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ORGANIZATIONS

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS 

  • Albright College Total Experience Learning

  • Alvernia University O’Pake Institute

  • Barrio Alegria

  • Ben Franklin Technology Partners

  • Berks Alliance

  • Berks Latino Chamber

  • Berks Latino Workforce Development Corp.

  • Community First Fund

  • Entrepreneurs Connection

  • Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

  • I-LEAD USA

  • Kutztown University Small Business Development Center

  • Lehigh Valley Angel Investor Network

  • Neighborhood Housing Services

  • Penn State Berks LaunchBox

  • Small Business Resource Association

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WHAT’S YOUR PREFERRED WAY TO LEARN?

Different local business support organizations offer services in different formats. Where you are interested in one-on-one support, taking a class, becoming a member, or just looking for a space, we have got you covered. See a comprehensive list of services by delivery mechanism below.

ORGANIZATIONS

Ben Franklin Technology Partners​

Ben Franklin helps innovation and technology-based businesses launch and grow through financial investments and one-on-one support. Their mission is to promote, sustain, and invest in the development of the regional economy through innovation and partnering. For 40 years, Ben Franklin Northeast has been building an ecosystem that fosters innovation and entrepreneurial success by providing investment capital and business support to technology startups and established manufacturers.

Services in Spanish?

Limited.

Programs:

  • Early-Stage Investment 

  • One-on-One Support

Berks Latino Chamber

The Latino Chamber works with Spanish businesses to access business training and expertise, network with each other, and gain visibility in the community. The Berks County Latino Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to provide leadership and support for the economic development of the Latino business community of Greater Reading and surrounding communities in Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Coworking Space?

Yes. Access and use is donation based.

Services in Spanish?

Yes.

Programs:

  • One-on-One Support

  • Membership 

  • Trainings and Events

Berks LaunchBox

Berks LaunchBox provides space, equipment, and guidance to new businesses developing and testing products. The vision of the Berks LaunchBox is to increase the number of successful entrepreneurs and new businesses in Greater Reading. The mission of the Berks LaunchBox is to assist early-stage entrepreneurs and startup companies with accessing the tools and resources they need to launch and grow in Greater Reading. The Berks LaunchBox is a partnership between Penn State Berks and Penn State Health St. Joseph.

Coworking Space?

Makerspace with prototyping equipment. Limited free coworking desks available. 

Services in Spanish?

Yes, with limited hours.

Programs:

  • One-on-One Support

  • Intro to 3D Printing & CAD 

  • Idea Test Lab

  • Penn State Law Clinic

KU Small Business Development Center

KU SBDC provides entrepreneurs with free classes and one-on-one support needed to start and grow a business. The mission of the Kutztown Small Business Development Center is to provide entrepreneurs and small business owners with the knowledge needed to make smart decisions and prosper. KU SBDC is a federal program hosted at Kutztown University.

Target Audiences?

BIPOC and women

Services in Spanish?

One-on-One Support available in Spanish.

Programs:

  • One-on-One Support

  • Trainings and Events

  • Latino Business Resource Center

  • KU SBDC | WEDnet Partner

Lehigh Valley Angel Investors

Lehigh Valley Angel Investors search for, mentor, and financially invest in startup businesses. A group of about 50 accredited investors, the Lehigh Valley Angel Investors vet business ideas to identify entrepreneurs and small businesses that have the potential to scale. The group typically invests between $70,000 and $150,000 in exchange for equity in the business.

Services in Spanish?

No.

Programs:

  • Early-Stage Investment

  • One-on-One Support

O’Pake Institute

At the O’Pake Institute, Alvernia University students provide in-depth support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. The O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship is envisioned as a catalyst in the development of entrepreneurial programs and economic growth in both the Reading community and in higher education.

Coworking Space?

Low cost office space for startups in downtown Reading.

Target Audiences?

College students, BIPOC, women, veterans, and low income

Services in Spanish?

Yes.

Programs:

  • Early-Stage Investment

  • One-on-One Support

Penn State Law Clinic

The Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic, based out of Penn State Law in University Park, offers free legal services to startup companies and entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth. Our mission is to be a full-service legal team to assist young businesses from organization and formation to early-stage investment rounds and other contractual work as needed. We aim to assist clients who otherwise would not have access to legal counsel. We are not a service to cut legal fees; if you can afford to retain outside counsel, you should. Our goal is to assist clients who do not have access to legal counsel.

Contracts:

  • Organizational Contract Assistance

  • Operational Contracts

Programs:

  • ​One-on-One Support

  • Business Certification Preparation

  • Business Formation

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