Reading area business leaders host series of workshops and mixers in November

The local business community in the Reading area will hold a series of professional development events and networking opportunities starting next week. The schedule includes a six-week course for entrepreneurs, a luncheon focused on feedback, and a holiday gathering. These events are organized by local chambers of commerce and resource associations.

The Berks LaunchBox begins its "Business 101" course on November 9. The six-week program runs through December 14. Classes meet Monday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading. Participants will build a business plan. The course is free to the public.

On November 10, the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance hosts a roundtable for nonprofit leaders. The meeting takes place from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Center for Business Excellence in Womissing. The session will cover collaborative events and board engagement. Members pay $50 and non-members pay $60. Lunch is included in the price.

The Berks LaunchBox also hosts a 10th anniversary networking event on November 12. The gathering runs from 5 to 8 p.m. at its Reading location. It is open to the public at no cost. On November 13, the Small Business Resource Association meets for a breakfast referral club at B2 Bistro in West Reading from 7:30 to 9 a.m. The same day, the GRCA offers a seminar on using artificial intelligence in business. That session runs from 12 to 1:30 p.m. in Wyomissing. Members pay $50 and non-members pay $75 for lunch.

The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a luncheon on November 18. The event is titled "The Power of Feedback." Danielle N. Adams-Wiltshire will deliver the keynote. The meeting is held at the Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center in Limerick. It runs from 12 to 2 p.m. Members pay $55 and non-members pay $90. Attendees are asked to bring a donation to the YWCA Food Pantry. Registration closes on November 4.

The GRCA will host the 2026 Truist Economic Forecast Breakfast on December 3. Eylem Senyuz, a senior investment strategy analyst at Truist Advisory Services, will speak. She will provide an overview of 2026 and expectations for 2027. The event takes place at the Redner’s Event Center in Reading from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Members pay $45 and non-members pay $60.

The Small Business Resource Association closes the month with a holiday event on December 18. Called "Jingle Mingle," it is held at Riverfront Federal Credit Union in Spring Township. The event runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Participants bring a wrapped children’s gift. The cost of admission is one or more gifts.