Our Community

The Stourbridge Project History

In 1829 Horatio Allen made history for Honesdale as he piloted the Stourbridge Lion, the first steam locomotive to run on rails in the USA. This revolutionized transportation for the nation and instilled the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the region.

As it stood empty for so many years, the old Stourbridge Elementary School was ready for its next opportunity to influence the future. In 2015, a coalition between the Wayne County government, Wayne Economic Development Corporation and Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance embraced the opportunity to reinvigorate and repurpose this piece of Honesdale history. These three partners worked in sync to strategically diversify the area’s industry base and to help grow local technology and innovative small businesses.

With innovation and entrepreneurship in mind and with start-up funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the United States Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development the old school became the Stourbridge Project Business Incubator. Our mission is to support and encourage technology business growth and to create an environment where the entrepreneurial spirit thrives in our community.

Our Partners

Ben Franklin Technology Partners
Chamber of the Northern Poconos
Clean Energy Cooperative, Inc.
East Stroudsburg University
Greater Honesdale Partnership
Innovating with Capella
Open Sun Power
PA Department of Community and Economic Development
Penn State Extension
Pike Chamber of Commerce

george Boudman

Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

George works with entrepreneurs to establish and grow innovation, business and job opportunities in Wayne County. He moved to Wayne County in 1986 to work with the printing start-up StClair Graphics on Erie Street, Honesdale. George spent nearly 20 years working in the printing and publishing fields for companies like R.R. Donnelley & Sons and Highlights for Children, before turning his focus on education. He returned to Keystone College as an adult to obtain his teaching certificate. George entered public education focusing on art then soon added computer science to his curriculum. Before retiring from education in 2023 he developed successful creative pathways for students involving various art mediums including; bronze casting, glass blowing/casting/fusing, computer science principles, 3D printing, virtual reality and unmanned aircraft system technologies. He has former students all over the world who are living creative lives inspiring him everyday to do more. George has an an Associate Degree in Graphic Design from Penn College of Technology, a BS in Art Education from Keystone College, and MS Ed. Educational Technology from Wilkes University.