LAUNCH Chattanooga

LAUNCH Chattanooga

Non-profit Organizations

Chattanooga, TN 691 followers

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

About us

In 2010, a group of local businessmen were moved by the negative impact of the recession on those in poverty and were inspired to call on individuals, churches, and businesses to use their collective experience to provide support to underserved entrepreneurs. Their goal was to focus on communities of high unemployment, empower individuals by fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, and encourage job creation by building small businesses putting people in a position to succeed. With this goal and backing from the community, LAUNCH was born. LAUNCH’s first class, the Business Entrepreneurship Academy, began in April 2011, providing the education necessary to create a new group of entrepreneurs, startups, and business owners. In 2012, LAUNCH expanded into two additional areas of the city and began outreach to a younger generation of entrepreneurs by partnering with The Howard School to create the High School Entrepreneurship Program. This effort has since expanded to four local schools in the Chattanooga urban core, and both youth and adult programs continue to produce streams of motivated, educated graduates from classes in Alton Park, Hill City, East Chattanooga, and Brainerd.

Industry
Non-profit Organizations
Company size
11-50 employees
Headquarters
Chattanooga, TN
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
2011
Specialties
Entrepreneurship, Business, and Education

Locations

  • Primary

    Business Development Center

    100 Cherokee Blvd. Suite 2101

    Chattanooga, TN 37405, US

    Get directions

Employees at LAUNCH Chattanooga

Updates

  • View organization page for LAUNCH Chattanooga, graphic

    691 followers

    📣 Chattanooga, the ultimate FOODIE FEST is back and better than ever! 📣 Missed it last year? Don’t worry—you’ve got another chance to join the fun at the KIC Food Truck Festival & Expo on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 4 - 9 PM at the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga - KIC, 5704 Marlin Rd! This FREE event promises an evening packed with food, entertainment, and community vibes. 🔥 What’s on the menu? 🍔 Over 20 local food trucks serving up everything you crave! 🎶 Live music by Mass Affect Party Band, Karen Collins ft. Sam Patton, and Friends, plus beats from DJ Dolla Bill! 🕹️Kidz Zone with bounce houses, petting zoo by Chattanooga Zoo, and Chattanooga Rolling Video! 📸 Photo Booths including 360° experiences to capture the fun! ✨ A huge shoutout to our amazing sponsors: Arts Build, Chattanooga CW, Chattanooga Zoo, City of Chattanooga, EPB, @groove 93, Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga powered by LAUNCH, Pathway Lending, Power 94, Scenic City Golf Carts, WUSY US-101. 🚚 Don’t miss out on Chattanooga’s most exciting community event—bring your friends, family, appetite, and dancing shoes! #KICFoodTruckFest #FreeEvent #ChattanoogaEats #LiveMusic #FamilyFun #LAUNCH #KitchenIncChatt

  • View organization page for LAUNCH Chattanooga, graphic

    691 followers

    Repost from Chattanooga Times Free Press • Launch Chattanooga, a nonprofit focused on aiding start-up and early-stage entrepreneurs, initially created the Kitchen Incubator in 2020, although the pandemic forced it to temporarily adjust original plans. With catering options for businesses drying up overnight and families facing a sudden need for food amid pandemic restrictions, the nonprofit contracted with local businesses to produce thousands of meals for seniors. In 2021, Launch Chattanooga returned to its original vision for the building as a shared kitchen for entrepreneurs, and it officially purchased the property in 2024. "We have people constantly coming to the door of all levels," DeJuan Jordan, co-CEO of Launch Chattanooga, said in an interview. Read more about Launch Chattanooga’s kitchen incubator here. https://lnkd.in/eYuiaF9g Staff photos by Matt Hamilton. Photo 1 / Adam Grabel of Grabel's Bagels makes cinnamon raisin and sesame seed bagels at the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. Photo 2 / The Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga is seen on Aug. 7. Photo 3 / Hal Bowling, cofounder and co-CEO of the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga, leads a tour on Aug. 7. Photo 4 / Liz Bounds of Other Milk Co. places bottles of pecan milk in a cooler at the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga on Aug. 7. Photo 5 / Mark Lowery, owner of the Johnny Poppers food truck, restocks his supplies at the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga on Aug. 7. Photo 6 / Sesame and cinnamon raisin bagels made by Adam Grabel of Grabel's Bagels are seen at the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga on Aug. 7. #chattanooga #tennessee #nooga #mychatt #timesfreepress #local #community

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  • View organization page for LAUNCH Chattanooga, graphic

    691 followers

    Thank you to Dr. Kia Ruffin, Ed.D who shared some incredible tools to help entrepreneurs manage stress, boost resilience, and thrive in their journey, during our LAUNCH & Learn yesterday. The discussion on mental health and entrepreneurship was insightful and empowering. Dr. Ruffin provided valuable tools and strategies to help manage stress, boost resilience, and thrive in your entrepreneurial journey. We trust that these takeaways will be beneficial as you continue to invest in your well-being and professional success. Keep an eye out for our upcoming events—it's never too late to prioritize your mental health and connect with a community that supports your growth. #EntrepreneurWellness #LaunchAndLearn #MentalHealthMatters #ThrivingEntrepreneurs #launchcha #KIC

