A Catalyst for Regional Innovation
By: Selina Pedi-Smith, Founder, Pellere Foundation
www.linkedin.com/in/selinapedismith
Guest Writer
Building on the importance of partnerships in community redevelopment that we explored last week, I’d like to shine a spotlight on one of our longest-standing and most impactful collaborators, Ben Franklin Technology Partners. A driving force in Pennsylvania’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for nearly 40 years, Ben Franklin exemplifies how strategic alliances can drive technological innovation and economic growth, playing a pivotal role in fostering technological innovation and supporting startups and small manufacturers. As a public-private partnership, Ben Franklin leverages state funding and strategic partnerships, such as with Penn State University, to provide both capital and expertise to emerging companies, especially in regions with rich manufacturing histories like Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Ben Franklin’s mission aligns perfectly with the broader goals of regional economic revitalization by integrating technology-driven businesses into the fabric of local economies. Their approach is not just about investment but about creating a sustainable ecosystem where entrepreneurs can thrive. This is particularly crucial in areas with a deep-rooted industrial past, where Ben Franklin works to bridge the gap between traditional manufacturing and modern technological advancements. The organization does this by providing startups with not just funding but also comprehensive support services, including business mentoring, market analysis, and access to a vast network of industry experts.
A standout figure in this effort is Brian Slawin, Ben Franklin’s Regional Director for Northwestern Pennsylvania. Slawin’s ability to connect the right people at the right time has made him an invaluable asset to our region’s developing Innovation Ecosystem. His background as a serial entrepreneur and his knack for network building have been instrumental in fostering collaborations that lead to successful business ventures. Slawin’s approach is deeply rooted in understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within the local context, which allows him to tailor support to the specific needs of entrepreneurs in the region.
One of Slawin’s key strategies is leveraging the existing industrial infrastructure and talent pool to support new ventures. For example, in Erie County, Ben Franklin partnered with the Erie Community Foundation to create the Hartman Innovation Fund, a $300,000 initiative aimed at helping local tech startups and small manufacturers. This fund exemplifies how Ben Franklin’s mission intersects with regional economic development goals, ensuring that innovation leads to tangible outcomes like job creation and economic growth.
Slawin’s leadership within Ben Franklin highlights the importance of having not just financial resources but also a strong network of relationships to drive entrepreneurial success. His work is a testament to how Ben Franklin’s model of combining investment with hands-on support can transform regional economies, making him a local hero within the broader mission of Ben Franklin Technology Partners.
Want to continue the conversation? If you would like to learn more or if you would like to get involved or have your voice heard, we’d love to hear from you! You can reach out via email: rachel@riverrootsredevelopment.org. Keep an eye on our website: riverrootsredevelopment.org and Facebook page @RiverRootsRedevelopment for more updates and for upcoming Community Coffee Chats, where you can find out more about local projects and share your own ideas with some of those involved in local redevelopment.
Rachel Brosnahan is the Community Engagement Coordinator for River Roots Redevelopment. She can be reached by email at rachel@riverrootsredevelopment.org.
