A turnkey operation for Schuylkill County’s next food entrepreneur is the grand prize of the third installment of the Launch Pottsville business competition.
Launch Pottsville III is a collaboration between Pottsville Area Development Corp. and Alvernia University.
The grand prize of this latest competition is a discounted lease for the kitchen space at Alvernia University Pottsville CollegeTowne. The school’s campus is located on Progress Ave. in downtown Pottsville.
The winner of Launch Pottsville III will get a 24-month lease for $1,000 per month at the kitchen space inside the school. All fixtures, furniture, and equipment is paid for an installed, making this a turnkey operation. In addition, at least $10,000 in startup capital will be given to the winner to make additional purchases.
“This collaboration is a great representation of what we’ve set out to do with our investment in downtown Pottsville through the CollegeTowne initiative,” Alvernia University President Glynis A. Fitzgerald says. “We are proud to open our Kitchen Space to entrepreneurs with bold, creative concepts, and look forward to seeing how this venture strengthens the connection between our campus and the wider downtown community.”
One caveat that’s designed to bring out a food entrepreneur’s creativity is the fact that the kitchen does not have a hood or exhaust system.
The application window for entrepreneurs to enter the competition is already open and closes on Dec. 1. There is no fee to enter.
Entrants will endure a 15-week curriculum taught by PADCO executive director Savas Logothetides. The course guides prospective business owners from the concept phase to the formal planning stages all the way up to the final pitch to judges, who will ultimately decide on a winner.
“Launch Pottsville has always been about building on our local strengths, and this year we are focused on the food sector. The Kitchen Space at Alvernia University is the perfect venue to test fresh ideas that can both serve students and bring something new to the downtown,” Logothetides says. “We are investing not just in one business, but in the long-term vitality of Pottsville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
A tour and question-and-answer session for potential applicants is set for Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. at Alvernia University in Pottsville.
The event gives entrepreneurs a chance to explore the space, speak directly with organizers, and learn more about the Launch Pottsville III competition before submitting their applications.
To apply today, follow this link. Direct questions to Logothetides at info@pad-co.com or visit downtownpottsville.com.
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