A regional technology-based economic development entity is looking for Warren County entrepreneurs with Big Ideas.

“In partnership with the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP) is looking for innovators with Big Ideas located in Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean, or Warren county,” according to a release from Marketing and Communications Manager Karly Warner.

The Big Idea contest offers a shot at cash prizes and developmental assistance.

“We’re looking for entrepreneurs who are developing or crafting a product, process or innovation related to the maker economy, outdoors and recreation, forest products, manufacturing and technology,” according to the BFTP website. “If this sounds like you, don’t hesitate to apply.”

“We run Big Idea Contests to engage with new entrepreneurs, new startups, new companies — ones that haven’t interacted with Ben Franklin before,” Big Ideas past manager Annie Hughes said. “We do this to draw people to our organization. It’s also a seed funding opportunity for startups. Some of those startups that apply might join one of our free accelerator programs or join our investment portfolio. We also want them to get more invested in the ecosystem, by that I mean all the different entities that work with startups and entrepreneurs to get them where they’re going.”

“Many companies are just as much in need of business support services — accounting, HR, market research, and general strategy — as our capital,” BFTP Portfolio Manager John Siggins said.

“It was rigorous,” 2022 Big Idea Co-Winner Esperanzo Wilcox, of PA Mushroom Co., said. “One of the most helpful parts of that process was the coaching. Annie Hughes and John Siggins — they were both major attributes in the way they challenged me to convey the message. The experience overall was quite challenging, but it was also rewarding. It changed my life, and it changed the direction of our company for the better.”

Applications must be received through the Ben Franklin Learning Center website by April 18.

More information is available by contacting Warner at karlywarner@cnp.benfranklin.org.