Berks LaunchBox Just Unveiled 2025 Plans—Is Your Startup Missing Out on MILLION-Dollar Opportunities?

In 2025, the Berks LaunchBox has once again made significant strides in fostering entrepreneurship in Berks County. With a mission to accelerate startup growth, the organization supported a remarkable 277 entrepreneurs in the past year, of which 58% were female founders and 38% identified as people of color. This data reflects a conscious effort to create an inclusive entrepreneurial landscape in the community.

Berks LaunchBox not only assisted in launching startups but also provided valuable education and resources. A total of 713 community members learned new skills in its Makerspace, while 540 individuals participated in entrepreneurship classes. The organization played a crucial role in helping entrepreneurs and organizations build 31 prototypes, thereby impacting 364 students ranging from elementary school to college level.

Fueling Growth Through Grants
Financial support has been a cornerstone of Berks LaunchBox's mission. In 2025 alone, $48,000 was awarded to 27 entrepreneurs through two prominent grant programs. The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Grant, in partnership with Berks Arts, provided funding to seven entrepreneurs before its conclusion on June 1, while 14 entrepreneurs benefited from the IMAGINE Your Business Grants, made possible by a $125,000 grant from the County of Berks. These micro-grants were aimed at early-stage businesses with gross revenues under $200,000, giving them vital resources for growth.

“We are so grateful to the County of Berks and the Berks LaunchBox for this grant,” stated Pino Pugliano, co-founder of Ciccio’s Olives. “The funding allowed us to purchase essential kitchen and instructional equipment, helping us expand hands-on pasta-making classes, olive oil education, and cultural food events.” His co-founder, Laura Pugliano, added, “These programs connect the Berks County community with healthy cooking and Italian culinary traditions while building confidence and skills in the kitchen.”

Another innovative approach to supporting entrepreneurs has been through pitch competitions. The Berks LaunchBox held its traditional Idea TestLab competition, which helps students validate their business ideas, along with the inaugural Lifestyle Business Pitch Competition. Participants had the chance to present ideas to a panel of advisers, with finalists receiving $125 each and support from the Penn State Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic for business registrations and other needs. A total of $5,300 in cash prizes was distributed across two pitch events in 2025, marking a significant investment in local entrepreneurship.

Workshops and Skill Development
Education has been a vital component of Berks LaunchBox’s offerings. The organization provides free monthly seminars for small-business owners focusing on topics such as business development, artificial intelligence, social media marketing, legal issues, and customer discovery. In 2025, entrepreneurs previously supported by Berks LaunchBox returned to lead workshops, sharing their expertise with newcomers. For instance, Agent 23.AI conducted a workshop titled “Artificial Intelligence for Beginners,” while KissUX focused on “Branding for Startups.” These sessions empowered entrepreneurs to leverage technology and create strong brand narratives.

In addition to these educational efforts, Berks LaunchBox offers hands-on training in its Makerspace. Monthly workshops cover basic CAD and 3D printing, enabling participants to create items such as engraved coasters and custom t-shirts. These experiences often inspire the entrepreneurial spirit among attendees, leading them to consider launching their ventures.

At the heart of Berks LaunchBox’s success is a dedicated team of entrepreneurs who guide aspiring founders. The team includes Michelle Hnath, coordinator and software entrepreneur; Jim Hong, Makerspace engineer; Seth Shriner, startup coach; and Frael Reinoso, Spanish-language coach. Together, they provide tailored advice and support to entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journeys. They also benefit from the expertise of over 25 volunteer advisers in fields such as accounting and marketing.

Youth Outreach and Community Engagement
Berks LaunchBox understands the importance of nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset in youth. The organization participates in Remake Learning Days, a hands-on learning festival, and collaborates with local schools to conduct engineering design challenges and customer discovery exercises. Family events and open lab nights allow children and their parents to engage in creative activities, such as crafting 3D-printed toys and custom-printed t-shirts.

Notably, Berks LaunchBox has expanded its outreach to better serve the Latino and Hispanic communities in Berks County. In collaboration with the Kutztown Small Business Development Center, they have initiated Spanish-language workshops covering essential topics for aspiring entrepreneurs, aiming to make entrepreneurship accessible to all.

Looking Ahead
As Berks LaunchBox approaches its 10th anniversary in 2026, the organization is poised for even greater milestones and growth. Erica Kunkel, director of Berks LaunchBox and continuing education at Penn State Berks, shared, “The Berks LaunchBox will be moving and expanding its physical space within the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts.” This move aims to enhance STEM-related activities and provide expanded resources for students and entrepreneurs alike.

With a commitment to fostering innovation and supporting diverse business ventures, Berks LaunchBox continues to serve as a critical resource for entrepreneurs in Berks County, driving economic development and cultivating a vibrant, inclusive community.