Chester County Economic Development Council

Hire One Business Networking
2024-11-20 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | River Station, 200 River Station Boulevard, Downingtown, PA, 193335
Find your next best hire, or a lead or two. Let’s network, help fill open positions and connect job seekers with hiring managers.
Ready, set, connect! Let Hire One and our taskforce of employers and job seekers help you make the right connection for your open positions OR your next best job.
Our networking events are different from job fairs and no resumes are allowed! Hiring managers will be in the room to share details about the positions that are are open. Job seekers, please have your elevator pitch ready! Perhaps it is a good fit for you, but maybe it is better suited for a friend or family member? We’re thinking outside of the job fair box and everyone will have a takeaway of valuable resources to help in their business pursuits.
Did you know that 80% of people who get a job offer were referred to the company? Online applications account for just 8% of jobs filled.
Employers
This business networking event provides employers with referrals to help fill your professional level job openings. Please register today using the EMPLOYER TICKET.
Job Seekers
Are you tired of the black hole of internet sites and portals? This networking event will put you face to face with employers who are hiring experienced professionals. It is not simply who is in the room, but who they know!
This is not a job fair, and no resumes are allowed. Have your elevator pitch ready and be willing to share your connections for the jobs that are not a match for you. NOW is one of the best times to look for a new position BEFORE the holidays! Many employers have new budgets and jobs to fill at the end of the year / beginning of the year.
Please register today using the JOB SEEKER TICKET.
What to expect
Beer, wine and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. We’ll enjoy networking at the beautiful River Station property in Downingtown, courtesy of Hankin Group! Dress will be business casual or greater.
After a brief introduction by the Hire One Program Manager, everyone will begin networking! We expect jobs to be available in the following fields: finance, sales, information technology, manufacturing and production, energy, healthcare, and more. Remember – it’s not only the employers in the room, but who they know and can introduce you to, that is important.
This event is supported by Chester County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the PA CareerLinks.
Host Sponsor: Hankin Group
About the venue
River Station is Hankin’s new residential community in Downingtown, PA featuring luxury one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans and state-of-the-art amenities, and the quality customer service that Hankin Apartments communities are known for. Take a virtual tour or watch a video that highlights the best of their apartment homes. Use the hassle-free online scheduling tools to book a tour, or contact the leasing office to learn more about renting at River Station.
Registration is required.
Questions? Contact Jim Lauckner, HireOne Project Consultant, jlauckner@ccedcpa.com.
HireOne, a CCEDC initiative, is a public/private partnership which provides employment services to the Health Care, Energy, IT/Communications, Life Science, Manufacturing, Financial Services, and Agriculture industries.

14th Annual Stakeholders Breakfast
2024-11-22 07:30 - 09:30 | The Desmond Hotel, One Liberty Blvd., Malvern, PA, 19355
14th Annual Stakeholders Breakfast
Friday, November 22
7:30 a.m
The Desmond Hotel, Malvern – a Doubletree by Hilton

Agenda:
7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Registration & Breakfast
8:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Program Presentations

Please note that this event is by invitation-only for our valued investors, key partners, and event sponsors. If you are not an investor but interested in learning more about our Investor Program, please reach out to MaryFrances McGarrity at 610.321.8223.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Please see details below or contact Tracey Oberholtzer for more information.
Sponsorship Levels and Benefits
Diamond Sponsor ($5,000) EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY – ONLY ONE AVAILBLE!

12 reserved seats to event
Logo included in program presentation
Logo included on CCEDC website event page & marketing efforts
Company Name on Tent Card at All Food Stations
Three to Five Minute Speaking Opportunity

Platinum Sponsor ($2,500)

6 reserved seats to even
Logo included in Logo included in program presentation
Logo included on CCEDC website event page & marketing efforts
Company Name on Tent Card at Coffee Station

Gold Sponsor ($1,500)

4 reserved seats to event
Logo included in Logo included in program presentation
Logo included on CCEDC website event page & marketing efforts

Silver Sponsor ($1,000)

2 reserved seats to event
Company Name included in program presentation
Company name included on CCEDC website event page & marketing efforts

