Daily Brief

Kutztown University SBDC Graduates Entrepreneurs through Elevate Berks Collaboration

The Kutztown University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recently graduated a cohort of 13 entrepreneurs from "Build Your Business in Six Weeks," a six-week business course designed to support people starting a business in Pennsylvania. Delivered through Elevate Berks, the program connected aspiring and early stage business owners in Berks County with trusted guidance on how to start a business, register a business and prepare for sustainable growth in the commonwealth. Rachael Wolfe and Lorena Bravo of the Kutztown University SBDC facilitated parts of the program, working closely with partner organizations to ensure the course delivered practical and actionable support for Pennsylvania entrepreneurs. The course was delivered in collaboration with the SBA Eastern Pennsylvania District Office, Finanta, ASSETS Lancaster, Berks LaunchBox, the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) including the PA Business One Stop Shop, and the Penn State Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic. Under the Elevate Berks umbrella, these partners worked collectively to provide aligned instruction and direct connections to small-business resources. Throughout the six-week program, participants prepared business pitches, collaborated with resource partners, built financial literacy, explored financing options, accessed market research and learned the steps to register a business in Pennsylvania using the PA Business One Stop Shop. The goal was to increase business readiness and improve access to entrepreneurship support across Berks County. As part of Elevate Berks collaboration, Kutztown University students also designed and developed elevateberks.com to make it easier for local entrepreneurs to find small business assistance, training and referrals in one place. This collaboration reflects Kutztown University's continued commitment to experiential learning, community engagement and accessible economic development in Pennsylvania.

Kutztown University SBDC eCenter Sign Up

Rachael Wolfe, KU Small Business Development Center

Kutztown University SBDC Consultant Mark Rentschler Supports More Than $20.8 Million in Capital Funding in 2025

Mark Rentschler, SBDC consultant with the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center, supported Pennsylvania entrepreneurs in achieving $20,840,838 in capital funding milestones during the 2025 program year. Rentschler has served Kutztown University for 13 years and is the longest tenured member of the Kutztown University SBDC team. Throughout his tenure, he has provided consistent consulting support to individuals starting a business in Pennsylvania as well as existing small-business owners seeking growth, financing and long-term sustainability. Through individualized consulting, Rentschler helped entrepreneurs apply for grants, prepare loan applications and better understand the fiscal responsibility required to manage and grow a business. His work emphasized financial literacy, cash flow management and capital readiness. He helped clients improve preparedness for funding opportunities including grants, traditional lending and SBA-supported loan programs. Robert Kieke, fellow SBDC consultant at Kutztown University, noted Rentschler's impact on both clients and colleagues. “I appreciate Mark's thoroughness, attention to detail and willingness to do more than his fair share when assisting colleagues in his areas of expertise. His experience with lending is invaluable to the team. Mark gives each client as much time as needed to ask all their questions, so when we host a joint meeting, my clients leave more comfortable with the lending process 100% of the time.” In addition to his consulting work, Rentschler has dedicated many years to student mentorship at Kutztown University. He has supported graduate assistants and interns by providing hands-on experiential learning opportunities, professional guidance and real-world exposure to small-business consulting. Rentschler's dedication to supporting entrepreneurs, enhancing capital access and building financial capability across Pennsylvania's small-business community is deeply appreciated.

Kutztown University SBDC

Rachael Wolfe, KU Small Business Development Center

Library Winter Break Hours

The winter hours for Rohrbach Library are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The library is closed on weekends and Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.

Rohrbach Library Hours

Laurel Walker, Rohrbach Library