Penn State Berks Celebrates Entrepreneurship at Innovation Awards

Penn State Berks recently held its inaugural Berks Innovation Awards Ceremony, celebrating young entrepreneurs and student innovators. This event combined two significant competitions: the Innovation and Business Idea Challenge, where student teams proposed solutions to pressing challenges, and the IMAGINE Your Business Grant Awards, which recognized community entrepreneurs who secured funding for various projects.

The ceremony took place in November 2023 and was co-sponsored by the Flemming Creativity, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) Center and Berks LaunchBox. The awards featured grants funded by the County of Berks “Imagine Berks” fund, aimed at fostering innovation within the local community.

Pamela Menet, Director of Community and Economic Development for Berks County, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Penn State Berks. She stated, “The county is pleased to have the Penn State Berks Flemming CEED Center and Berks LaunchBox as key partners to implement our IMAGINE Berks Strategic Plan. They are proven and valuable resources for entrepreneurs and help us provide a supportive and welcoming environment.”

Winners of the Innovation and Business Idea Challenge

This year’s submissions for the Innovation and Business Idea Challenge focused on addressing hunger and food insecurity. Initiatives were backed by faculty efforts to enhance the efficiency of local food banks. The following projects were awarded for their innovative approaches:

– **EggShare Network**, developed by Hannah Pham, a marketing major. This initiative aims to create a centralized digital platform connecting local small-scale farmers with food banks, schools, and households in need, allowing them to donate surplus eggs.

– **Finish Me**, created by Minnich Tang Chuy, a finance major. This app provides information on surplus cafeteria food that can be transformed into affordable meals. Students can reserve or purchase food at discounted prices via the app.

– **FoodWaste**, developed by a team of engineering students, including Gage Fulmer, Sara Christine, Amelia Knott, and Conner Semel. This project features an interactive exhibit in the college dining hall that illustrates the financial losses associated with food waste, along with infographics addressing food insecurity on college campuses.

The Innovation and Business Idea Challenge aims to provide seed funding for promising student projects. Sadan Kulturel-Konak, Professor of Management Information Systems and director of the Flemming CEED Center, emphasized the competition’s goals, stating, “Our primary objective with this competition is to allow students to utilize their Penn State Berks education to become entrepreneurs and start businesses that can create jobs in our local community.”

IMAGINE Your Business Grant Recipients

The IMAGINE Your Business Grants were awarded to early-stage entrepreneurs who showcased creativity and determination. These recipients span various industries, from technology to mental health services. Notable grant winners included:

– **Wildcraft Landscapes LLC**, founded by Nathan Tietbohl. This company designs and maintains ecologically sustainable landscapes using native plants and rain gardens, aiming to create thriving ecosystems for both people and wildlife.

– **Alison Woo Designs**, established by Alison Woo. This jewelry brand focuses on sustainability and customization, offering unique pieces crafted from semi-precious stones and fine metals for special occasions and everyday wear.

– **LumiVillage**, co-founded by Amna and Syed Fahad Hussein. This app connects community members for one-on-one lessons and group classes, facilitating the sharing of everyday skills with verified profiles and ratings for reliability.

– **On Brand Moments LLC**, started by Danielle Hettler, specializes in laser engraving for gifts and branding purposes, offering on-site customization and unique designs.

– **Emotional Compass**, founded by Licensed Professional Counselor Hilary Aponte-Chimelis, provides trauma-informed therapy services, focusing on holistic well-being and cultural connections.

– **Wolfe Counseling and Wellness LLC**, led by Licensed Professional Counselor Jenna Wolfe, offers evidence-based mental health treatment, fostering strong therapeutic relationships for meaningful emotional growth.

– **KimonoMono**, founded by Adrian Heredia, is a marketing and sales alignment agency that assists small and mid-sized businesses in achieving brand clarity and measurable growth.

Erica Kunkel, Director of Berks LaunchBox, highlighted the importance of supporting emerging entrepreneurs. She remarked, “We’re proud to partner with Berks County to empower early-stage entrepreneurs. This support ensures that promising ideas have the funding they need to grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact right here in our region.”

The Berks Innovation Awards Ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of these innovative individuals but also underscored the commitment of Penn State Berks and its partners to foster entrepreneurship within the community.