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PARTNERS
PARTNERS
BUSINESS SERVICES PARTNERS
What is the difference between a Partner and Business Services Partner?
Elevate Berks Partners are typically non-profits, schools, and other types of entities that administer state and federal programs for small businesses and offer some or all educational, training or support services for free. Elevate Berks Business Services Partners are for profit entities who focus on supporting and growing small businesses and offer specialized services for a fee or in exchange for equity in your business.
WHAT’S YOUR PREFERRED WAY TO GROW?
Different local organizations offer services to businesses in different formats. Whether 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.
Ben Franklin Technology Partners​
Ben Franklin Technology Partners 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:
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Early-Stage Investment
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One-on-One Support
Berks Latino Chamber
The Berks County Latino Chamber of Commerce 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:
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One-on-One Support
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Membership
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Trainings and Events
Berks LaunchBox
The Berks LaunchBox assists early-stage startups with accessing the tools and resources they need to launch and scale in the Berks County region. The Berks LaunchBox offers accelerator programs, mentoring, coworking space for startups, a makerspace with equipment for prototyping, and seminars focused on business development. 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:
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One-on-One Support
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Intro to 3D Printing & CAD
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Idea Test Lab
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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?
Hispanic/Latino, Black/African American, Native American, Women, People with Disabilities, Veterans, rural, and all other populations
Services in Spanish?
One-on-One Support available in Spanish.
Programs:
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One-on-One Support
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Spanish Speaking Business Resource Center
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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:
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Early-Stage Investment
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One-on-One Support
O’Pake Institute
At the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, 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:
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Early-Stage Investment
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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:
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Organizational Contract Assistance
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Operational Contracts
Programs:
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​One-on-One Support
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Business Certification Preparation
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Business Formation