From Penn State Berks
Pictured above: Six entrepreneurs received Imagine Your Business Grants. Pictured (top row, from left to right) are Adrian Danby, Rooted in Wellness; Marisa Gonzalez, Maeve Collective; and Zaida Guadalupe Sánchez, Commitment 5; (bottom row, from left to right) Thomas Stauffer, Thomas D. Media LLC; Ingrid Valerio, Tiny Achievers; and Jessica C. Warchal-King, JCWK Dance Lab. Photo courtesy of Penn State Berks
The Berks LaunchBox powered by Penn State has announced six 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 reflects the wide range of needs and ideas emerging in the local business community. Each founder will use the funding to take meaningful next steps in launching and growing their ventures.
Applications for the next round of IMAGINE Your Business grants will open in early 2027. 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.
Commitment 5
Commitment 5 is a counseling practice founded by Zaida E. Guadalupe Sánchez, LPC. It provides behavioral health services through a counseling-centered approach. The practice offers support for individuals, couples, and groups with a focus on trauma, PTSD, life coaching, domestic violence, anxiety, and other mental health needs. Grant funds will be used to purchase professional tools, create a bilingual website, and provide staff training to aid in expansion.
JCWK Dance Lab
Founded by Jessica C. Warchal-King, JCWK Dance Lab is an adult-focused professional, contemporary dance company. The organization uses dance as a vehicle for positive social change through joy, connection, and wellness. From education to performance, JCWK Dance Lab offers classes, outreach programs and community-based art experiences. Grant funds will be used to strengthen their marketing, outreach, and registration systems. To learn more, visit JCWK Dance Lab.
Maeve Collective
Marisa Gonzalez, LMFT, founded Maeve Collective, a telehealth therapy practice that offers relational, systemic, and affirming care. Maeve Collective serves individuals and couples navigating ADHD, trauma, identity concerns, and relationship challenges. It also supports pre-licensed clinicians through an AAMFT-approved supervision program. Grant funds will be used to strengthen their marketing and branding efforts. For more information, visit Maeve Collective.
Rooted In Wellness
Founded by Adrian Danby, Rooted in Wellness is a pediatric therapy and developmental center serving children and families. The practice offers pediatric occupational therapy, infant feeding therapy, speech and language therapy, parent coaching, and group enrichment programs. Rooted In Wellness focuses on compassionate, evidence-based, and play-centered care that supports healthy development. Grant funds will be used to purchase a social-emotional curriculum, books, and sensory supplies. To learn more, visit Rooted in Wellness.
Thomas D. Media LLC
Thomas D. Media is a creative agency specializing in cinematic video production, branded storytelling, and digital content strategy. Founded by Thomas Stauffer, the company helps businesses and brands turn ideas into compelling visual content designed to connect, engage, and inspire audiences. Other services include drone work and full-service production support from concept to final cut. Grant funds will be used to purchase a cinema camera. To learn more, visit Thomas D. Media.
Tiny Achievers
Founded by Ingrid Valerio, LCSW, Tiny Achievers offers interactive, evidence-based classes for children ages three months to six years, with activities designed to support healthy childhood development through music, play, imagination, and social engagement. The program is designed to help parents build practical skills they can use at home while promoting gross and fine motor development, with a special emphasis on serving bilingual families and increasing access for low-income households. Grant funds will be used to purchase equipment for infants’ and toddlers’ gross motor skills.
“At the Berks LaunchBox, we believe that when we invest in local entrepreneurs, we strengthen our entire community,” stated Erica Kunkel, director of innovation, workforce and community Impact and the Berks LaunchBox. “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, co-working space for startups, workshops focused on business development, a makerspace with 3D printers, 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.
You Might Also Like
Berks Youth Place in 2025 Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show
Finanta Opens First Credit Union Branch in Reading
MADJ Marketing Announces Executive Promotions and New Leadership Hire
