Posted Oct 15, 9:43 AM
Pictured: Ben Franklin TechVentures on Lehigh University's Mountaintop Campus in Bethlehem is seen following a 20,000-square-foot expansion completed in 2017.
The key to keeping the sought-after, tech-based entrepreneurs here in Pennsylvania is ensuring they have access to the essential support and resources they need to bring their business ideas to life. However, a recent report by the Brookings Institution found that Pennsylvania is not doing all it can to create jobs and grow its tech-based economy.
Young businesses need resources like Ben Franklin Technology Partners, whose team of experts was there for my company, Rea.deeming Beauty Inc. when we needed help during our formative years. Ben Franklin helped us take our business to the next level and was vital to our success by providing us with high-value services and the type of trusted guidance that is essential for entrepreneurs.
For more than 35 years, Ben Franklin has served as the model for innovation and high-tech investments. We need to ensure the assets and the benefits provided by Ben Franklin are available to a greater number of entrepreneurs so that Pennsylvania remains the preferred environment in which to live and work.
Pennsylvania faces stiff competition from neighboring states who want to grow and attract the same talent and tech-based companies as we do. If we don’t increase our commitment to tech-based start-ups, Pennsylvania runs the risk of falling behind and staying there. Let’s not allow that to happen. Let’s keep innovation at the forefront of our economy.
Catherine Bailey
Senior advisor/former president, Rea.deeming Beauty
Bethlehem