Ben Franklin Technology Partners works with DRIVE to support manufacturers and entrepreneurs

Ben Franklin Technology Partners works with DRIVE to support manufacturers and entrepreneurs Main Photo

7 Apr 2026


Articles, News

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeast Pennsylvania is a valuable partner for business development and expansion in the region. The organization helps manufacturing companies invest in process improvements while assisting entrepreneurs in their early growth stages.

“One of the coolest things about our job is working with entrepreneurs when they are a single-employee operation, and then assisting them again a few years later when they are exploring manufacturing grants and have multiple teams underneath them,” says Joshua Bradley, Regional Manager at Ben Franklin.

The Ben Franklin Technology Partners program was founded in the 1980s to support technology migration for manufacturing firms across the Commonwealth. The statewide network has four locations, with the NEPA chapter operating out of Bethlehem, PA. DRIVE works closely with Ben Franklin to help companies find resources and potential funding opportunities.

Ben Franklin Connects Manufacturing Firms With Partners

The team at Ben Franklin Technology Partners meets with manufacturers that are looking to invest in technology to improve their processes and optimize their workflows. The organization pairs companies with potential resource partners, either consultants who specialize in technology adoption or experts from local colleges and universities. Then, Ben Franklin evaluates the project and accepts an application for funding through their grant program.

“We serve as a catalyst to connect manufacturers with technology,” says Bradley. “Our grants can play a major part in a project’s funding, potentially covering up to 50%, or in other situations, we are a part of the total funding package.”  

Bradley emphasizes that these resource partners and grants focus on process and product improvement to help manufacturers stay competitive. Their goal is to retain and grow employment, not replace employees with technology.

For example, more companies are approaching Ben Franklin to leverage artificial intelligence (AI). These tools can be used to reduce human error and eliminate tedious tasks – like inspecting wood grain, as an example. The employees can then be upskilled into more supervisory roles, managing and maintaining the technology.  

“Our focus is investing in processes that can retain and grow jobs in these companies, while helping them move forward,” says Bradley. “We work with companies that are ready to innovate and want to stay competitive in their industries.”

The Firm Also Invests in Early Stage Technology Companies

Beyond the manufacturing grant program, the team at Ben Franklin also works with entrepreneurs and start-up founders to scale their operations. Rather than providing grants to these businesses, the firm makes early-stage investments to give the entrepreneurs the financing they need.

“We work with regional partners to help entrepreneurs develop a business plan and find the best use for deploying capital,” says Bradley.

There are also workforce elements to these entrepreneurial investments. A solopreneur in 2026 might have a team of 10 employees within a year or two. They could continue to create jobs and grow their local industry over the next few years, leaving a significant mark on the local economy. When other would-be entrepreneurs see small businesses thrive in Central Pennsylvania, they can feel confident in their ability to launch their ideas and create future jobs.

DRIVE Connects Companies With Ben Franklin

DRIVE and the Ben Franklin team work together to assist Central Pennsylvania companies that want to grow. Ben Franklin is a valuable part of the greater support network that fosters business expansion, talent retention, and job creation in the region.

“DRIVE is a wonderful partner for us,” says Bradley. “Their team is out in the community a lot, meeting manufacturers and identifying opportunities to meet their expansion goals. Then, they bring us in as a trusted resource.”

Bradley adds that DRIVE also meets with many entrepreneurs and early-stage technology companies. He considers himself a connector, helping bridge the gap between companies and resources. DRIVE identifies potential businesses that would benefit from working with him.

“We strive to work closely with local businesses and provide potential solutions for their pain points early on,” says Jennifer Wakeman, Executive Director at DRIVE. “When companies ask about technology investment or process improvements, we know we can send them to Ben Franklin and trust that they will get the answers and support they need.”

Case Study: Remmey Pallet

One example of how Ben Franklin works with DRIVE is Remmey Pallet, a third-generation family business that has been part of Beaver Springs since 1957.

The team at DRIVE met with Remmey Pallet and identified an opportunity for Ben Franklin's Manufacturing Grants to help them. From there, the DRIVE team connected Remmey Pallet with the experts at Ben Franklin, who identified a project and recommended a consultant for Remmey Pallet to work with.

As the consultant developed a plan, a project for Remmey Pallet came together. Ben Franklin then supported that project through a grant, allowing Remmey Pallet to fund its improvements.  

“This is a perfect example of how economic development organizations work together to benefit companies in Pennsylvania,” says Bradley.

Learn More About DRIVE and Ben Franklin Technology Partners

Economic development is a team effort, and several organizations support business growth and job creation in Central Pennsylvania. Learn more about Ben Franklin Technology Partners and the great work it does, along with the dedicated team at DRIVE. Together, we support five counties that are stronger together.

If you operate a manufacturing firm ready for process improvements, or are an early-stage entrepreneur seeking funding, contact us today. We can discuss multiple opportunities and potentially send you to the Ben Franklin team.