Holiday Networking with ITAG and MACC/DC
2024-12-05 17:00 - 19:00 | Brickside Grill, 540 Wellington Square, Exton, PA, 19341, United States
Come join us for a festive evening of networking with the ITAG and MACC/DC partnerships.
The Innovative Technology Action Group (ITAG) and the Manufacturing Alliance of Chester and Delaware Counties (MACC/DC) will gather together to celebrate the winter holidays and another successful year of the partnerships.
Join us to expand your business network at the Brickside Grille in Exton. Connect with other technology professionals, industry partners and manufacturers.
Listen to success stories and enjoy conversations about hiring and retention, connections made, educational events, upskilling employees, and available grants.
Your ticket includes light fare and first beverage.
Please help us to grow the ITAG and MACC/DC Partnerships by inviting fellow industry professionals to attend!
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Email mstack@ccedcpa.com or jlauckner@ccedcpa.com.
REGISTRATION:
ITAG Participants – REGISTER HERE
MACC/DC Participants – REGISTER HERE
NOTES:

Ticket are limited so don’t wait to register! We are expecting this event to sell out quickly. No walk-ins permitted.
Refunds up to 7 days in advance.
In case of inclement weather, you will be notified by email, after which time a new date will be communicated.

ABOUT ITAG:
The Innovative Technology Action Group (ITAG) is a regional initiative of the Chester County Economic Development Councildedicated to building a stronger more competitive tech industry and promoting Information Technology, Communications, and Technological Processes to all companies and individuals in Southeastern Pennsylvania. ITAG is supported with grant funds from the PA Department of Labor and Industry through the Chester County Workforce Development Board and contributions from the private sector. Visit https://itag.ccedcpa.com/ to learn more.
ABOUT MACC/DC:
The Manufacturing Alliance of Chester & Delaware Counties is an initiative of CCEDC and Delaware County Community College and is funded in part by the private sector with grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry through the Chester County Workforce Development Board (WDB)

Scaling for Growth - Five-part Series
2024-12-06 08:30 - 10:30 | FLEX at Chesterbrook, The Circuit - 851 Durportail Rd., Chesterbrook, PA, 19087
This five-part series helps prepare emerging as well as established companies by offering timely topics and tools from expert presenters. This series is intended for businesses, startups, entrepreneurs and those thinking about launching their idea to take action – and grow.
Participants can register for one or more sessions – or all five. Those registering for the full five-part series save $50.00. Note: This Scaling for Growth series is offered to all current i2n Entrepreneurs at no cost! Please look for an email with your exclusive i2n Entrepreneur registration code.
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Friday, September 27: Shaping & Telling Your Story
How we develop and present our “story” is crucial – from building and delivering our vision, bolstering our own self-confidence, securing funding, and more. This customized program will prepare you to thoughtfully develop – and deliver – your story in an engaging and compelling way. Craig Smith is an experienced and dynamic presenter who will speak on the power of storytelling to build communities around your brand. Craig has partnered with some of the world’s largest brand- Google, Samsung, HP and more – to help bring their products into the world of multimedia shopping. Craig has appeared on the shopping platform QVC more than 4,000 times and recently appeared on CBS Saturday Morning.
Friday, October 11: Marketing & Branding
Identifying and reaching our target audiences is key to continued growth. This session will uncover marketing tools you can adapt to ignite or continue to fuel the growth of your business. Wendy Verna is the founder and president of Octo, a marketing, branding and design firm that has been helping companies grow for more than 30 years. Wendy will help you take the guesswork out of identifying who your customers are and what marketing decisions need to be made to best engage them. Wendy expertise is uncovering and leveraging your unique marketing messages and advantages, and turning them into conversions, deliverables and relationships.
Friday, October 25: How to Ask for Money
Seeking and securing funding to help launch and grow your idea or business can be daunting, and our panel discussion of entrepreneurs who have traveled this path combined with advisors who guide the way will share wisdom from their experiences, helping to make your journey smoother. From Friends & Family, Angels and VC’s to grants and traditional financing, this is a must attend session.
Friday, November 15: Legal 101
From intellectual property and patent law to how and why to structure your company, we’ll cover a myriad of legal topics to help you navigate your business’s formation and growth, and answer questions most entrepreneurs haven’t thought of yet! A partner with Fox Rothschild, Terry Kerwin advises startup and growth-stage companies across a range of industries. He works with clients on a variety of matters from formation to exit, including: corporate governance, private equity and venture capital transactions, commercial contract preparation and review, buy-sell agreements and shareholder disputes, and more.
Friday, December 6: Human Resources 101
Managing people – and timing your growth – are crucial to navigating a successful business, whether at launch, or over key milestones moments. Our experienced HR professionals will offer thoughtful guidance and advice ranging from payroll services to creating an employee handbook, and more. Lauren Williams is an experienced HR professional who is expert at guiding business leaders through all stages of growth. As CEO of Workplace Harmony, Lauren and her team have worked in-house as well as outsourced HR team members and are trusted subject matter experts in all aspect of Human Resources.
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Notes:

