Kutztown University to Host Entrepreneurship Week April 20-24

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – The entrepreneurial spirit thrives at Kutztown University as the College of Business, the Entrepreneurial Leadership Center (ELC) and the KU Small Business Development Center (SBDC) proudly present Entrepreneurship Week April 20-24. This event includes panels, workshops and presentations that provides students and the local community with insights, strategies and tools from experts to launch or strengthen their business.

Kutztown University's 2026 Entrepreneurship Week is a dynamic celebration of innovation, leadership and the entrepreneurial spirit. This year's program showcases the power of innovation, the grit of student founders, the leadership of women entrepreneurs and the transformative potential of community-driven ventures. Across panels and conversations, the program highlights how entrepreneurship fuels growth, fosters inclusion and shapes the future of business and society. Whether you're launching your first idea or scaling your impact, this week is designed to inspire, connect and empower.

Throughout the week, participants will engage with a series of focused panel sessions that highlight the many pathways through which entrepreneurship creates value. From technology and venture growth to student innovation, women’s leadership and community impact, each session brings together practitioners who offer practical insights rooted in real-world experience. In addition to the panels, the KU SBDC will host targeted workshops designed to equip emerging entrepreneurs with essential skills in areas such as finance, marketing and business planning. Together, these sessions and workshops provide a comprehensive learning experience that supports new ideas, strengthens existing ventures and deepens the connection between KU and the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.

For full event details and registration links, see below, visit the Entrepreneurship Week webpage or contact the KU College of Business at 610-683-4733 or cob@kutztown.edu.

The Future of Business: Innovation, Technology and Growth

Monday, April 20

Technology and AI Panel: 9-10:30 a.m., 218 MSU

This session examines how emerging technologies and artificial intelligence are reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape. Technology leaders and founders will discuss practical pathways for small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt AI tools, data-driven systems, and automation. The discussion will emphasize how businesses can enhance productivity, improve customer engagement, and pursue innovation in a responsible and sustainable way.

• Munish Munagala, Agent23.AI
• Kryn McClain, CatapolloVR
• Xavier Shive-Sanchez, FunnelBridge.ai
• Hayden Craddolph, Cembo

Innovation and Venture Growth Panel: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 218 MSU

This session focuses on practical strategies for business expansion, access to capital, and building operational readiness. Panelists will share insights on lender expectations, financing options, legal considerations in scaling, managing risk, and how entrepreneurs can position their ventures for sustainable growth.

• Mark Rentschler, KU SBDC
• Michele L. Vervlied, Customs Bank
• Katherine D. Tohanczyn, Starfield & Smith, PC
• Scott Woodrow, Sustainable Waste Solutions

Student Startups Unleashed

Tuesday, April 21

Student Entrepreneurs Panel: 11 a.m. to noon, 201 de Francesco

KU student entrepreneurs share their personal journeys, lessons learned and the support systems that have shaped their ventures. The discussion focuses on navigating the challenges of launching and sustaining a business while in college, from finding mentors to accessing resources and building networks.

Building Communities Through Entrepreneurship

Thursday, April 23

Women Entrepreneurs Panel: 10-11:30 a.m., 218 MSU

This session features accomplished women founders and leaders who are shaping industries through innovation, resilience, and community leadership. Panelists will discuss entrepreneurial journeys, obstacles encountered, and strategies that support women's success in business.

• Mandy Siess, Let's Go Coffee
• Virginia Ellen, Hangout for Art
• Katie Kupstas, Innovators Club for Women
• Becca Spahr, Spahr Impact Group

Societal Impact Panel: 12-1:30 p.m., 218 MSU

This session brings together leaders who are improving lives in their communities through community action, grassroots advocacy, mental health support, youth development, workforce training, and technology-driven empowerment. Panelists will explore how mission-driven organizations create pathways to economic mobility, address systemic inequities, and help individuals and families build stable and fulfilling lives.

• Larry Berringer, Bucks Community Action Program
• Kryn McClain, CatapolloVR
• Seleda Simmons, Real Deal 610
• Violet Emory, Tec Centro Berks (BLWDC)

KU SBDC Workshops

Throughout the week, the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host practical workshops open to students, entrepreneurs, and community members.

Building a Custom GPT

Monday, April 20, 5-7 p.m. (Virtual)

This hands-on workshop introduces small business owners to create custom AI assistants tailored to their needs. Participants will learn how to design simple GPTs that support customer responses, content drafting, data summarization and internal workflows without advanced technical skills.

• Rachael Wolfe, Business Consultant Program Manager, KU SBDC

Introduction to QuickBooks

Wednesday, April 22, 10-11:30 a.m., (Location TBD)

Designed for entrepreneurs seeking better financial control, this workshop covers the fundamentals of using QuickBooks to manage income, expenses, invoices, and basic financial reports. Participants will gain clarity on cash flow tracking and financial organization for tax preparation.

• Sherrima Sharif, QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor

Building Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn

Thursday, April 23, 5-6 p.m. (Virtual)

This workshop helps entrepreneurs leverage LinkedIn as a strategic tool for visibility, credibility and business growth. Participants will learn how to craft compelling profiles and share content that resonates with target audiences.

• Rachael Wolfe, Business Consultant Program Manager, KU SBDC