Berks LaunchBox announces six new 'IMAGINE Your Business' grant recipients

Berks LaunchBox announces six new 'IMAGINE Your Business' grant recipients

Six entrepreneurs received Imagine Your Business Grants. Pictured (top row, left to right) are Adrian Danby, Rooted in Wellness; Marisa Gonzalez, Maeve Collective; Zaida Guadalupe Sánchez, Commitment 5; (bottom row, left to right) Thomas Stauffer, Thomas D. Media LLC; Ingrid Valerio, Tiny Achievers; and Jessica C. Warchal-King, JCWK Dance Lab. Credit: Penn State Berks / Penn State. Creative Commons

READING, Pa. —The Berks LaunchBox powered by Penn State has announced six recipients of its ‘IMAGINE Your Business’ grant, designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs accelerate their business growth. The program awards up to $2,000 to assist startups with prototyping, marketing, product development and other essential business expenses.

The IMAGINE Your Business grant program is made possible through the support of the County of Berks. This round of recipients reflects the wide range of needs and ideas emerging in the local business community. Each founder will use the funding to take meaningful next steps in launching and growing their ventures.

“At the Berks LaunchBox, we believe that when we invest in local entrepreneurs, we strengthen our entire community,” stated Erica Kunkel, director of innovation, workforce and community Impact and the Berks LaunchBox. “These founders are building businesses that not only create opportunity for themselves, but also bring valuable services and support to Berks County. We’re excited to continue working alongside them as they move their ideas forward.”

Applications for the next round of IMAGINE Your Business grants will open in early 2027. Interested applicants should complete a business model canvas and schedule a review meeting with Berks LaunchBox staff before submitting. For more information on the “IMAGINE Your Business” grant and other initiatives, visit the Berks LaunchBox.

Commitment 5 is a counseling practice founded by Zaida E. Guadalupe Sánchez LPC. It provides behavioral health services through a counseling-centered approach. The practice offers support for individuals, couples and groups with a focus on trauma, PTSD, life coaching, domestic violence, anxiety and other mental health needs. Grant funds will be used to purchase professional tools, create a bilingual website and provide staff training to aid in expansion.

Founded by Jessica C. Warchal-King, JCWK Dance Lab is an adult-focused professional, contemporary dance company. The organization uses dance as a vehicle for positive social change through joy, connection and wellness. From education to performance, JCWK Dance Lab offers classes, outreach programs and community-based art experiences. Grant funds will be used to strengthen their marketing, outreach and registration systems. To learn more, visit JCWK Dance Lab.

Marisa Gonzalez founded Maeve Collective, a telehealth therapy practice that offers relational, systemic and affirming care. Maeve Collective serves individuals and couples navigating ADHD, trauma, identity concerns and relationship challenges. It also supports pre-licensed clinicians through an AAMFT-approved supervision program. Grant funds will be used to strengthen their marketing and branding efforts. For more information, visit Maeve Collective.

Founded by Adrian Danby, Rooted in Wellness is a pediatric therapy and developmental center serving children and families. The practice offers pediatric occupational therapy, infant feeding therapy, speech and language therapy, parent coaching and group enrichment programs. Rooted In Wellness focuses on compassionate, evidence-based and play-centered care that supports healthy development. Grant funds will be used to purchase a social emotional curriculum, books and sensory supplies. To learn more, visit Rooted in Wellness.

Thomas D. Media is a creative agency specializing in cinematic video production, branded storytelling and digital content strategy. Founded by Thomas Stauffer, the company helps businesses and brands turn ideas into compelling visual content designed to connect, engage and inspire audiences. Other services include drone work and full-service production support from concept to final cut. Grant funds will be used to purchase a cinema camera. To learn more, visit Thomas D. Media.

Founded by Ingrid Valerio, LCSW, Tiny Achievers offers interactive, evidence-based classes for children ages three months to six years, with activities designed to support healthy childhood development through music, play, imagination and social engagement. The program is designed to help parents build practical skills they can use at home while promoting gross and fine motor development, with a special emphasis on serving bilingual families and increasing access for low-income households. Grant funds will be used to purchase equipment for infants and toddlers gross motor skills.

The mission of Berks LaunchBox, located in Suite 105 of the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in downtown Reading, is to support economic development and entrepreneurship. An innovation hub of Penn State Berks, the LaunchBox connects local early-stage entrepreneurs to the support, resources and facilities that they need to build sustainable and scalable businesses with a viable plan for growth. Services include assistance with prototyping, conducting market research and connecting with advisers. Berks LaunchBox offers entrepreneurship workshops, co-working space for startups, workshops focused on business development, a makerspace with 3D printers and special youth programs.

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 berkslaunchbox.psu.edu or contact Erica Kunkel at 610-396-6221 or ELS5014@psu.edu.