Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania
www.sep.benfranklin.org
An independent, not-for-profit economic development organization, BFTP/SEP was established in 1982 to stimulate economic growth through innovation, entrepreneurship and the development and adoption of new technologies. Part of a statewide network supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, BFTP/SEP provides capital and expertise in technology, finance and business that help 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.
BFTP/SEP is the catalyst for Stimulating Entrepreneurial Potential through the integration of scientific discovery and technology development and through initiatives that accelerate commercialization. BFTP/SEP stimulates economic growth and competitiveness in the region through initiatives and partnerships that nurture innovation, accelerate the development and adoption of technology by companies and communities, and promote the growth of technology-based entrepreneurship; i.e., Capital, Knowledge and Networks.
CAPITAL - Investment capital is the foundation, so 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.
KNOWLEDGE - It takes more than capital to succeed, and 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 analyses and strategic planning
- Technology commercialization services to find, assess, acquire and implement specific, new, cutting edge technologies.
NETWORKS - BFTP/SEP is the resource for technology-based entrepreneurial support, providing:
- Relationships with preferred service providers
- Partnerships with qualified investors
- Access to technology development resources
- A network of universities, research centers and laboratory facilities for technology commercialization and product development assistance
- Strategic alliances and licensing opportunities.
Jim Woods, Ph.D., the Montgomery County representative for BFTP/SEP, is located in the MCIDC office at tel. 610-272-5000 x228 or email jim@sep.benfranklin.org, for any additional information on BFTP/SEP programs.