Berks County is full of creative minds, dreamers and doers who aspire to make a difference in their community. Through the IMAGINE Your Business grant, the Berks LaunchBox is helping turn those aspirations into reality.
Funded by the county as part of the IMAGINE Berks program, the initiative offers $2,000 microgrants to support local entrepreneurs in launching or growing their businesses. Since its inception in early 2024, this program has already inspired innovation and fostered economic development with more than a dozen businesses impacted.
“We heard a lot that people feel alone as they’re working on their entrepreneurial journeys as we were starting the LaunchBox. People didn’t know where to go for help to start their small businesses,” says Director of Continuing Education and Outreach at Penn State Berks, Erica Kunkel. “So, we’re trying to fill a need. That’s really what we’re here for, to support people with their business ideas to help them grow without thinking through the process and potentially wasting tons of money. That’s really what our goals are, and then the grant is a great piece on top.”
The program application process is a comprehensive yet approachable one, designed to ensure every applicant benefits, even if they are not awarded a grant. Berks LaunchBox Makerspace Coordinator Jim Hong sits down with all applicants throughout each stage of the application process, from assessing their eligibility for the program to walking them through their entire business model canvas and plan.
“If someone has that spark, I want to nurture that,” says Hong. “My interest is getting the folks to get excited about their ideas, get excited about being an entrepreneur, and to go out and do something with it.I walk them through all the steps so that they can answer all the questions about their business plan in the application.”
The program has awarded various applicants, from app developers and product inventors to counselors and coffee roasters. Business owners often utilize the funding for building a prototype, creating a minimum viable product, completing customer discovery, marketing, setting up a website and other services to help elevate their business.
“We want to drive economic development here in Berks County. We want them to grow, build their company, and stay here,” says Kunkel. “While $2,000 is a small amount, it’s often enough to help someone take that next step, and they’re grateful for the time that we spend with them. Being a part of that impact and helping these people with their passion is cool.”
Beyond the financial support, the program provides year-round access to business consultation and mentorship — completely free of charge. Outside of the grant program, Berks LaunchBox offers many other services to local entrepreneurs and businesses at all stages.
“It’s fun to meet folks and to hear their stories. It’s almost entertainment for me and not a job,” says Hong. “I enjoy helping them and getting them along and seeing how they progress.”
The next big idea could be yours! Are you ready to imagine your business?
Fun Facts
Take the leap. The spring grant cycle is open to all Berks County residents and closes at the end of April. Visit berkslaunchbox.psu.edu to apply and learn more.
Beyond the grant. The Berks LaunchBox team has more than 85 years of combined experience, and they are ready to help you in all stages of business development.
