Berks LaunchBox Announces New Team Members, Grant Winners

From Berks LaunchBox

Berks LaunchBox, powered by Penn State, recently welcomed three new members to its team and celebrated seven new recipients of its IMAGINE Your Business grant.

Meet Berks LaunchBox’s New Team Members

Gary Seibert, Startup Support Coach

Many of you already know Gary from Idea TestLab, where he’s been a trusted coach and mentor for many years. Berks LaunchBox is thrilled to officially welcome him to the team for a few hours each week!

Gary has been an entrepreneur for over 55 years, founding and growing two multi-million-dollar international companies. After selling those businesses, he launched a leadership development company and now serves as CEO of the Small Business Resource Association (SBRA).

A master of strategic planning, project management, and company turnarounds, Gary brings a wealth of experience helping businesses increase profitability and reach their growth potential. He also started a not-for-profit (Emerging Entrepreneurs Academy) for high school students, and also teaches entrepreneurship and business success at conferences and conventions.

Gary will be at the Berks LaunchBox every Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and you can make an appointment with him by emailing him at grs5598@psu.edu. If you haven’t filled out the intake form, please do that first and request to meet Gary.

Amanda Kue, Student Makerspace Assistant

Berks LaunchBox is excited to welcome Amanda Kue, a mechanical engineering major in her third year at Penn State Berks, originally from Mohnton, PA. Amanda is passionate about innovation and enjoys using her engineering background to help bring creative ideas to life.

You’ll find Amanda assisting with LaunchBox drop-ins on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and supporting makerspace classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Andrew Linares, Student Makerspace Assistant

Berks LaunchBox is also thrilled to welcome Andrew Linares, a senior majoring in electromechanical engineering technology at Penn State Berks and a native of Coatesville, PA.

Andrew has been a familiar face at the LaunchBox, where he previously worked on CNC fixtures and 3D-printed prototypes while employed at Duryea Technologies. He’s eager to share his hands-on experience and assist anyone bringing their ideas to life.

Andrew will be supporting LaunchBox drop-ins on Mondays from noon to 4 p.m. and makerspace classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Meet Berks LaunchBox’s Seven New Imagine Your Business Grant Recipients

The Berks LaunchBox, powered by Penn State, has announced seven recipients of its IMAGINE Your Business grant, each receiving up to $2,000 to accelerate early-stage business growth. Supported by the county of Berks, the program helps local entrepreneurs with key startup needs, such as prototyping, marketing, and product development.

This latest round of funding highlights the creativity and diversity of Berks County’s entrepreneurial community, with ventures spanning technology, mental health, landscape design, jewelry, and artisan goods:

• Alison Woo Designs – Creates one-of-a-kind, sustainable jewelry using semi-precious stones and fine metals to capture meaningful moments.
• Emotional Compass – Provides bilingual, trauma-informed therapy services for individuals, couples, and families in a culturally connected setting.
• KimonoMono – A marketing and sales alignment agency helping small businesses grow through brand strategy, web design, and lead-generation systems.
• LumiVillage – A community-powered app connecting neighbors to teach and learn everyday skills through local 1:1 lessons and group classes.
• On Brand Moments LLC – Offers personalized laser engraving for gifts and events, including real-time “Just-in-Time” customization at live venues.
• Wildcraft Landscapes LLC – Designs and maintains sustainable, native-plant landscapes and rain gardens that support healthy ecosystems.
• Wolfe Counseling and Wellness LLC – Focuses on evidence-based mental health treatment that builds strong, trusting therapeutic relationships.

Each startup will report back within six months on how the funding helped move their business forward. Applications for the next round of grants are now open. Click here to learn more.

Request free help from the Berks LaunchBox.

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Source: bctv