NWPA Innovation Beehive Network

Background

The Northwest Pennsylvania (NWPA) Innovation Beehive Network is a collaborative initiative established in 2014 to enhance business expansion and development in the Erie area. Comprising six grant-funded centers—Allegheny College, Erie County Public Library, Gannon University, Mercyhurst University, Penn State Behrend, and PennWest Edinboro—the network leverages the unique strengths of each institution to provide comprehensive support to entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Key Strategic Focus

The NWPA Innovation Beehive Network focuses on fostering economic growth by offering specialized services through its member institutions:

Allegheny College: Provides sustainability research and consulting services, including product life cycle assessments and renewable energy systems design.

Erie County Public Library's Idea Lab: Offers a hands-on creative space equipped with high-tech tools for idea exploration and technological experimentation.

Gannon University's Center for Business Ingenuity: Delivers business consulting services, including financial analysis, business planning, and crowdfunding consultation.

Mercyhurst University's Innovation Entente Lab: Provides market analysis and competitive business intelligence strategies, including mobile support units for on-location assistance.

Penn State Behrend's Innovation Commons: Specializes in product design and prototyping, offering services like 3D printing, app design, and Industry 4.0 training.

PennWest Edinboro's Center for Branding and Strategic Communication: Focuses on branding and marketing services, including graphic design, social media management, and digital media production.

Financials and Funding

The network has secured significant funding to support its initiatives:

Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Grant: In October 2020, the ARC awarded $1.5 million to expand the network's services to 17 counties across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York.

Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) Grant: In March 2023, ECGRA awarded $896,000 to the network, with each of the five main centers receiving $200,000, and the Erie County Public Library's Idea Lab receiving $96,000.

Additional Grants: In October 2024, PennWest Edinboro's Beehive received a $452,000 grant from the ARC to train and empower regional entrepreneurs through the NWPAMade accelerator program.

Pipeline Development

The network has facilitated numerous projects and initiatives:

NWPAMade Accelerator Program: Launched by PennWest Edinboro's Beehive, this annual 10-week program aims to train and support maker entrepreneurs in Erie and Crawford counties.

Mobile Entrepreneurial Lab: Penn State Behrend's Innovation Commons plans to expand outreach efforts by taking a mobile lab to communities beyond Erie, such as Albion, Corry, and Union City.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The network's member institutions employ various proprietary technologies and methodologies:

Penn State Behrend's Innovation Commons: Utilizes advanced prototyping tools, including 3D printers and virtual reality equipment, to assist in product development.

Mercyhurst University's Innovation Entente Lab: Employs data analytics and business intelligence tools to provide market analysis and competitive strategies.

Leadership Team

The network's leadership comprises representatives from each member institution:

Allegheny College: Byron Rich, Director of Academic Innovation Partnerships.

Erie County Public Library: Jude Shingle, Emerging Technology Librarian.

Gannon University: Steve Mauro, Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Mercyhurst University: LeAnn Roberts, Provost.

Penn State Behrend: Jacob Marsh, Industry Relations Coordinator.

PennWest Edinboro: Christopher Lantinen, Director of the Center for Branding and Strategic Communication.

Leadership Changes

Specific recent leadership changes within the network are not detailed in the available information.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The NWPA Innovation Beehive Network operates within the entrepreneurial support and business development sector, focusing on fostering innovation and economic growth in the Northwest Pennsylvania region. The market is characterized by a collaborative approach, leveraging academic institutions to provide comprehensive services to startups and small businesses.

Competitor Analysis

While the network's collaborative model is unique, other regional initiatives and incubators may offer overlapping services. However, the NWPA Innovation Beehive Network's integration of multiple institutions with specialized expertise provides a distinct advantage in offering a broad range of services under a unified framework.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The network collaborates with various organizations to enhance its services:

Bridgeway Capital: Partnered with PennWest Edinboro's Beehive to offer the NWPAMade accelerator program, building on the success of Bridgeway's ErieMade Business Academy.

R. Frank Media: Collaborated with PennWest Edinboro's Beehive to develop a marketing video showcasing the network's labs, leaders, and student contributors.

Operational Insights

The network's collaborative framework allows it to offer a comprehensive suite of services, from product design and prototyping to market analysis and branding. This integrated approach, combined with the specialized expertise of each member institution, positions the network as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the region.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The NWPA Innovation Beehive Network aims to:

Expand Geographic Reach: Utilize funding to extend services to additional counties in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York.

Enhance Service Offerings: Introduce new services such as app development, co-working spaces, and mobile outreach to better support entrepreneurs.

Strengthen Community Engagement: Increase outreach efforts to engage with communities beyond Erie, demonstrating a commitment to supporting entrepreneurs across the region.