Berks County Latino Chamber of Commerce

The Berks County Latino Chamber of Commerce (BCLCC) is a nonprofit business organization headquartered at 540 Upland Ave in Reading, Pennsylvania. Founded in 2004 and co-founded by Angel Figueroa, it is the only chamber in the Berks County region dedicated specifically to Latino-owned businesses. The organization brings together entrepreneurs, established business owners, corporate partners, nonprofit leaders, and community allies with the shared goal of expanding economic opportunity across the region. Its stated mission is to empower Latino entrepreneurs and businesses by providing the connections, resources, and advocacy they need to succeed, guided by values that include trust and integrity, empowerment, inclusivity and belonging, and community impact.

Reading has one of the largest Latino population shares of any city in Pennsylvania, and the Chamber's work reflects that demographic reality. Programming is delivered in both English and Spanish, and technical assistance is offered with culturally competent support so that business owners can receive guidance in the language they are most comfortable using. The Chamber can be reached at +1 484-338-4530.

Business Education and Training

A central part of the Chamber's work is bilingual education for business owners at every stage. Workshops and seminars cover financial literacy, digital marketing, human resources, legal compliance, the use of artificial intelligence in business, and strategic planning. Sessions are frequently delivered in partnership with institutions such as the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center, which allows participants to connect directly with advisors and programs they may not have encountered otherwise.

Beyond single-session workshops, the Chamber runs multi-week curricula. One example is a six-week Advanced Financial Management Class that includes instruction on business taxes, giving owners a structured setting to work through bookkeeping practices, reporting obligations, and planning decisions rather than a one-time overview.

One-on-One Technical Assistance

For members who need individualized help, the Chamber provides direct technical assistance. Staff and partners work with startups and growing companies on practical matters such as securing permits, identifying funding pathways, and making operational decisions. Spanish-language support is available throughout this process, which is particularly relevant for first-generation entrepreneurs navigating licensing and regulatory requirements for the first time.

Networking, Visibility, and the Member Directory

The Chamber hosts networking events and multicultural mixers that connect members with a network of more than 250 Latino entrepreneurs, along with corporate representatives and government leaders. Members are also listed in a searchable online member directory that includes a business profile. Directory listings are enhanced for members at the Business Partner level, and Corporate Partners receive premium placement, giving participating companies additional exposure to peers and prospective clients.

Advocacy and Access to Capital

The organization advocates on behalf of Latino and minority-owned businesses in local and regional economic and policy conversations. This work involves amplifying member voices, raising awareness of systemic barriers that affect small and minority-owned firms, and securing seats at the table where regional economic decisions are discussed.

The Chamber also functions as a bridge to capital. It connects members with SBA programs, banks, grant opportunities, and other financial partners, with an emphasis on improving both access to funding and overall financial readiness. Members have reported millions of dollars secured for member businesses through these connections and the preparation that accompanies them.

Membership Tiers

Memberships run for twelve months and are managed through the JoinIt portal. Membership is open to Latino-owned businesses as well as allies, nonprofits, students, and corporate partners. Current tiers include:

That package covers a branding guide, a new website or a website upgrade, and a three-month social media plan for two platforms. Members also have access to insurance offerings through Grupo Sosa.

Marketing and Sponsorship

Advertising and sponsorship packages are tied to the Chamber's signature events, and the organization maintains Spanish-language media partnerships with Telemundo and La Mega. These relationships give member businesses and sponsors a route to audiences that are often difficult to reach through general-market advertising alone.

Signature Events

The Chamber's calendar includes several recurring events that combine business development with cultural programming.

• 222 Summer of Soccer: A seasonal series that includes watch parties and a 3-on-3 Soccer Challenge.
• Latin Art Market: Community programming highlighting Latino artists and makers.
• Latino Chamber Night: An annual outing with the Reading Fightin Phils at FirstEnergy Stadium.
• Financial management classes offered throughout the year.

Leadership and Service Area

The Chamber is led by Executive Director Josie Boykins, with Isamac Torres-Figueroa serving as Board Chair. While the organization is based in Reading and serves Berks County, its regional initiatives, particularly the 222 Corridor Summit, extend its reach toward Lancaster and Allentown, reflecting the economic ties along the Route 222 corridor.

Prospective members, sponsors, and business owners seeking assistance can contact the Chamber by phone for details on upcoming workshops, event registration, and membership enrollment.