Berks LaunchBox

06/24/2026

You do not need to quit your full-time job to begin exploring a business idea. Many successful businesses started nights and weekends around kitchen tables.

06/23/2026

Your idea deserves a real shot.

Before you spend months building or thousands of dollars developing, learn how successful founders validate ideas, leverage AI, gather customer feedback, and launch smarter.

Join startup builder and Emmy Award-winning producer Jared Hoffa for this free, in-person workshop designed to help entrepreneurs turn ideas into action.

📅 July 15, 2026: 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Free at the Berks LaunchBox. Seats are limited. Register today! https://berkslaunchbox.psu.edu/updates/

How to Validate, Build, and Launch Something People Want Have a business idea, product concept, app, or startup dream? Before you invest months of effort or thousands of dollars, learn how successful entrepreneurs validate ideas, build smarter, and create solutions that customers actually want. The....

06/19/2026

Photographer Jack Cutler recently teamed up with Berks LaunchBox engineer Jim Hong to solve a real-world problem in his studio setup. Jack needed a better way to attach his soft light box into a housing without dealing with a hard-to-reach latch every time adjustments were needed. Together, they designed and 3D printed an improved connector that makes the setup much easier to use. Jack is thrilled with the final result!

Sometimes innovation starts with a simple frustration. What’s something in your work or hobby that could be improved? It just might become the next great invention in your industry.

Need help prototyping or developing an idea? Reach out to the Berks LaunchBox for free help!

06/18/2026

In observance of Juneteenth, Berks LaunchBox will be closed on Friday, June 19. We will reopen on Saturday, June 20, from 10am-2pm.

We encourage our community to take time to reflect, learn, and celebrate the significance of this important day.

06/18/2026

Come support local entrepreneurs at our Lifestyle Business Pitch Night!

Join us on Wednesday, June 24 from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at Penn State Berks, Gaige Building Room 121 to watch small business owners pitch ideas for shops, restaurants, salons, service businesses, and more.

Cheer them on, get inspired, and connect with our local entrepreneurial community.

Please register to attend! https://berkslaunchbox.psu.edu/updates/

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

Entrepreneurship is about more than profit. It’s about creating opportunities, supporting families, building stronger communities, and helping make life a little better for others.

Every small business started in Berks County has the potential to create a ripple effect of positive impact. That’s why the Berks LaunchBox is passionate about helping entrepreneurs move their ideas forward with free support.

06/12/2026

💡 Learn how to validate ideas, use AI to accelerate ex*****on, gather customer feedback, and build something people actually want.

Join startup builder and Emmy Award-winning producer Jared Hoffa for a free hands-on workshop designed for entrepreneurs, innovators, and aspiring founders.

📅 July 15 | 6–8 PM at the Berks LaunchBox, Reading, PA
🎟 Free - Register today and take the next step from idea to launch.
https://berkslaunchbox.psu.edu/updates/

How to Validate, Build, and Launch Something People Want Have a business idea, product concept, app, or startup dream? Before you invest months of effort or thousands of dollars, learn how successful entrepreneurs validate ideas, build smarter, and create solutions that customers actually want. The....

06/09/2026

Starting a business can feel overwhelming sometimes. That’s why the Berks LaunchBox is here to help entrepreneurs talk through ideas, brainstorm solutions, and figure out practical next steps.

Whether you’re just getting started or trying to grow, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out and see how our free startup support can help move you forward!

06/08/2026

Future makers at work 🎨🖨️
Our recent Girl Scouts workshop was all about creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning as the troop explored the world of 3D printing. From designing custom name tags to creating fun fidget toys, everyone got a chance to bring their ideas to life one layer at a time!