Eight local entrepreneurs will take their innovative technology-based ideas to the marketplace after graduating Wednesday as the third class of the TechCelerator Lackawanna County program.

TechCelerator was founded in 2023 as a collaborative initiative of Lackawanna County, the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Ben Franklin Technology Partners of NEPA.

Participants are business owners in Lackawanna County who have a for-profit, technology-based business concept and no more than $15,000 in gross revenue for the business. The 10-week program provides weekly classroom sessions, one-on-one mentoring by subject-area experts, guidance on developing ideas for markets and finding customers, financial planning, and risk management.

“You are pioneers,” Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan told the entrepreneurs during their graduation ceremony at Marywood University. “By daring to bring your ideas to life, you are not only shaping your own futures but also the future of our community. Your hard work, creativity, and determination embody the entrepreneurial spirit that will drive Lackawanna County forward in the years to come.”

The graduated entrepreneurs are:

Entrepreneur: John George
Business: CrasherConnect
CrasherConnect is an online platform that helps people who enjoy entertainment conventions, such as ComicCon, find trustworthy groups to split the costs of lodging.

Entrepreneur: Veronica LaRocque
Business: Grow with L.E.A.R.N.
Grow with L.E.A.R.N is a learning platform tailored for work-aged students, particularly those in high school or college, who are entering or preparing for the workforce. The platform offers customized learning paths based on individual learning styles and areas of opportunity. Initially focused on developing essential soft skills and business etiquette, the platform will expand to include training in high-demand skills and eventually partner with state agencies to support adults re-entering the workforce.

Entrepreneur: Eric Farrell
Business: EZ Fantasy Sports
EZ Fantasy Sports application and platform that makes it easier for people who are not necessarily sports experts to enjoy the fun of fantasy sports. Scoring will be based around team summary statistics instead of individual player statistics, allowing fantasy managers to not worry about the hassle of players being unable to play due to injury, suspension, etc., as they will have all the players from a team category group instead of just the player.

Entrepreneur: Fred Aebli
Business: GetMeCoding.com
GetMeCoding.com is a platform dedicated to inspiring young minds to explore the world of coding and technology through engaging and accessible resources. We offer a range of courses, tutorials, and hands-on activities designed to build confidence and creativity in coding, from beginners to more advanced learners. Our mission is to make coding fun and approachable, empowering students to develop problem-solving skills and a love for technology. By fostering a supportive learning community, we help students gain the tools they need to succeed in the digital age.

Entrepreneur: Don McGowan
Business: The Cusp Club
An immersive entertainment venue designed to revolutionize how people experience live events. As the cost of attending live events rises, we offer a more affordable, local alternative that replicates the thrill and excitement of being in a live stadium or arena, creating an unparalleled shared reality experience.

Entrepreneur: Justin Byrd
Business: SelfServeMenu.com
Empowering restaurants with AI-powered tools for online order management, app, and website creation. This niche service is designed to provide easy-to-use, effective solutions tailored to the unique needs of the restaurant industry.

Entrepreneur: Bill Booth
Business: Treasectory
Leveraging a foundation of proprietary software (S.a.a.S.) designed to reduce the burden on community -based financial institutions (banks and credit unions) to integrate treasury and payment technology and to enhance capabilities while driving efficiency/lowering costs and improving competitive positions with business clientele.

Entrepreneur: Joel DeCarli
Business: The Job Box
Power tool battery-heated lunchbox designed for America’s busiest workers, so they have the convenience of a hot meal on the job to save time and money. Boxes are powered by handheld power tool batteries, so construction workers, delivery personnel, and everyone in between can benefit from our lunchbox.