If you’re struggling to develop a viable idea or concept to start or grow a business, the Berks LaunchBox can help. Through the series of courses listed below, participants will be able to brainstorm, design, develop and test an idea for a new startup, or a new direction to improve an existing business, by identifying your assets and considering the opportunities around you.
In the Berks LaunchBox innovation hub and makerspace, Penn State Berks is addressing the needs of both current and future entrepreneurs. After a successful first year in their new space within the Goggleworks Center for the Arts in downtown Reading, the Berks LaunchBox is providing new direction to help community members who want to become entrepreneurs but need assistance with validating their business ideas. The goal is to spur economic development in Reading by helping businesses launch, grow and scale their businesses in the city.
The following courses will be offered:
Mini Idea Creation Workshop - 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22
This workshop provides guided idea brainstorming and creation exercises to help aspiring entrepreneurs and self-starters to develop new ideas. This is a little taste of what you will do in the Idea Design Lab class.
Idea Design Lab - 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, March 18 and 25
This course will help aspiring entrepreneurs design, develop and refine new business ideas with hands-on, guided exercises. All participants will develop an idea pitch that can be used for the next steps of the startup process, such as customer discovery, market testing and seeking funding and grants.
Idea Test Lab - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, May 20, 27, June 3, 10
The first step to take your idea from concept to completion is to determine if you have identified a problem worth solving. This class will help you to gain a better understanding of what challenge your customer is facing, figure out where potential customers can be found; and identify the unique value you can provide. Attendees must submit an application in advance. For more information, visit sites.psu.edu/ceed/outline/
All classes have limited space. To register for these or any of the many winter/spring 2020 courses at the Berks LaunchBox, visit here: berkslaunchbox.psu.edu/updates/
About the Berks LaunchBox
The mission of the 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 Berks LaunchBox connects local 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 mentors. The Berks LaunchBox offers entrepreneurship workshops, co-working space for startups, Meetups focused on business development, a makerspace with 3D printers for prototyping, and special youth programs.
The Berks LaunchBox is supported by Invent Penn State — a commonwealth-wide initiative to spur economic development, job creation and student success, launched by Penn State President Eric J. Barron in 2016. For more information, visit berkslaunchbox.psu.edu or contact Michelle Hnath, Berks LaunchBox facilities coordinator, at [email protected] or 610-396-6400.