The Launch Pottsville Competition was designed to create an intentional, non-traditional form of economic development by investing in our community’s human capital.

Launch Pottsville will aim to facilitate an arts and entertainment ecosystem in Pottsville’s Strategic Redevelopment Area by investing in entrepreneurs and energizing the local business community.

Application Deadline is December 1st, 2025

or if 8 eligible applications are received

Why Launch Pottsville?

We believe the results of this contest are vital to the community’s revitalization because:

  • We know it can be difficult to finance “start-ups” in the area due to demographic and physical challenges.

  • We know that a sustained revitalization takes more than just small loans and other financial incentives.

  • We know that the ultimate purpose of both a resilient economy and community of businesses is to create and retain jobs, increase foot traffic, provide goods and services, and restore currently vacant buildings.

Guaranteed $10,000 Prize and 24-Month Lease

Rules, Criteria and Eligibility

The Alvernia Project

Phases

Launch Pottsville Competition Phase I

All of the following items must be submitted in their entirety to the Pottsville Area Development Corporation by the deadline of December 1st, 2025. 

  • Formal Application:​ Download application HERE

  • Executive Summary:​ (2-5) typed pages describing the entrepreneur, creative, or planner’s proposal

  • Video Pitch:​ (1-5) minute video presentation describing the entrepreneur, creative, or planner’s business proposal

Launch Pottsville Phase II

Upon completion of Phase I, judges will narrow the participating contestants based on predetermined criteria and collaborative discussion. All remaining entrepreneurs will be contacted by email and invited to compete in Phase II, and schedule a face to face interview with the judges. 

Launch Pottsville Competition Phase III

Upon completion of Phase I, judges will narrow the participating contestants based on the above criteria and collaborative discussion. All remaining entrepreneurs, creatives, and planners will be contacted by email and invited to compete in Phase II.  

Aspiring entrepreneurs will complete a (15) week business startup curriculum taught by PADCO Executive Director Savas Logothetides

At the conclusion of the course entrepreneurs must submit all of the following items and send to the Pottsville Area Development Corporation by a tentative deadline of April 10th, 2026 :

  • Comprehensive proposal: Example can be found online or needs to include an Executive Summary, Implementation Plan, Product/Service Description, Marketing Strategy, and Competitive Analysis. 

  • 3-year financial forecast: Should include at least 3 years of projected cash flows and all assumptions made should be included 

  • Personal finance statements (upon judges request) by all principals involved in the proposal: Including but not limited to bank statements, credit scores, income tax returns, and other financial statements 

  • Interview: Entrepreneurs, creatives, and planners will be emailed to schedule an in-person interview with the judges

The Launch Pottsville Competition will complete by the end of May 2026, when the final judging and presentation of all proposals will be scheduled. This date will be communicated to the participants and the public well in advance, as soon as it is determined.

For more information on the Launch Pottsville initiative please contact the PADCO Office at info@pad-co.com or by calling (610) 621-4235.