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Collaboration bridges economic gaps and supports sustainable business growth for Berks County entrepreneurs 

����ԭ��’s O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship and officially announce a strategic partnership aimed at fostering economic empowerment through entrepreneurship for the Latine community in Berks County. This collaboration will provide entrepreneurial education and resources to graduates of Tec Centro Berks, helping them overcome economic barriers and thrive in the local economy. 

“As an institute dedicated to bolstering the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting ����ԭ��’s mission to provide students with real-world, hands-on experiential learning opportunities, there is immense value in partnering with Tec Centro Berks," said ����ԭ�� Vice President of Research, Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives, Dr. Rodney S. Ridley, Sr., Ph.D., RTTP. "While the O’Pake Institute has traditionally been centered on economic development and entrepreneurial support, we also recognize the importance of a skilled workforce. This relationship will allow us to contribute to the array of opportunities here in our community, and we are thrilled to support pathways that intentionally connect education and industry." 

Tec Centro Berks, known for its dedication to advancing Latinos out of poverty through workforce development, will now offer its graduates entrepreneurial pathways through this collaboration, enabling them to create sustainable businesses. The O’Pake Institute, known for its innovative student-powered business services, will host workshops on-site at Tec Centro Berks and ����ԭ��'s John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne that provide comprehensive support for aspiring and current Latine entrepreneurs. 

"The MOU between The O'Pake Institute and Tec Centro Berks is significant as it formalizes a partnership focused on enhancing entrepreneurial education and support for our students,” said Executive Director of Tec Centro Berks, Violet Emory. "This collaboration aims to achieve goals such as providing hands-on training in business model canvassing, business plan creation, and access to financial and creative services. Through this partnership, Tec Centro Berks is committed to empowering individuals in our community with the skills they need to succeed in entrepreneurship, ultimately driving economic development and enhancing workforce training right here in our region." 

In addition to the workshops, Tec Centro Berks graduates also have access to the O’Pake Institute’s wide range of services through the SPARK Business Incubator—including business valuation, technology transfer and marketing.  

"This represents more than just an agreement; it’s a shared commitment to open doors for individuals in our community who have faced barriers to economic opportunity,” said Tec Centro Berks Board Chair and O’Pake Institute Executive Director of Community and Economic Development Lizette Epps, MBA, CUDE, CNP, AWA. “Through this collaboration, we’re creating lasting pathways for people to gain valuable skills, build careers, and even start their own businesses. I believe this partnership will have a profound, long-term impact, helping individuals and families build brighter, more secure futures. Together, we’re strengthening the community by investing in its greatest resource, its people."