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  • View organization page for LAUNCH Chattanooga, graphic

    691 followers

    TONIGHT! Prioritizing your mental health as an entrepreneur is vital. Join us tonight, August 19th, at 6PM for a LAUNCH & Learn opportunity with Dr. Kia Ruffin. Learn practical tools to manage stress, boost resliency, and thrive in your entrepreneurial journey. Don’t miss this LAUNCH & Learn opportunity to invest in your well-being and connect with fellow entrepreneurs. Reserve your spot today! Bit.ly/launch_events EntrepreneurWellness #LaunchAndLearn #MentalHealthMatters

    LAUNCH

    LAUNCH

    eventbrite.com

  • View organization page for LAUNCH Chattanooga, graphic

    691 followers

    Join us TONIGHT for our final KIC NIGHTS of the summer! Tonight we are going out with a bang 💥with an epic FISH FRY🐟 competition, a lineup of food trucks, market vendors, and a live performance by The RhythMatics, featuring Zowie Boyd! 🎶 The event starts at 5 PM and the competition is fierce so bring the whole family and cheer on these incredible chefs and entrepreneurs. This event is FREE and open to all ages. We can’t wait to see you there! 🗓️Mark your calendars for September 28th, 4-9PM for our KIC Food Truck Festival!!! #fishfry #chattanoogaevents #foodtrucks #entreprenuers

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  • LAUNCH Chattanooga reposted this

    View profile for DeJuan S. Jordan, graphic

    Co-CEO at LAUNCH Chattanooga

    📣ENTREPRENEURS & BUSINESS OWNERS!!!!📣 You don’t want to miss this business summit! 🔥Thank you Chattanooga Business Elite for presenting the Level Up Business Summit to our community and inviting me to be a part! - - Repost: ‼️Chattanooga‼️ Register Today 👉🏽 Cbesummit.square.site We are introducing the panelist, who will be giving a wealth of knowledge on resources and programs to help scale your business. Today we are introducing 🗣️ DeJuan Jordan Co-CEO at LAUNCH Chattanooga She is an experienced purpose navigator and nonprofit/business coach and consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the coaching and business management industry. Skilled in life coaching, small business, nonprofit organizations, board of director training, program evaluation, conflict resolution, and volunteer management. A strong business development professional with a master degree in business.

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  • View organization page for LAUNCH Chattanooga, graphic

    691 followers

    Let’s be real! Entrepreneurship can be tough! Prioritizing your mental health as an entrepreneur is vital. Prioritizing your mental health as an entrepreneur is vital. On August 19th, at 6 PM, Kia Ruffin, Ed.D, will share practical tools to manage stress, boost resilience, and thrive in your entrepreneurial journey. Don’t miss this LAUNCH & Learn opportunity to invest in your well-being and connect with fellow entrepreneurs. Reserve your spot today! Bit.ly/launch_events #EntrepreneurWellness #LaunchAndLearn #MentalHealthMatters

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  • View organization page for LAUNCH Chattanooga, graphic

    691 followers

    We've partnered with Dr. Kia Ruffin, Ed.D for our next LAUNCH + Learn to present.... “Our Minds Matter: Navigating Mental Health as an Entrepreneur” This workshop will address the prevalent issue of mental health stigma among entrepreneurs, exploring topics such as burnout, compassion fatigue, and the importance of self-care. It aims to equip attendees with tools and strategies to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health, to manage stress, and maintain their well-being while navigating the demands of entrepreneurship. By fostering a supportive environment and promoting open dialogue, this workshop seeks to empower entrepreneurs to prioritize their mental wellness and build resilience in their professional endeavors Secure your spot now at bit.ly/LL_mindsmatter! Limited seats available. Open to all entrepreneurs and business owners!

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  • View organization page for LAUNCH Chattanooga, graphic

    691 followers

    🎉 **Big News!** 🎉 We're excited to announce that LAUNCH has officially acquired the building that is now the permanent home of our Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga - KIC and has received global accolades! This exciting milestone marks a new chapter for us, enabling us to expand our services and do even more to support local entrepreneurs, business owners and the community! Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities as we embark on this journey together. Thank you for your continued support! 🚀 Thank you Chattanoogan.com for sharing our story! 🎉Read article at https://lnkd.in/gQean_4K #Expansion #KIC #LAUNCH #foodbusiness #Innovation #Acquisition

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  • View organization page for LAUNCH Chattanooga, graphic

    691 followers

    TOMORROW | KIC NIGHTS | FOOD, FAMILY & FUN! LAUNCH is back this Friday for a special Faith & Family Night. Join us from 5-9 at 5704 Marlin Road for delicious food trucks, good music, and other fun vendors. This is a family-friendly event and admission is FREE. See you there! Thank you Millennium Bank for your sponsorship!

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