Posted on May 11, 2026

Berks LaunchBox Announces Five New ‘IMAGINE Your Business’ Grant Recipients

Berks LaunchBox Announces Five New ‘IMAGINE Your Business’ Grant Recipients

From Penn State Berks

Pictured above: Five entrepreneurs received IMAGINE Your Business Grants from the Berks LaunchBox. Pictured (top row, left to right) are Minerva Ruiz-Ocasio and Jessica Christman, and (bottom row, left to right) Jessica King and María José Galarza. Not pictured: Benjamin Georgi. Photo provided. Penn State Berks

The Berks LaunchBox, powered by Penn State, has announced five recipients of its IMAGINE Your Business grant, designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs accelerate their business growth. The program awards up to $2,000 to assist startups with prototyping, marketing, product development, and other essential business expenses.

The IMAGINE Your Business grant program is made possible through the support of the County of Berks. This round of recipients is addressing real needs in our community — from youth development and senior care to mental health and small business services —and will use this funding to take meaningful next steps in launching and growing their ideas.

Applications for the next round of IMAGINE Your Business grants are now open and due May 15. Interested applicants should complete a business model canvas and schedule a review meeting with Berks LaunchBox staff before submitting. For more information on the “IMAGINE Your Business” grant and other initiatives, visit the Berks LaunchBox.

All-Around Field Hockey

Founded by Jessica Christman, All-Around Field Hockey provides structured field hockey clinics for athletes in grades 2-7, along with mini-sessions and personalized coaching for youth players through college. Led by a former Division I player, certified teacher, and experienced coach, the program focuses on building fundamental skills, confidence, and game understanding to prepare athletes for competition. All-Around Field Hockey fills a gap between recreational programs and high-cost club teams, offering accessible, high-quality training in Berks County. Grant funds will be used to purchase advanced training equipment and support marketing. For more information, visit All-Around Field Hockey.

ElderCARE Collaborative

Founded by Jessica King, ElderCARE Collaborative provides personalized guidance to seniors and their families as they navigate complex healthcare, housing, and long-term care decisions. With more than 15 years of experience in senior services, King offers care coordination, Medicare navigation, and advocacy support to help families make informed choices with confidence. Her approach bridges gaps between providers, families, and community resources, ensuring more coordinated and thoughtful care. Grant funds will support business formation, branding, and community outreach to connect more Berks County families with essential services. For more information, visit ElderCARE Collaborative.

Alive Trauma-Informed Kickboxing & Therapeutic Services

Founded by Minerva Ruiz-Ocasio, Alive Trauma-Informed Kickboxing & Therapeutic Services integrates trauma-informed care with movement-based practices to support emotional healing, resilience, and self-regulation. The program offers therapist-led sessions that combine kickboxing and somatic techniques, creating a safe and empowering environment for individuals — especially youth and those recovering from trauma — who may not benefit fully from traditional therapy or fitness settings. Alive’s approach emphasizes nervous system regulation, confidence-building, and accessibility. Grant funds will be used to purchase portable equipment, allowing the program to expand into underserved communities and deliver services directly where they are needed. For more information, visit Alive Trauma-Informed Kickboxing & Therapeutic Services.

ProGrade Cleanup & Removal LLC

Founded by Benjamin Georgi, ProGrade Cleanup & Removal LLC provides professional property cleanout, debris removal, and interior teardown services for landlords, municipalities, and organizations. The business focuses on efficient, reliable turnaround of residential and commercial spaces, helping clients prepare properties for new tenants, sale, or redevelopment. Georgi brings a strong background in trades and operations, emphasizing professionalism, safety, and clear communication. Grant funds will support marketing and digital tools to build visibility and attract clients. For more information, visit ProGrade Cleanup & Removal LLC.

Maria Pepita

Founded by María José Galarza, Maria Pepita creates premium handcrafted filigree jewelry that reflects Ecuadorian cultural heritage while supporting skilled artisan partners. With more than a decade of experience working with artisan communities, Galarza brings traditional techniques into a modern market through curated collections and custom pieces. The business emphasizes ethical production, cultural storytelling, and high-quality craftsmanship. Grant funding will be used to enhance product photography, packaging, and e-commerce capabilities, helping Maria Pepita expand its reach and connect with a broader audience. To follow on Facebook, visit Maria Pepita.

“At the Berks LaunchBox, we believe that when we invest in local entrepreneurs, we strengthen our entire community,” stated Erica Kunkel, director of the Berks LaunchBox and continuing education at Penn State Berks. “These founders are building businesses that not only create opportunity for themselves, but also bring valuable services and support to Berks County. We’re excited to continue working alongside them as they move their ideas forward.”

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 or contact Erica Kunkel at 610-396-6221 or ELS5014@psu.edu.




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