Starting a successful business can be one of the most rewarding things in life. Unfortunately, statistics show that a high percentage of small businesses fail every year. Through proper planning, preparation and guidance, many common pitfalls can be avoided.
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) is dedicated to supporting and promoting small business, helping make businesses successful. We offer resources to assist along the path of turning entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
Resources for Small Businesses
GRCA is committed to helping existing small businesses grow and be successful.
Training
GRCA offers training and seminars geared to meet the needs of small businesses. We offer education in areas such as: management, sales, marketing and finance. GRCA members enjoy 25% off all training costs. Contact Mark Dolinski, VP of Training & Professional Development Training.
Marketing
Want to be featured in Commerce Quarterly Magazine? Contact Leah Fassnacht, Director of Communications and Marketing.
Funding
Looking to secure financing for your business’s growth, contact Kayla Hayick, Director of Lending & Business Outreach, at 610.898.7761.
Networking
Check back soon about the return of Coffee & Convos. Or visit the events calendar to find other networking events.
Ambassadors Program
The mission of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Ambassador Program is to promote member commitment and retention by raising awareness of GRCA activities and benefits, informing and involving new GRCA Members to promote strong continuing membership, encouraging meaningful and beneficial participation in GRCA Programs, and serving as a liaison between the GRCA staff and membership.
Coffee & Convos
Coffee & Convo workshops provide networking and programming focused on supporting your small-business needs. GRCA is excited to relaunch this series to assist small businesses in Berks County.
Resources for Starting a Business
GRCA connects small businesses with the experts by partnering with organizations. These organizations have expertise in different areas related to starting and running a successful small business.
- SCORE – Find a Mentor | SCORE
- Berks LaunchBox – Space & resources for budding entrepreneurs. (psu.edu)
- Berks Biomedical Innovation Collaborative – Berks Biomedical
- Kutztown University Small Businesses Development Center (KUSBDC) – Free Small Business Consulting with Pennsylvania SBDC (pasbdc.org)
- O’Pake Institute at Alvernia University – O’Pake Institute (alvernia.edu)
- Community First Fund – Community First Fund – A CDFI Creating Opportunity. Transforming Communities.
- Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals – Go-to source for chamber industry information
- Small Business Administration (SBA) – Small Business Administration (sba.gov)
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Small Business – Small Business OnDemand | U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com)
- Colorado Attorney, LLC. – How to Raise Money for a Business