Advance registration required.
The five-part series discount is only available until noon on September 26.
Registration for each session closes at noon on the day prior to each session.
Those i2n Entrepreneurs who register to attend one or more sessions using their “no cost” code and who “do not show” will be asked to pay a $25.00 no show fee.
Due to security, attendees will be sent a QR code to enter the building. Please check your emails the day before.

The Burnout Epidemic
2024-12-19 07:30 - 10:30 | Commonwealth Charter Academy, 70 Valley Stream Parkway, Malvern, PA, 19355
Join us for an interactive discussion around burnout in the healthcare industry. We will explore the causes, symptoms, and impacts of burnout on healthcare professionals- focusing on mental and physical well-being. We will discuss strategies for prevention and recovery, emphasizing the importance of organizational support, work-life balance, and self-care practices.
Breakfast will be provided, offering an informal setting for networking and collaboration.

ITAG Partnership Meeting - Board Elections & Networking
2025-01-16 16:00 - 18:30 | Chester County Economic Development Council, 737 Constitution Drive, Exton, PA, 19341, United States
You’re Invited: ITAG’s First Meeting of 2025!
Join us for the first ITAG meeting of 2025 as we come together to collaborate and set the stage for a dynamic year ahead. This is your chance to connect with tech professionals from across Southeastern PA and play a role in shaping the region’s tech future.
Agenda Highlights:

Mission & Goals Review: Reaffirm ITAG’s initiatives and commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth in 2025.
Board Elections: Nominate and elect the leaders who will guide ITAG’s mission this year.
Networking & Refreshments: Build valuable connections in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

What is ITAG?
The Innovative Technology Action Group (ITAG) is dedicated to fostering a robust, inclusive regional tech economy. With no dues or formal membership requirements, ITAG is open to anyone who shares our vision of a thriving tech workforce prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.
ITAG Is for You If:

You’re passionate about technology and IT in Southeastern PA.
You work in tech or for a tech-driven company and want to connect with peers.
You enjoy learning about trends like cybersecurity or workforce inclusion.
You believe in the importance of a skilled workforce for the tech industry’s success.
You want to give back, whether by hosting meetings, serving on committees, or inspiring future tech leaders.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a longtime participant, this meeting is your opportunity to engage, contribute, and shape the future of our region’s tech industry.
Questions about ITAG? Contact Marianne Stack, Project Director at mstack@ccedcpa.com
Advance registration is required. Registration closes at noon, January 15.
We hope to see you there!

21st Annual CCEDC Economic Outlook
2025-01-22 07:30 - 09:30 | Penn State Great Valley, 30 E. Swedesford Road, Malvern, 19355, United States
The 21st Annual CCEDC Economic Outlook offers a fantastic opportunity for businesses to gain insight into the global economy and financial markets as we head into 2025. We are thrilled to announce that Patti Brennan (CEO, Key Financial, Inc.), and Dianne P. Manges (CFA, Senior Investment Advisor, Truist Foundations & Endowments Practice) return again this year to share their unique perspectives, as well as in-depth analysis and expertise related to the local, national and global economic landscape.
Be sure to register early to secure your seat—this is one event you don’t want to miss!
Join us at Penn State University Great Valley on Wednesday, January 22:

7:30 am – Networking and Breakfast
8:00 am-9:30 am- Program Presentations

Any questions? Please contact Tracey Oberholtzer, toberholtzer@ccedcpa.com.

