discuss individual needs and development opportunities. The goal of the program is to provide a framework that will enable individuals to have the information needed to determine if it is the right time to start a tech business.

The boot camp will culminate in a six-minute presentation for each participant that will position his or her business to take the first step toward funding. Participants will test their presentation skills at the final session, pitching before a group of judges who have up to $10,000 to award to one or more participants.

The weekly Zoom sessions will be held on Tuesdays, April 6 to June 8, from 2 to 5 p.m. One-hour online mentoring/coaching sessions with Ben Franklin's Transformation Business Services, Small Business Development Center staff and SCORE will also be provided each week.

Space is limited. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, March 23. To learn more or to register, readers may visit http://www.cnp.benfranklin.org and click on BF TechCelerator Program under Programs & Resources.

For additional details, readers may contact Andy Long for Lancaster and Lebanon counties at 717-948-6763 or andylong@cnp.benfranklin.org or Julie Bratton for Dauphin and Perry counties at 717-948-6339 of juliebratton@cnp.benfranklin.org.