Berks LaunchBox recently announced the latest group of recipients for its IMAGINE Your Business grant, designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs accelerate their business growth.

Berks LaunchBox is a business accelerator initiative supported by Penn State Berks. The program awards up to $2,000 to assist startups with prototyping, marketing, product development and other business expenses, Berks LaunchBox said in the announcement.

The IMAGINE Your Business grant program is funded through Berks County’s Imagine Berks Fund.

“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,” Erica Kunkel, director of innovation, workforce and community impact and the Berks LaunchBox, said in a statement.

The recipients:

Commitment 5

Commitment 5 is a counseling practice founded by Zaida E. Guadalupe Sánchez. 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 its marketing, outreach and registration systems.

Maeve Collective

Marisa Gonzalez 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 prelicensed clinicians through an AAMFT-approved supervision program. Grant funds will be used to strengthen their marketing and branding efforts.

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.

Tiny Achievers

Founded by Ingrid Valerio, Tiny Achievers offers interactive, evidence-based classes for children ages 3 months to 6 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,” Kunkel added.

Applications for the next round of IMAGINE Your Business grants will open in early 2027. For more information on the IMAGINE Your Business grant and other initiatives, visit the Berks LaunchBox website.

The mission of Berks LaunchBox is to support economic development and entrepreneurship. Berks LaunchBox offers entrepreneurship workshops, co-working space for startups, workshops focused on business development, a makerspace with 3D printers and special youth programs.