Published: 04/19/2022
Businesses thrive at the Erie Technology Incubator at Gannon University.
The Erie Technology Incubator at Gannon University is celebrating the success of its client businesses as they each advance in their entrepreneurial journeys. Several of ETI’s 17-client roster are celebrating significant milestones as they develop and grow their technology-enabled companies. Three were selected to participate in a crowdfunding project supported by funds from the Ben Franklin Technology Partnership in an effort to return crowdfunding to the Erie startup community.
Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro achieves its crowdfunding goal to launch jerk sauce into stores.
To take their signature sauces beyond the Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro kitchen, Karen Thomas and Adrienne Paul are working with ETI to grow their jerk marinade and sauce company, 8fronds LLC.
The company was selected as one of three to participate in ETI and Ben Franklin Technology Partnership’s crowdfunding project to expand its production capacity and enter into agreements with retail outlets. The 30-day Kickstarter campaign for 8fronds LLC launched April 1. It reached and exceeded its $10,000 goal within the first week with more than 100 backers making contributions.
While in residence at ETI, the company plans to utilize the Kickstarter funding to grow from fulfilling small batch orders to distributing their sauces on the shelves of major and regional retailers – and they have already begun to gain the interest of some.
Karen Thomas and Adrienne Paul, co-owners
Alex & Thea host crowdfunding launch party.
Alex & Thea LLC is a lifestyle brand producing a multifunctional and innovative diaper bag with accessories. It is the second of three companies selected to participate in ETI and Ben Franklin Technology Partnership’s crowdfunding project. Excited to begin this Kickstarter project, CEO Rachelle Martin hosted a “baby shower” to celebrate the launch of the campaign at Gannon University’s Center for Business Ingenuity.
The launch party recognizes the start of the campaign, as well as support The Bair Foundation Child & Family Ministries by having attendees bring a baby toy to donate to the Foundation’s foster care toy drive.
The campaign will run for 30 days beginning April 18 to raise funds to help move the company from the design phase into production of its first line of diaper bags, The Althea Collection. Rachelle Martin, CEO
Next Chapters publishes its first multi-author book: “The Faith of Fire.”
Creating a non-traditional path to becoming a published author, Next Chapters brings writers together online as a network of co-authors to develop each other’s ideas. Writers interested in contributing to or seeking assistance with their book or novel can register with Next Chapters to help bring stories to life. The company excitedly published its first co-authored book, “The Faith of Fire,” in which each chapter is written by a different author. Tim Vickey, Founder, is available to discuss his idea to bring a collaborative network of writers together, the first published book and what’s next for the company. Tim Vickey, Founder
Leverage4Data graduates ETI, merges with new company.
Leverage4Data, LLC is a software as a service company founded on providing affordable, easy-to-use solutions with integrated analytics to allow manufacturing companies to communicate with their suppliers in a secure way through a collaborative workflow application. With a background in implementing IT systems, Sara Hanks, Founder, was inspired by her experience in the industry to create more seamless and accessible products.
The company was admitted into ETI in May 2021 and has since experienced creating a business plan, participating in bootcamps and tech-accelerator programs and refined their product to best meet the needs of the industry. Leverage4Data graduated from ETI in January after merging with the startup Virtual IT Solutions to take on custom software requests, creating their new company together– Virtual Leverage. Their joint venture has since continued to grow its clientele and sales.
Sara Hanks, Founder
Boho Basement is growing, expanding physical footprint.
With a mission to create a more circular fashion industry and reduce textile waste, Boho Basement designs unique garments using sustainably sourced second-hand materials. Mia D’Amato, Founder, personally creates pieces while also managing the company. Boho Basement has recently experienced significant growth in audience recognition, reaching more than 10,000 followers on Instagram following the release of its newest clothing line. D’Amato has since expanded the company’s physical footprint by establishing residency within the Erie Technology Incubator for direct access to support and resources to sustain its momentum.
Mia D’Amato, Founder
For more information on the Erie Technology Incubator and its clients, visit:
https://www.erietech.org.