Berks LaunchBox

06/02/2026

☕ From digital design to finished mug!
Participants in our Dye Sublimation Mug Workshop learned how to create custom graphics in Inkscape, prep them for sublimation printing, and heat press their designs onto ceramic mugs. From logos and artwork to personal photos, everyone left with a one-of-a-kind mug and hands-on experience with the full sublimation workflow. 🎨✨

05/28/2026

Startup Tip: If you can’t explain your business idea clearly in 30 seconds, keep refining it. Simple and clear messaging helps customers understand why they should care.

Confused customers rarely buy. Clear businesses grow.

Need help refining your idea, marketing, or next steps? The Berks LaunchBox offers free support for startups and entrepreneurs.

05/28/2026

Calling all aspiring and current lifestyle business owners!

If you own or dream of starting a boutique, coffee shop, salon, barbershop, restaurant, gift shop, or other service-based business, we want to hear your idea at Berks LaunchBox Pitch Night!

Selected participants will receive pitch support, feedback from experienced advisors, and the chance to win cash prizes up to $1,000.

Applications are reviewed as they are received and space is limited, so apply early! https://berkslaunchbox.psu.edu/updates/

Pitch Night for Lifestyle Businesses Calling all storefront dreamers and service-based entrepreneurs! Do you have a big idea for a business? Whether it’s a trendy clothing boutique, cozy coffee shop, modern barbershop, salon, gift shop, or other type of service business — we want to hear from yo...

05/25/2026

Today we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We are grateful for their sacrifice and the freedoms they helped protect. Wishing our community a meaningful Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

05/21/2026

Got a software or app idea but not sure how to actually build it into something real?

Too many founders spend months planning, tweaking, and overthinking without ever getting real users or feedback. In this FREE hands-on workshop, software entrepreneur Jared Hoffa will show you how startups actually build successful products: launch faster, test ideas early, and improve through real-world feedback instead of perfection.

If you’ve been sitting on an idea, this is the push to finally move forward.

📅 Wednesday, July 15, 2026 - 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Berks LaunchBox at GoggleWorks, Reading, PA
🤝 Networking included
🎟 FREE to attend Register Today https://berkslaunchbox.psu.edu/updates/

Build It, Ship It, Learn: Real-World Software Development for Startups Stop planning. Start building. Most software ideas never make it out of the notebook—not because they’re bad, but because founders get stuck trying to perfect them before anyone ever uses them. In this session, you’ll learn...

05/21/2026

Our Lifestyle Business Pitch Night on 6/24 in Reading, PA is your chance to pitch your idea, get feedback from experienced entrepreneurs, and compete for cash prizes!

Whether you’re dreaming of opening a boutique, coffee shop, salon, barbershop, restaurant, or already starting a service-based business or shop, we want to hear your vision.

🏆 Cash Prizes: 🥇 $1,000 🥈 $600 🥉 $400

Participants will pitch their business ideas to a panel of Berks LaunchBox advisors and connect with a supportive entrepreneurial community. Our team will help you prepare but you have to apply now!

Open to retail shops, salons, barbers, restaurants, and other service-based businesses making under $200,000 in gross revenue.

Your idea doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to start.
Apply Now: https://berkslaunchbox.psu.edu/updates/

05/19/2026

Every great business starts with a problem. 👀
Look around—what’s frustrating, inefficient, or missing? That could be your opportunity to create something new.

If you’ve got an idea (even a small one), the Berks LaunchBox is here to help you turn it into a real product or service—with free support every step of the way.

05/17/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the five newest IMAGINE Your Business Grant recipients from Berks LaunchBox powered by Penn State!

These local entrepreneurs are tackling real community needs — from youth sports and senior care to mental health and small business services — with support of $2,000 to help grow their ventures. We’re excited to see what’s next for these innovators in Berks County! 🚀

Check them out: https://www.psu.edu/news/berks/story/berks-launchbox-announces-five-new-imagine-your-business-grant-recipients

Prograde Cleanup and Removal

05/14/2026

Loved hosting the Lauers Park Elementary 3rd grade class at the Berks LaunchBox last week for Remake Learning! We had a great time exploring STEM activities around energy—such a fun, curious, and well-behaved group of kids. ⚡️The kids in the pic are testing out the marshmallow launchers they created as they learned about potential and kinetic energy.

05/13/2026

🚀 Ready to take your idea to the next level?

Apply for $2,000 to launch or grow your early-stage business in Berks County, PA! 💡You can use the funds for prototyping, marketing, and other startup costs that help bring your idea to life.

📅 Key Deadlines:
• June 6 @ 11:59PM – Submit Business Model Canvas & book your review
• June 15 @ 11:59PM – Submit full Grant Application

🔗 Learn More: https://berkslaunchbox.psu.edu/imagine-your-business-grant/

Don’t miss this opportunity to move your idea forward! ✨