PLEASE NOTE:

We look forward to seeing you at this in-person event.
Due to capacity limits, NO ONE WILL BE ADMITTED WITHOUT A RESERVED TICKET. Tickets will not be sold at the door and must be purchased in advance of the event date.

Speaker Bios:
Patti Brennan, CFP®, CFS® – CEO, Key Financial, Inc.
Dianne P. Manges CFA, – Senior Investment Advisor, Truist Foundations & Endowments Practice

We’re Collecting Paper Products to Help Women and Children in Need
We’re supporting Home of the Sparrow to help women and children facing homelessness. You can pitch in by bringing items to our 21st Annual Economic Outlook and then leave with a fresh economic insight and the knowledge that you’ve made a meaningful impact on our community. Needed items include paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, napkins, or paper plates, and more!

Building Connections with Agriculture
2025-01-23 08:30 - 11:00 | Montgomery County Community College: Pottstown Campus, 101 College Drive North Hall, 2nd Floor (202), Pottstown, PA, 19464
Join fellow workforce development professionals to hear from a panel of regional ag employers, and learn about their workforce needs and pain points. Also learn about effectively braiding funding sources from different available entities to maximize employer/participant engagement in programmatic efforts.

i2n Creators & Innovators Celebration
2025-01-30 16:30 - 18:30 | Mission Capitalist Club, 646 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA, 19444
oin us for i2n’s Creators & Innovators Celebration where we bring together the southeastern Pennsylvania community of innovators and entrepreneurs to recognize milestone moments and the people behind those transformative initiatives.
We’ll celebrate startup leaders and entrepreneurs – including some of our i2n Partners, Supporters, and Entrepreneurs – and make new connections during this fun, relaxed cocktail reception.
Attire: Business Casual / Entrepreneurial Casual
Advance registration required. Registration closes at noon January 29.
Proudly hosted by The Mission Capitalist Club
Sponsorship Opportunities available. Please contact Matt Cabrey or Cheryl Korn.
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Note: If the event needs to be postponed due to inclement weather, an email will be sent from Eventbrite to registrants using the email address provided during registration. Refunds will be provided if you are unable to attend the rescheduled date.
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About i2n: The Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n) is an initiative of the Chester County Economic Development Council. Our mission is to make southeastern Pennsylvania the best possible place for early-stage and technology-driven companies to start, grow, and thrive.

13th Annual SEI Energy Briefing
2025-02-11 08:00 - 10:00 | Chester County Economic Development Council, 737 Constitution Drive, Exton, PA, 19341, United States
Join us for this critical conversation on the future of electric energy, alternative energy sources and the growing electric demand. Gain valuable insights, network with key industry leaders, and be a part of shaping a sustainable and powerful smart energy future.
Electric energy is transforming our world, powering everything from homes to AI data centers. This surge in demand presents unique challenges and opportunities for power providers and energy coordination.
Experts will discuss balancing these competing demands, ensuring transparency in energy production and distribution, and navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Presenters:
Keynote speaker: David M. Velazquez, President and Chief Executive Officer – PECO
Asim Z. Haque, Sr. Vice President of State Government Services – PJM Interconnection
The speakers will address the energy issues and impact on the energy market. We’ll explore how power providers are innovating to meet this growing demand, and how large-scale coordination is crucial for a sustainable energy future.
Key topics include:

The Balancing Act: How can we effectively manage the increasing energy demands of AI data centers and the growth of alternative energy sources?
Industry Insights: Hear from leading experts on how they are navigating this complex landscape and shaping the future of energy.
The Need for Clarity: As energy demands continue to climb, how can we ensure transparency and efficiency in energy production and distribution?

