From Kutztown University
Pictured above: Becca Spahr, keynote speaker for Illuminate Berks County, will present on building meaningful professional connections.
The Small Business Development Center at Kutztown University will host the third annual Illuminate Berks County on Wednesday, April 29, from 6-9 p.m., at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, convening 150-200 entrepreneurs, students, and community leaders for an evening of connection, resources, and opportunity.
Supported through the Neighborhood Assistance Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the no-cost event is funded by M&T Bank, East Penn Manufacturing, Fulton Bank, and Customers Bank. Their support expands access to networking and business resources for individuals across Berks County and the greater Southeastern Pennsylvania region.
As more individuals seek guidance on how to start a business in Pennsylvania, register a business in Pennsylvania, and market a business online, Illuminate Berks County provides direct access to trusted resources, expert insight, and meaningful connections. The event includes dinner, free professional headshots, and engagement with regional resource partners.
The event also reinforces Kutztown University’s role in regional economic development, positioning Kutztown University as a leading hub for entrepreneurship in Berks County and the greater Southeastern Pennsylvania region, where individuals can access resources on how to start a business in Pennsylvania, grow a business, and build meaningful professional networks that create opportunity.
The evening will feature keynote speaker Becca Spahr, owner of Spahr Impact Group LLC and former Marine Corps officer, presenting “Don’t Waste This Room: You’re One Conversation Away.” Her interactive session reframes networking as a strategic skill, equipping attendees with practical tools to build authentic relationships that lead to business growth. More information about Spahr’s work is available at beccaspahr.com.
“At the heart of my work is a simple belief: connection is possible for everyone, and it’s a skill you can learn,” said Spahr. “When approached with intention, one conversation can create real momentum in your business.”
Spahr’s keynote is designed to transition directly into the networking portion of the event, giving attendees immediate opportunities to apply strategies for building connections, increasing visibility, and uncovering new opportunities.
“The event brings together the heart of Berks County — our small-business owners that keep our community engaged,” said Rachael Wolfe, consulting manager at the Kutztown SBDC. “It is inspiring to have them in one room, moving our economy and future forward, together.”
The Kutztown SBDC serves as a trusted guide for entrepreneurs, offering no-cost consulting and education to help business owners navigate challenges and opportunities, including how to promote your business locally, how to market your business on social media, and how to grow a small business in Pennsylvania.
Registration is available at pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/33467.
About KU SBDC
Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community and Economic Development, through support from Service Center host institutions, and by other sources of state and federal funding. Full disclosures available at pasbdc.org/funding-sources. All services are extended on a non-discriminatory basis to all legal residents and citizens of the US. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
