From Penn State Berks
Pictured above, from left to right, top to bottom: Brandon Everett; Carmen Booker; Chad and Samuel Ritter; Emanuel Castellano; Laura and Guiseppe Pugliano; and Stephanie Rodriguez. Not pictured: Amanda Hand. Photo courtesy of Berks LaunchBox
Berks LaunchBox announced seven new recipients of the “IMAGINE Your Business” grant. Funded by the County of Berks Imagine Berks Fund, this grant provides up to $2,000 to early-stage entrepreneurs to support various business needs, such as prototyping, marketing, and product development. The initiative aims to foster innovation and economic growth within Berks County.
According to Berks LaunchBox officials, the recipients, whose business ideas span diverse industries, have demonstrated exceptional potential, a clear vision for addressing market needs, and strategic plans for use of the funds. They will utilize the grant funds to advance their business plans and bring their ideas to fruition.
- Hellhound Pet Treats, founded by Amanda Hand, helps pets return to their primal roots with single-ingredient, freeze-dried raw treats made from grassfed, pasture-raised meats. Unlike traditional treats filled with additives, their products preserve the full nutritional integrity of raw organ meats through minimal processing. Sourced from ethically run local farms in Pennsylvania and dried in USDA-licensed facilities, their supply chain is short and transparent. They plan to use the grant to launch their first round of production, packaging, and shipping, and to develop branding assets.
- Bapanada Catering, founded by Penn State Berks alumnus Brandon Everett, provides affordable and delicious Latin and Mediterranean plant-based meals to the community. The business promotes eco-sustainability by conserving water through the use of vegan ingredients. For example, choosing one of their savory plant-based “beef” empanadas instead of traditional beef saves nearly 100 gallons of water. The grant will support a marketing campaign, accountant services, and practical needs, including a generator for outdoor events and storage bins.
- House of Portalatin, founded by Carmen Booker, offers high-quality, all-natural oils enriched with essential nutrients that soothe skin irritation, promote healthy beard growth, and enhance the beard’s natural texture and the skin underneath. Their unique formula ensures a lightweight, non-greasy feel while delivering lasting hydration. By prioritizing premium ingredients and sustainable sourcing, they aim to redefine beard care with a solution that works. The grant will support bulk purchase of raw ingredients, high-quality packaging, and a marketing campaign.
- Kūl, founded by father and son duo Chad and Samuel Ritter, offers a fast, clean, and consistent way to cool hot coffee (or tea) to “iced” temperatures in under a minute, preserving flavor and providing immediate enjoyment without the wait. Kūl is a compact, countertop appliance that rapidly cools hot beverages to the perfect drinking temperature — typically within 60 seconds — without dilution or affecting flavor. Using a patent-pending cooling system, Kūl delivers cooling on demand. The grant will support initial prototyping and product testing of their patented design.
- Savvy AI Assist, founded by Emanuel Castellano, bridges the digital divide through democratized AI technology tailored specifically for small businesses. Beyond building websites or placing ads, Savvy AI Assist creates complete, custom-built AI-powered business ecosystems that work 24/7 to generate leads, nurture relationships, and close sales. The grant funds will go directly to marketing, including developing marketing kits and digital outreach campaigns.
- Ciccio’s Olives, founded by husband-and-wife team, Guiseppe and Laura Pugliano, imports pure, authentic extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The Puglianos are an Italian American couple who saw a need for high-quality EVOO in the States, so they helped their family of farmers navigate the process of bottling and exporting their oil, and began importing it directly to Berks County, PA. The grant will go toward purchasing a stainless steel prep station and refrigerator to use for future classes focused on the history and culture of food, Mediterranean diet and clean eating, pasta and focaccia making, olive oil tastings, charcuterie arranging, and more.
- The Gracing Cart, founded by Stephanie Rodriguez, helps its clients offer a memorable food experience to their customers through their interactive mobile food cart. The Gracing Cart offers more than just catering; they offer an experience. Their collapsible food cart allows them to set up practically anywhere, from the comfort of someone’s home to a barn to a venue or vendor event to a corporate office – the possibilities are endless. The grant will be used to purchase supplies to better outfit the cart and to expand on offerings, branding, and marketing.
As part of the award, recipients are required to submit a one-page report on the utilization and impact of the funds within six months. This accountability ensures that the funds are used effectively and provides valuable insights into the program’s impact on the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The next funding period for grants is happening now. Applications are due on Friday, Aug. 15. Applicants are required to build a business model canvas, make an appointment, and review it with Berks LaunchBox staff.
For more information on the “IMAGINE Your Business” grant and other initiatives, visit the Berks LaunchBox online.
About the Berks LaunchBox
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, a co-working space for startups, workshops focused on business development, a makerspace with 3D printers for prototyping, 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.
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