Who should attend: Those interested in the state of the national, regional, and local energy economy, business owners, facilities managers, energy professionals, project & property developers, municipal developers.

Agenda
8:00 a.m. check-in and continental breakfast
8:30 a.m. Welcome presentations
8:45 a.m. Keynote speaker
9:15 a.m. Second speaker
9:45 a.m. Q & A
More details about this event are available on the SEI Website.

Registration is required. If weather is inclement you will be notified via email.
This is an in-person event.
Questions? Contact Jim Lauckner, Project Consultant jlauckner@ccedcpa.com.
This event is funded in part by the Chester County Workforce Development Board.

ITAG Partnership Meeting - March 2025
2025-03-13 16:00 - 18:30 | Eigen X, 1000 Continental Drive Suite 600, King of Prussia, PA, 19406
Engage with ITAG for Partnership updates and opportunities, a great presentation and networking.
Join ITAG as we come together for a bi-monthly meeting to collaborate and enhance the tech community. Learn how ITAG can help you and your company but also how you can make a difference! This is your chance to connect with tech professionals from across Southeastern PA and play a role in shaping the region’s tech future.
Agenda Highlights:

Partnership Business: Around the room introductions followed by ITAG updates, opportunities, and ways to get involved.
Featured Presentation: AI & Sports Analytics: Transforming Data into Winning Strategies
Networking & Refreshments: Build valuable connections in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

What is ITAG?
The Innovative Technology Action Group (ITAG) is a partnership of private employers, educators, and public organizations dedicated to fostering a robust, inclusive regional tech economy. With no dues or formal membership requirements, ITAG is open to anyone who shares our vision of a thriving tech workforce prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.
Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a longtime participant, consider joining the ITAG Board to engage, contribute, and shape the future of our region’s tech industry.
Featured Presentation:
AI & Sports Analytics: Transforming Data into Winning Strategies
PRESENTERS: Ben Potts and Greg Buckly, Eigen X
This session explores the powerful combination of AI and sports analytics, focusing on how organizations can leverage advanced data techniques to gain a competitive edge. Ben and Greg will delve into the mechanics of Tableau Pulse, a groundbreaking feature that delivers next-gen metric-based experiences to your preferred platform. Additionally, they will showcase the custom English to SDQL AI interpreter developed for KillerSports, which revolutionizes sports betting analytics. Attendees will learn how to prepare their data for AI applications, ensure high accuracy in model training, and optimize costs without compromising on quality.
This session is ideal for both technical practitioners and business leaders looking to integrate AI into their decision-making processes. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your data and drive success in the fast-paced world of sports analytics.
Click here to learn more abut Ben and Greg.
Have questions about joining ITAG? Contact Marianne Stack, Project Director at mstack@ccedcpa.com
Advance registration is required. Registration closes at noon, March 12.
We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our meeting host and sponsor: Eigen X
Thank you to our 2025 Program Sponsors: Haverford Systems and Recent Communications.

i2n Scaling For Growth - Patents, Trademarks, Intellectual Property
2025-03-14 08:30 - 10:00 | FLEX at Chesterbrook, The Circuit - 851 Durportail Rd., Chesterbrook, PA, 19087
i2n’s Scaling For Growth is an education series that helps prepare emerging companies, small business and entrepreneurs by offering timely topics and tools from expert presenters. This series intended for businesses, startups, entrepreneurs and those thinking about launching their idea into action – and growth.
Trademarks, patents and IP law can be big issues to understand for any small business, innovator, company and entrepreneur, and we are pleased to present a special program featuring one of the top experts in the industry. As a patent attorney with Barley Snyder‘s Intellectual Property Practice Group, Kevin C. Myhre brings a unique perspective to his work for clients at various stages.
Kevin is involved in patent application preparation and prosecution, trademark matters, and litigation support across all areas of intellectual property law, including research and strategy development. His distinct background as a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) patent examiner – where his field of examination focused on driverless or autonomous vehicle technology in the transportation industry – is complemented by his real-world experience working in the engineering community.
About i2n: The Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n) is an initiative of the Chester County Economic Development Council. Our mission is to make southeastern Pennsylvania the best possible place for early-stage and technology-driven companies to start, grow, and thrive.

