Berks LaunchBox, a business accelerator initiative supported by Penn State Berks, announced seven recipients of its latest round of IMAGINE Your Business grants.
Funded by Berks County’s Imagine Berks Fund, the grant provides up to $2,000 to early-stage entrepreneurs for business needs such as prototyping, marketing and product development.
“The recipients, whose business ideas span diverse industries, have demonstrated exceptional potential, a clear vision for addressing market needs and strategic plans for use of the funds,” Berks LaunchBox officials said in a press release.
The recipients are:
• Hellhound Pet Treats, founded by Amanda Hand, helps pets return to their primal roots with single-ingredient, freeze-dried raw treats made from minimally processed, pasture-raised meats. Sourced from ethically run local farms in Pennsylvania and dried in USDA-licensed facilities, their supply chain is short and transparent. They plan to use the grant to launch their first round of production, packaging and shipping and to develop branding assets.
• Bapanada Catering, founded by Penn State Berks alumnus Brandon Everett, provides Latin and Mediterranean plant-based meals to the community. The business promotes eco-sustainability by conserving water through the use of vegan ingredients. The grant will support a marketing campaign, accountant services, and practical needs including a generator for outdoor events and storage bins.
• House of Portalatin, founded by Carmen Booker, offers high-quality, all-natural oils enriched with essential nutrients that soothe skin irritation, promote healthy beard growth, and enhance the beard’s natural texture and the skin underneath. Their unique formula ensures a lightweight, non-greasy feel while delivering lasting hydration. The grant will support bulk purchase of raw ingredients, high-quality packaging and a marketing campaign.
• KÅ«l, founded by father and son duo Chad and Samuel Ritter, offers a compact, countertop appliance that rapidly cools hot beverages — typically within 60 seconds — without dilution or affecting flavor. The grant will support initial prototyping and product testing of their patented design.
• Savvy AI Assist, founded by Emanuel Castellano, bridges the digital divide through democratized AI technology tailored specifically for small businesses. Beyond building websites or placing ads, Savvy AI Assist creates complete, custom-built AI-powered business ecosystems that work 24/7 to generate leads, nurture relationships and close sales. The grant funds will go directly to marketing including developing marketing kits and digital outreach campaigns.
• Ciccio’s Olives, founded by husband-and-wife team Guiseppe and Laura Pugliano, imports pure, authentic extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The Puglianos are an Italian American couple who saw a need for high quality EVOO in the States, so they helped their family of farmers navigate the process of bottling and exporting their oil, and began importing it directly to Berks County. The grant will go toward purchasing a stainless steel prep station and refrigerator to use for future classes focused on the history and culture of food, the Mediterranean diet and clean eating, pasta and focaccia making, olive oil tastings, charcuterie arranging, and more.
• The Gracing Cart, founded by Stephanie Rodriguez, helps clients offer a memorable food experience through an interactive mobile food cart. Their collapsible food cart can be set up nearly anywhere, including homes, barns, venues or vendor events, corporate offices and more. The grant will be used to purchase supplies to better outfit the cart and to expand on offerings, branding and marketing.
As part of the award, recipients are required to submit a one-page report on the utilization and impact of the funds within six months.
“This accountability ensures that the funds are used effectively and provides valuable insights into the program’s impact on the local entrepreneurial ecosystem,” LaunchBox officials said.
The next funding period for grants is happening now. Applications are due August 15.
Applicants are required to build a business model canvas and make an appointment and review it with Berks LaunchBox staff.
For more information on the “IMAGINE Your Business” grant and other initiatives, visit the Berks LaunchBox website, berkslaunchbox.psu.edu.
