Overview
Strengthening Pennsylvanian Economy Through Capital, Technology, People, and Ideas
An independent not-for-profit economic development organization, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/SEP) was established in 1982 to stimulate economic growth through innovation, entrepreneurship and the development and adoption of new technologies. BFTP/SEP, part of a statewide network supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, provides capital and expertise in technology, finance and business that helps entrepreneurs and established businesses overcome challenges and plan for growth. Through our network of resources, the organization fosters dynamic relationships among companies, institutional and private investors, research institutions and the university community.
In 2001 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania passed the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority Act. The legislation established the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority and charged it with coordination of BFTP programs and investments that advance the competitiveness of Commonwealth companies in the global economy.
CAPITAL
Investment Capital Is the Foundation
BFTP/SEP offers:
- Critical seed capital at the earliest stages
- Growth capital for product development, process improvement and technology commercialization
- Financing through mezzanine and guarantee funds
- Funding for the commercialization of university discoveries
- Access to venture capital funds.
COACHING
It Takes More Than Capital to Succeed
BFTP/SEP supports our invested companies with:
- One-on-one business assistance through portfolio management and mentoring programs
- Success Teams - entrepreneurs working together on their wins, losses, and daily challenges
- Customized technology assessments, competitive analysis and strategic planning
- TechScout services to find, assess, acquire and implement specific, new, cutting edge technologies.
CONNECTIONS
BFTP/SEP is a resource for entrepreneurial support
BFTP/SEP provides:
- Relationships with preferred service providers
- Partnerships with qualified investors
- Access to technology development resources
- A network of research centers and federal laboratories
- Centers of Excellence network and laboratory facilities for product development
- Strategic alliances and licensing opportunities.
COMMUNITY
Ben Franklin's mission extends to communities
BFTP/SEP's community development efforts include:
- The Enterprise Center - Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern PA provides ongoing support to this community-based incubator
- Biotechnician certification program through the Wistar Institute and the Community College of Philadelphia
- West Oak Lane Charter School Community Internet Center - providing Internet access to the school's students, faculty and families.
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