A Panel of Visionary CEOs
2025-03-14 10:00 - 11:30 | West Chester University Asplundh Theater, 700 S. High Street, West Chester, PA, 19383
For the first time, four of Chester County’s most prominent organizations are jointly hosting a milestone gathering of industry leaders to pinpoint the pivotal issues shaping Southeastern Pennsylvania’s economy and future.

An esteemed panel of CEOs from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) CTDI, Vanguard and Wawa will be presented by the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry (CCCBI), Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC), Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC) and West Chester University.
“Executive Insights: A Panel of Visionary CEOs” will take place at West Chester University’s Asplundh Theatre on Friday, March 14, 2025 bringing together business leaders, policymakers, educators, and community stakeholders.
The event will feature 6ABC’s Tamala Edwards as the moderator, leading a dynamic discussion on criticalissues including economic growth, workforce development, sustainability, education, transportation, and corporate responsibility.

“This event exemplifies the power of collaboration in Chester County,” said Laura Manion, President of CCCBI. “Uniting these four organizations alongside such an outstanding panel of high-caliber CEOs highlights our collective dedication to advancing economic growth, sparking innovation, and equipping our workforce to meet the opportunities and demands of the future.”

“CCEDC is proud to be part of the partnership that is bringing this important conversation to our business community, and we are honored to feature influential CEOs from four of our region’s most recognizable and global companies,” said Mike Grigalonis, President and COO of CCEDC. “It promises to be a thoughtful dialogue that will provide businesses, educators and policymakers from across the region with important perspectives as we plan for 2025 and beyond.”

Key issues covered of include:

Economic Growth and Regional Impact – Insights into how these organizations are shaping the region’s economy through innovation and strategic leadership.

Workforce Development – Strategies for addressing workforce challenges and fostering talent pipelines.

Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility – How businesses are integrating sustainability and community impact into their operations.

Education and Transportation – The role of partnerships with educational institutions and transportation infrastructure in supporting business and community growth.

“We anticipate welcoming over 400 business leaders, entrepreneurs, economic development professionals, educators and local government representatives to join us for this impactful conversation,” said Dr. Laurie Bernotsky, President of West Chester University. “It’s an honor to provide a space where these vital discussions can take place and drive meaningful progress for our region.”

Women in Agriculture
2025-03-19 17:00 - 19:30 | Good Girls Bakery, 565 Wellington Square, Exton, PA, 19341
Spend an evening networking with industry professionals, learning about financial support initiatives and business resources.
Come and enjoy local refreshments and enjoy the company of fellow women ag professionals. We will hear from several guest speakers related to financing/funding options, and how to best utilize existing resources.
AGENDA

Braiding Available Workforce Funds to Maximize Support – Stephanie Smith, Chester County Workforce Development Manager

Tips for Managing Cash Crunches in Tight Times – Jodi Gauker, PSU Extension Educator

Farm Service Agency Programming – Victoria Behm, County Executive Director

GBA: Business Immigration Basics and Trends
2025-03-20 08:30 - 10:00 | Fox Rothschild, 747 Constitution Drive, Exton, PA, 19335
Navigating Immigration Challenges: Professional Roundtable for Businesses
Immigration issues are affecting businesses of all sizes and industries, creating challenges in workforce planning, compliance, and growth. Pennsylvania Global Business Advisors (GBA) is excited to present this roundtable session led by Fox Rothschild’s Sam Finkel and Mark Harley that will help cut through the complexity and provide actionable insights on key immigration issues.
Topics discussed:

Recruiting talented foreign workers and navigating complex immigration laws
Ensure hiring and employment practices comply with immigration laws
Supporting international professionals seeking employment in areas of IT, education, manufacturing, medicine, research, pharmaceuticals, architecture, finance, sports, music, human resources and more
Helping multinational firms with intra-company transfer of executives, managers and specialized knowledge employees

Join us for an insightful event on business immigration basics and trends. Learn about the latest updates and key information to stay ahead in the ever-changing landscape of business immigration. Network with professionals in the field and gain valuable insights to enhance your knowledge and skills. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your understanding of business immigration!
Note: Current GBA board members and supporters, as well as CCEDC investors, may attend at no cost. Advance registration required by COB, March 18.

