This year, Berks LaunchBox is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its expansion from Penn State Health St. Joseph's Downtown Reading Campus to the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in downtown Reading. The expansion greatly enhanced its space and capabilities.

An innovation hub of the Invent Penn State initiative, Berks LaunchBox was created through a seed grant in 2016. Its mission is to assist early-stage entrepreneurs and startup companies with accessing the tools and resources they need to launch and grow in the greater Reading area.

Berks LaunchBox offers myriad programs, including free monthly seminars for entrepreneurs and small-business owners focused on topics such as business development, social media marketing, and legal issues. In addition, LaunchBox offers free courses in basic computer-aided design and 3D printing, as well as training in the use of equipment and software.

In addition to the Berks LaunchBox staff, entrepreneurs can benefit from the knowledge and expertise from more than 25 advisers who dedicate up to five hours per month to supporting the success of LaunchBox entrepreneurs.

Co-working companies have access to a rent-free office space where they may collaborate with other entrepreneurs and mentors. Aid also includes legal support, assistance with prototyping and marketing, and free monthly seminars.

To help future entrepreneurs in their development, the LaunchBox participates in Remake Learning Days, a learning festival in which hands-on events designed for kids of all ages are held around the world. Berks LaunchBox also holds events, partners with area schools, and offers open lab nights for individuals and families with children.

In 2024, Berks LaunchBox is expanding its Spanish-language programming to include more entrepreneurial education workshops, webinars, networking opportunities, and Makerspace events. The staff is working to secure funding to increase Grow Your Startup grants for entrepreneurs. Additionally, successful coworking companies will move into a newly created "founders" status after they have graduated from Berks LaunchBox services and transitioned to acting as advisers and mentors for new startups.

Finally, with the addition of two Makerspace coordinators, plans are underway to add Makerspace classes with a focus on hands-on experiences offered in both English and Spanish.

Over the last five years, Berks LaunchBox has assisted 582 entrepreneurs, taught new skills to 1,100 community members in its Makerspace, offered entrepreneurship classes to 3,800 community members, and offered free classes and activities for 1,042 students in elementary school through college.

In 2023, 16 entrepreneurs were awarded Creative Entrepreneurs Accelerator Grants and, with the help of the LaunchBox team and 14 entrepreneurs and organizations, received assistance developing their prototypes.

Berks LaunchBox is supported by Invent Penn State, a commonwealth-wide initiative to spur economic development, job creation and student career success. For more information, visit http://www.berkslaunchbox.psu.edu or contact Erica Kunkel at 610-396-6221 or els5014@psu.edu.