About

What is Beaver Valley LaunchBox?
Beaver Valley LaunchBox (BVLB) is an early-stage business accelerator program for entrepreneurs. We assist in the business development process by connecting community members to local resources, and providing ongoing education and programming. We also offer access to Penn State University legal clinic services.
We help:
  • Community members interested in starting their own business
  • Small business owners growing their ventures
  • Community members to launch their product or service idea
Meet the LaunchBox Team
Ashu Kumar

Chief Catalyst

Ashu is a professor of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State Beaver and the creative force behind the Beaver Valley LaunchBox. With a background in journalism, analytics, big data and entrepreneurship, he brings a broad spectrum of experience to the community through LaunchBox. When he’s not working on campus, Ashu enjoys undertaking creative ventures, like short documentary filmmaking, and traveling to India.
Kristen Doerschner

Communications Optimizer

Kristen is the director of campus relations at Penn State Beaver and, prior to working at the campus, she spent nearly 20 years as a journalist covering cops and courts and working as an editor. Kristen enjoys eating, cooking, drinking wine and craft beer, reading and traveling.
Stephanie Menor

Innovation Manager

Stephanie possesses over two decades of rich corporate experience, culminating in her recent graduation from Penn State Beaver in Spring 2026. Having earned her degree in Business Marketing and Management with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ENTI), she is leveraging her background in Marketing, Merchandising, and Product Development to empower local small businesses through the LaunchBox. She is also a wife and Mom, a community Volunteer, and an artist and educator in the Arts and Crafts community.
Sanskriti Walia

Technical Catalyst

Sanskriti is a Computer Science major at Penn State University. She brings in her technical expertise and communication skills to the team at Beaver Valley LaunchBox to help small businesses grow. Sanskriti is also the Chair for THON (student-run nonprofit organization) and a community volunteer.
Taylor Willy

Social Media Manager

Taylor is a 2026 Penn State Beaver graduate with dual degrees in Marketing Management and Data Analytics and an SAP certification. As Social Media Manager for Beaver Valley LaunchBox, she helps entrepreneurs and small businesses grow their online presence through strategic content planning, social media management, and community engagement. Taylor is passionate about empowering business owners with the knowledge and confidence to effectively market their businesses and achieve their goals. She combines creativity with data-driven decision-making to create meaningful marketing strategies that increase visibility, engagement, and business growth.
Ian McKee

Marketing Consultant

Ian is a 2026 graduate of Penn State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management. Through the Beaver Valley LaunchBox, Ian has worked closely with entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations, helping them strengthen their marketing efforts and expand their digital presence. As a Marketing Consultant in the DigiLab program, Ian supports clients by developing social media strategies, creating engaging content, and providing practical marketing solutions tailored to their goals. He brings a strong understanding of modern marketing principles, social media trends, and brand development, combined with a passion for helping local organizations grow and succeed.

What can Beaver Valley LaunchBox offer me?

  • Education and workshops in the areas of innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Professional advice in areas such as finance, legal, technology and marketing
  • Mentorships from local, successful business owners
  • Networking events to connect to local resources

What kind of workshops are offered?

We offer programs such as…

  • IdeaDesign Lab that helps you define and refine your product or business ideas
  • IdeaTest Lab that helps in customer discovery, testing your idea, and creating a plan
  • Social media strategy and best practices seminar for small business owners
  • Speaker series and panel discussions led by local entrepreneurs and experts

When is the next workshop or networking event?

The announcements are posted on Launchbox social media pages. Follow @beavervalleylaunchbox on Facebook, and Instagram.

How do I contact the Beaver Valley LaunchBox?

What does "Don't Quit Your Daydream" mean?

Don’t give up on your dream of starting a business. All that is standing between you and your daydream is a plan to make it happen. Let Beaver Valley LaunchBox help you get started!