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About GBA: Pennsylvania Global Business Advisors (GBA) is an initiative of the Chester County Economic Development Council. It is a world-class, private sector, B2B advisory board for regional and international companies looking to expand imports, exports, foreign direct investment and international partnerships.

The Road to LionCage - Women Founders
2025-03-26 17:00 - 21:00 | Penn State Brandywine, 25 Yearsley Mill Rd, Media, PA, 19063
Road to LionCage is a series of six small, intimate pitch competitions that lead to the LionCage Pitch Competition in the fall of 2025. The March 26 session is focused on Women Founders only.
Details:

The program will kick-off with a dynamic and informative panel discussion featuring women entrepreneurs and moderated by Jaclyn Gallo of Spark Your Light Studios and including Penn State Alum Julianne Gardner of Bottimals, Susan Springsteen of H20 Connected, and Yasmin George of Trend Lab.
5 to 7 women entrepreneurs will pitch their idea, product or service. Each will have five minutes to pitch followed by three minutes of Q&A with a panel of judges.
Two winners will be selected. Prizes: $500 to first place and $250 to second place. PLUS, the first place winner will automatically qualify for the main LionCage Pitch Competition on November 14 where participants compete for thousands of dollars in prize money.

March 26 Agenda:
5:00 p.m. Registration
5:30 p.m. Opening Remarks
5:45 p.m. Panel Discussion
6:30 p.m. Pitch Presentations
8:00 p.m. Winners Announced and Reception
Guests are welcome and encouraged to attend, cheer on their favorite entrepreneur, listen to an inspiring panel discussion on what it takes to be a women entrepreneur and female founder, and make new connections with business and community leaders.
There is no cost to pitch or attend. Advance registration required.

Apply to pitch:
CLICK HERE for more details and an application. Applications due no later than March 9. Note: This link is for applications only.
Attend the event:
Click on the registration button. Remember, there is no cost to attend but advance registration is required.
About LionCage:
Now in its second year, LionCage is presented by Invent Penn State and the LaunchBoxes at Penn State Brandywine and Great Valley, and the Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n) to support entrepreneurs and innovators across all of southeastern Pennsylvania.
Click here to visit the LionCage website for more details and a recap of the 2024 event.
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About i2n: The Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n) is an initiative of the Chester County Economic Development Council. Our mission is to make southeastern Pennsylvania the best possible place for early-stage and technology-driven companies to start, grow, and thrive.

i2n Scaling For Growth - Funding Options
2025-03-28 08:00 - 10:30 | FLEX at Chesterbrook, The Circuit - 851 Durportail Rd., Chesterbrook, PA, 19087
i2n’s Scaling For Growth is an education series that helps prepare emerging companies, small business and entrepreneurs by offering timely topics and tools from expert presenters. This series intended for businesses, startups, entrepreneurs and those thinking about launching their idea into action – and growth.

Friday, March 28: Funding Options: Grants, Tax Credits & More

For entrepreneurs and small businesses, access to capital is key to fueling growth. This session will help us understand various funding options — tax credits and grants – and how to navigate the qualification and application processes. From Keystone Innovation Zones, R&D, Film, Video Game Development, Neighborhood Assistance, and more, to explaining “sellable” tax credits, and grant programs at the state and federal level – you’ll learn if your organization may qualify, and a roadmap to apply.
Led by experts from MVM Associates, a national leader in securing and managing a variety of grants and tax credits for companies throughout the United States and headquartered in Pennsylvania, this team has more than 25 years of experience, and has processed over $250 million in transfer applications for hundreds of companies across industries.

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About i2n: The Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n) is an initiative of the Chester County Economic Development Council. Our mission is to make southeastern Pennsylvania the best possible place for early-stage and technology-driven companies to start, grow, and thrive.
