LAUNCH

What is LAUNCH?

As our country reinvents itself, new businesses are being born every day and support structures are key to the viability of these businesses. LAUNCH offers business training, support, and affordable resources to underrepresented entrepreneurs, empowering them to create sustainable, successful businesses allowing their families and communities to thrive.

LAUNCH + COVID

As COVID-19 continues to challenge our community and communities around the country,

the LAUNCH team is working remotely, prioritizing the safety of our staff and community. This is an unprecedented time, and we're working harder than ever to support and guide the entrepreneurs we serve.

We have made our LAUNCH CHA entrepreneurship course more accessible than ever by providing our Summer 2020, Fall 2020 & Winter 2021 cohorts for free online.

In May, we launched our latest initiative, the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga (KIC). This space exists for food-centric start-ups to hone their craft. Due to the needs created by COVID-19, we fast-tracked this initiative and piloted our efforts with the LAUNCH Provisions Project. We delivered over 40,000 to at-risk seniors and provided income to 9 local small business owners. Click here to find out more.

To stay up-to-date on our developments and response to COVID-19, be sure to sign up for our newsletter using the form near the bottom of our page.

Programs & Services

Find out about our programs and services. From High School Entrepreneurship to Business Entrepreneurship.

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Take Action

Ready to take the next step? You can become a contributor to our cause, or participate yourself.

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WHAT IS LAUNCH?

LAUNCH exists to build a thriving Chattanooga where every individual who dreams of a business can be confident that the community will stand with them, removing obstacles, and creating opportunities for their success.

9 years

301 Businesses Supported

331 Jobs created

What Our Entrepreneurs are Saying

Angie Adams

“I have not only gained knowledge through taking the course but have gained friendships and a family network that I could not have on my own. Through the 10- week course, I have become more confident and knowledgeable allowing my business to be a success. The tools LAUNCH provides are there! You have nothing to lose and so much to gain!”

Jennifer Holder

“Without the push of taking a class and the support of my classmates, I don’t know that I would have ever fully fleshed out the idea of The Chattery. Through the program, I met so many wonderful neighbors and others who all had wonderful ideas. These classes gave me the tools and resources to get started, and I’m extremely grateful for my experience through LAUNCH.”

JaMaal Macon

“I wouldn't be in the position I'm in with my business right now without LAUNCH. The class taught me my target market, hourly rate, startup costs and how to get my business license and insurance. It helped me eliminate the struggle to establish a foundation for my business. LAUNCH also connected me with people who could give me insight for my business.”

We believe entrepreneurship isn't for an elite few, but for anyone with a dream.

Aprill Ashley, Freedom From Laundry

"LAUNCH is invaluable for anyone who is wanting to start a business in the Chattanooga area. Not only do they give you a support system, but they give you an overall picture of what you are going to be facing - good, bad, and ugly." -Aprill Ashley

Derelle Roshell, LAUNCH Summer Grants Winner

Angela Jordan, AngeNae Collections

Ella Livingston, LAUNCH Summer Grant Winner

Neutral Ground, Kenyatta Ashford

Check out all the incredible things happening at the KIC