The Corner Launchbox program and coworking space concepts were made possible in part by a seed grant of $150,000 from Invent Penn State, a Commonwealth-wide initiative to spur economic development, job creation and student career success, and a partnership with Westmoreland County. Penn State New Kensington used the grant to create a unique model that melds entrepreneurship, coworking space and community-driven economic development to revitalize the city. The result is the first center of its kind in Westmoreland County with the goal of being a hub of collaboration, creation and innovation in New Kensington.
The Corner provides access to The Corner Launchbox entrepreneurial programming, as well as active, membership-driven coworking space, operated by Pittsburgh's Beauty Shoppe, which also manages locations in Pittsburgh and Cleveland, Ohio. Individuals and small businesses are able to purchase memberships based on their needs. Various amenities such as open, shared coworking space, office space, internet access, conference rooms and printing are available.
Entrepreneurial development at The Corner is anchored by LaunchBox ™ programming. Launchbox is a 10-week training session designed to provide the resources and support that entrepreneurs need to go from idea to market.
Throughout the year, The Corner also hosts a variety of entrepreneurial workshops, series and networking events for entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs.