02-04-2025
Local firms secure Ben Franklin funding
Two Lackawanna County firms received investments from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Ben Franklin approved $972,500 in funding from January to March to support product development, workforce expansion and operational growth across the region, officials said in a news release.
Specifically, Ben Franklin invested $785,000 among eight early-stage companies, including I Need A Speaker — a global online platform that connects event planners with speakers of all experience levels.
Ben Franklin also invested $187,500 among seven established manufacturers — including JED Pool Tools Inc. (operating as Northeastern Plastics), which specializes in custom injection molding, prototyping and 3D printing services — incorporating student enrichment work with a college or university partner, officials said.
JED Pool Tools Inc. will partner with Lehigh University to conduct a strategic organizational assessment to support growth and development, per the release.
