The Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO) and Alvernia University have announced the third edition of Launch Pottsville, an entrepreneurial competition designed to promote economic development and support new business creation in the city’s downtown.
This year’s program introduces a new feature: a business concept centered around food innovation. The competition will provide one entrepreneur the chance to launch their idea inside the university’s Kitchen Space at the downtown CollegeTowne campus at 500 Progress Avenue.
Program Details
The winner of Launch Pottsville III will receive a two-year lease at a discounted rate of $1,000 per month, along with fully furnished and equipped space to begin operations. The prize package also includes at least $10,000 in startup capital.
Because the kitchen facility does not include a hood or exhaust system, applicants are encouraged to develop creative and adaptable food business concepts that can operate within the existing setup.
Applications opened October 3, 2025, and will remain open until December 1, 2025. There is no entry fee. Submissions can be made online at www.downtownpottsville.com/launch3.
Support and Mentorship
Participants will take part in a 15-week curriculum taught by PADCO Executive Director Savas Logothetides, which will cover entrepreneurship fundamentals, business development, and strategies for succeeding in a downtown market.
Logothetides said the initiative continues to build on Pottsville’s strengths.
“This year we are focused on the food sector. The Kitchen Space at Alvernia University is the perfect venue to test fresh ideas that can both serve students and bring something new to the downtown,” he said.
Alvernia University President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., added that the project aligns with the school’s downtown investment.
“We are proud to open our Kitchen Space to entrepreneurs with bold, creative concepts, and look forward to seeing how this venture strengthens the connection between our campus and the wider downtown community,” Fitzgerald said.
Building on Previous Success
Past Launch Pottsville winners have established businesses such as Rage Parade Skate Shop and Alternative Apparel, The Chopping Block, and Arrow Studios and Events. Other competitions, like Ignite Schuylkill, have also contributed to downtown revitalization efforts, including the creation of The Farm Store.
Projects currently underway, such as the Rosalia Hotel in the former Miners Bank building, continue to add momentum to downtown redevelopment.
Upcoming Information Session
A tour of the Alvernia Kitchen Facility and a Q&A session for interested applicants will be held Monday, October 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
For more details, visit www.downtownpottsville.com or email PADCO at info@pad-co.co.