Aug. 14—The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announced applications are being accepted for the second year of the TechCelerator @Lackawanna County program through Sept. 14.

Through the program, entrepreneurs with a technology-based business idea can earn $10,000 to jumpstart their plans.

The program is a collaboration between the chamber and its affiliate, Ignite; Lackawanna County, the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania and tecBRIDGE.

In the first year, eight startup companies were selected to participate in the program.

"Supporting entrepreneurship is at the core of the chamber's mission — to attract, sustain, and, in this case, grow in our region," Bob Durkin, president of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, said in a release. "This is a natural extension of our ongoing efforts to assist business start-ups through the Ignite program, where our regional network of partners is working together to provide the platform for entrepreneurial success."

During the 10-week, in-person program, participants have access to mentors, educational opportunities and experts on business formation strategies, customer discovery, marketing, financial planning and risk management.

The program will be presented in collaboration with the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, Carbondale Technology Transfer Center, Penn State Scranton Launchbox, and Venture Lab at Lackawanna College.

"Lackawanna County is thrilled to help facilitate the funding for entrepreneurs to see their dreams get started right in our county," county Commissioner Jerry Notarianni said in a release. "Our goal is to see our community's base diversify and new businesses be successful from start to finish."

All Lackawanna County residents with technology and for-profit business ideas may apply but not all will be selected.

To apply, visit IGNITE.ScrantonChamber.com/TechCelerator.

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