Episodes
Thursday Aug 13, 2020
Episode 23: Launch Greensboro
Thursday Aug 13, 2020
Thursday Aug 13, 2020
This is the first in a series of episodes focused on entrepreneurship. Launch Greensboro Advisory Board members Kelli Frazier and Clifford Thompson discuss upcoming programs and events with staff members Lou Anne Flanders-Stec and Jennifer Hensel.
Thanks for joining us!
This episode is sponsored by Truliant Federal Credit Union
Visit Truliant here
---------------------
Today’s host is Kelly Fraser, a board member for Launch Greensboro. the Chamber’s XXXX.
---------------------
00:59 - Kelly introduces herself and Clifford Johnson, both on the board of Launch Greensboro. Today, they are focusing on upcoming programs that offer opportunities for you to participate! They will also be hosting future episodes to dive into more of what Launch Greensboro does.
1:38 - First, Kelly shares some background about Launch Greensboro and their mission. She also introduces Lou Ann Flanders-Stec, Executive VP of Launch Greensboro, and Jenn Hensler, Assistant Director of Launch, who run and support the programs that help local entrepreneurs.
4:10 - Kelly asks Jenn about specific focus areas and businesses that Launch Greensboro’s accelerator programs target. Jenn explains that the accelerator programs really “meet entrepreneurs where they are,” whether that is just starting out, or looking to grow their business to the next level. These incredible programs are so helpful on personal and professional levels, and free for entrepreneurs to participate!
7:15 - Clifford chimes in with a question about how mentors influence the program and what the work is in finding mentors in the community. Lou Ann explains that between 20-25 mentors are needed for each program, so Launch Greensboro makes the ask and ensures that they always have a pool of talented, experienced people to bring in as mentors. If you’re interested in supporting a local entrepreneur as a mentor, contact Launch Greensboro, because they’re always looking for more!
8:52 - Lou Ann also highlights the emphasis that Launch Greensboro puts on uplifting, growing, and supporting minority business owners through their programs. She is proud that they have consistently had 65-70% of minority and women owned businesses participate in the Launch Greensboro programs.
9:53 - Kelly asks Lou Ann to detail more on what is required of a mentor, which currently includes dedicating an hour per week for the duration of the accelerator program. Kelly also shares her personal experience as a mentor for Launch Greensboro.
11:19 - Jenn highlights that applications are currently open for the next program, so you can jump on this opportunity to participate in a great program to take your ideas, product, business, and network to the next level.
12:20 - Clifford asks what type of company usually participates in Launch Greensboro programs, which Lou Ann explains that it’s all industries at all levels. The only time requirements get specific is in the capital funding program, which has certain requirements of a company to participate.
13:50 - Kelly asks what participants can expect to walk away with once the accelerator program has concluded. Jenn explains that people walk away with a well-rounded exposure to various topics, the support of their cohort and those relationships, and the self-work of uncovering the “why” of their business and how that influences basic operations.
15:50 - Jenn explains that the impact for every entrepreneur is different because the Launch team really tries to meet a specific need or goal that every participant has. The outcomes are varied but highly specific to save these entrepreneurs time, money, and energy, and get on a faster growth track.
17:20 - Lou Ann adds that another benefit from going through any of the Launch programs is that entrepreneurs learn how to tell their business story and how to perfect their pitch, which is so important in a variety of situations. They refocus the entrepreneur to focus on what is important to their audience, rather than what is important to them.
20:00 - Kelly asks for more specifics about the venture capital fund that Launch has started. Lou Ann describes two ways that Launch helps entrepreneurs raise capital, one of which is the pitch competition Capital Connects, which allows early-stage entrepreneurs to pitch to investors and the community to gain investment and maybe win some prize money. The second way is the First Launch Capital Fund which makes investments at the earliest stage of a business, so businesses may not have even drawn revenue yet.
22:11 - Clifford brings up that so many people think that venture and entrepreneurship don’t happen in Greensboro. Lou Ann says that is just not true - the Piedmont Angel Network previously made investments in the Piedmont Triad, and Greensboro specifically, and First Launch Capital Fund is seeking the earliest stage entrepreneurs who need a boost to get their platform going. Entrepreneurship in Greensboro is strong and well supported here!
24:53 - Kelly asks about the Sustain Program and what happens after a business graduates from an accelerator program. Jenn explains that it’s a program of fellow program graduates where continuing education is offered, strategic networking, and a cohort of support is offered. Entrepreneurs say that this is so important to their continued success.
---------------------
Find out more about Launch Greensboro and all their programs here: https://greensboro.org/launch/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/launchgso
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greensboroentrepreneur
First Launch Capital Fund: https://www.firstlaunchcapital.com/
Learn more at launchgreensboro.com.
---------------------
Make sure to follow impact. The Boro on social media!
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @gsochamber
Visit the Chamber website at greensboro.org.
Comments (0)
To leave or reply to comments, please download free Podbean or
No Comments
To leave or reply to comments,
please download free Podbean App.