Startups receive $5,000 grants funded by Penn Community Bank, another $40,000 available this Fall
(L-R): Amit Jain, MentoMind; Manish Lalwani, MentoMind; James Calcagni, Liquid Limbs; Samantha Myers, ByeByeCry; Donte King, So Fresh So Green Juice Co; and Adrienne King, So Fresh So Green Juice Co.
Four innovative Bucks County startups have been awarded $5,000 grants funded by Penn Community Bank through the 2022 Bucks Built program run by Startup Bucks. In addition to funds, recipients receive advisory support from both Startup Bucks and Penn Community Bank.
The four startups to receive grants this round have all provided a novel solution to a problem they are passionate about, covering a diverse range of industries:
ByeByeCry – Developed a unique sound machine designed to soothe babies with colic.
Liquid Limbs – Designed a waterproof prosthetic shower device for individuals with lower limb loss.
MentoMind – Created an AI chatbot to help students overcome procrastination and meet deadlines.
So Fresh So Green Juice Co. – Founded to make drinking healthy juice fun, tasty and relatable.
In addition to this cohort, Penn Community Bank and Startup Bucks are pleased to announce their continued partnership in 2023, with an additional $40,000 in grants – up to $10,000 per business - to be awarded this fall. Bucks Built Fund grant recipients will be announced at an expo-style event designed to bring the local startup community together.
Applications for 2023 will open late Summer. In the meantime, startups can submit an early interest form to get in the mix.
“Penn Community Bank is proud to continue this impactful partnership with Startup Bucks to help Philadelphia-area businesses and innovators have the local support they need to grow and success. We understand that a thriving local business community means economic success for individuals, families, and the region for years to come, and we’re proud to play our part,” said Bernard Tynes, Penn Community Bank Chief Marketing and Impact Officer.
"Startup Bucks is committed to creating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem right here in our community by helping early-stage startups access essential resources, valuable connections, and much-needed capital. We're proud to have Penn Community Bank as a critical partner in this mission,” said Gwen Stoltz, Director of Startup Bucks.
Check out the criteria for this year’s grant application process and to submit an early interest form.
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About Penn Community Bank: Penn Community Bank holds more than $2.6 billion in assets, employs more than 300 people, and offers banking and lending services at 20+ bank branches and three administrative centers throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. As an independent, mutual financial institution, Penn Community Bank is not publicly traded and operates with its long-term mission in mind: to help businesses grow and prosper, to provide financial resources to individuals and families throughout their lifetimes, to strengthen the local economy, and to partner with local organizations to act as a catalyst for positive growth in every market it serves. In support of this mission, Penn Community Bank’s charitable arm, the Penn Community Bank Foundation, contributes 5% of the institution’s net income each year to area nonprofits and community groups making a difference in the region.
