Ben Franklin to Invest $354,876 In Regional Economic Development

January 23, 2013

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(Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania)

The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s (BFTP/NEP) Board of Directors has approved the investment of $354,876 in support of regional economic development. BFTP/NEP’s goal is to help lead northeastern Pennsylvania to a better economic future by building partnerships that develop and apply technology for competitive advantage. To achieve this goal, Ben Franklin staff concentrate their efforts on three key areas:

developing and growing early-stage technology-oriented companies,
helping established manufacturers creatively apply new technology and business practices to achieve industry leadership, and
promoting an innovative community-wide infrastructure that fosters a favorable business environment for high-growth companies.

...Ben Franklin announces the following established manufacturer company investments from its Pennsylvania Challenge Grant funding. Ben Franklin provides a 1:1 matching grant for work with a college or university partner on technology-based manufacturing innovation in established manufacturers.

...Bio-Energy Holdings, Inc. (http://www.bio-energyholdings.com/) Center Valley, Lehigh County

Ben Franklin Investment: $50,000
Continue commercializing the patented A-Ceptor, a unit that separates oils and grease from “gray” restaurant sink effluent before it goes into underground traps or wastewater treatment systems. Trap buildup can cause odor, bacteria, and drain back-ups inside the restaurant, and sewer blockages and discharge issues outside. The end-product from the A-Ceptor is recycled for bio-diesel energy production. READ MORE