When we opened Gavel and Quill in downtown Bellefonte, our vision was clear: create a shared space where people could work, connect, and build community. And in many ways, that mission succeeded.
But the world changed—and so did we.
🏛️ A Shift in How Bellefonte Works
From the start, we noticed something different about the work landscape in Bellefonte. COVID-19 accelerated a shift that’s here to stay: remote work isn’t a trend—it’s the new norm.
Across the street from us, lawyers who once needed traditional office space now meet clients in the courthouse annex. Many businesses operate fully online or from home, and the demand for permanent offices in historic Bellefonte has remained low. Add to that the challenge of limited downtown parking, and we realized: a coworking-only model wasn’t going to meet the evolving needs of our community.
☕ A Spark of Something More
But something else happened, too—something exciting.
People started showing up with ideas. Big ones. Not just looking for desks, but looking for support. They wanted feedback, collaborators, introductions, and a place to test what they were building.
We launched Mugshots, a weekly coffee gathering at Gavel and Quill that quickly grew into a beloved local meetup. Regulars showed up for the conversation. Guests came to share their ideas. What started as a small event became a genuine community hub.
Mugshots eventually outgrew our space and has since moved to other locations. But it left behind something valuable: proof that Bellefonte is full of builders. People with creativity, with ambition, and with a desire to make a difference.
🚀 The Pivot: Supporting Builders, Not Just Desks
So we listened. And we evolved.
Gavel and Quill is now a startup incubator and professional services firm. We’re here to help launch meaningful ventures—locally and globally. We offer:
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Incubation for our own projects that tackle climate change, responsible technology, and sustainable finance.
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Startup consulting and development services for others with promising ideas.
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Business analysis, web/software development, and go-to-market strategy for mission-driven teams.
We still offer coworking space to current members and anyone in need of a flexible desk in Bellefonte—but that’s no longer the heart of what we do.
Our new core? Helping founders take real ideas and turn them into impactful ventures that can improve lives, industries, and the planet.
“The real goal is to help people build something that helps the world.”
– Sarah Lewis, Gavel and Quill Community Manager
🌍 What’s Next?
We’re energized by what this pivot allows us to do: work with founders from all over the world, incubate powerful ideas, and keep investing in the kind of innovation that matters.
If you’re in Bellefonte, we’re still here. If you’re beyond it—we’re coming for you, too.
Let’s build something better. Together.
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