Department of Labor & Industry, Corner LaunchBox discuss New Kensington revitalization project

Revitalization plans, which could create more than 40 new jobs and encourage business and job growth in New Kensington, Pa., was recently discussed between Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jerry Oleksiak and representatives from Corner Launchbox, a startup business accelerator launched by Penn State New Kensington.

“Governor Wolf and his administration has stressed the need for innovative partnerships between state agencies, education, and workforce/economic development professionals to create an environment that fosters the creation and development of local businesses,” Oleksiak said. “Projects like this that spur creativity, and encourage entrepreneurial development highlight the importance of continued strategic investments in education, job training, and career readiness initiatives to ensure that job seekers have the skills they need to obtain good, middle-class jobs.”

The Corner LaunchBox is located at The Corner innovation hub and provides co-working space in downtown New Kensington. It is a 10-week program that is free to community members who have approved applications where they can learn about startup philosophy while receiving guidance and mentorship.

“During the next three years, we expect this partnership to create more than 40 jobs through businesses that the Corner LaunchBox helps attract, and start. We are excited by the possibilities of working with Alle-Kiski CareerLink to extend opportunities for entrepreneurship to the local community. It is with local partners like these that we hope the community’s local entrepreneurial talent can be utilized to bring high-quality jobs to the area,” Kevin Snider, Penn State New Kensington chancellor, said.

The Corner LaunchBox program and similar co-working space ideas were made possible through a seed grant of $150,000 from Invent Penn State.

“Governor Wolf is proposing historic new investments through PAsmart to improve access for Pennsylvania workers to education and job training programs,” Oleksiak said. “These additional funds will help support training programs, and help ensure that job seekers have the skills necessary to obtain good, middle-class jobs and that businesses, including startups, have access to the talent they need to expand and grow.”