LaunchNEXT

LaunchNEXT is a 14-week program that helps established businesses strengthen and grow in scale. Participants will commit to a weekly business training/entrepreneurship academy education course, as well as six months of one-on-one mentoring with a local business professional. This is designed to help established business owners and entrepreneurs help grow and scale their businesses. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be eligible to apply for grants.

2027 CLASS SCHEDULE

January 21, 2027

LaunchNEXT Orientation and Live Plan Log In

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
JCC Cleveland Center, 9046 Cleveland Road
Clayton, NC 27520 United States
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January 26, 2027

LaunchNEXT Entreprenuership Foundations

5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
JCC Cleveland Center, 9046 Cleveland Road
Clayton, NC 27520 United States
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February 02, 2027

LaunchNEXT Value Proposition and Canvas

5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
JCC Cleveland Center, 9046 Cleveland Road
Clayton, NC 27520 United States
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February 09, 2027

LaunchNEXT Market/Competitive Research Part 1

5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
JCC Cleveland Center, 9046 Cleveland Road
Clayton, NC 27520 United States
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February 16, 2027

LaunchNEXT Market/Competitive Research Part 2

5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
JCC Cleveland Center, 9046 Cleveland Road
Clayton, NC 27520 United States
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February 23, 2027

LaunchNEXT Pricing Models and Strategies

5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
JCC Cleveland Center, 9046 Cleveland Road
Clayton, NC 27520 United States
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March 02, 2027

LaunchNEXT Location and Facilities

5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
JCC Cleveland Center, 9046 Cleveland Road
Clayton, NC 27520 United States
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March 09, 2027

LaunchNEXT Intro to Financials

5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
JCC Cleveland Center, 9046 Cleveland Road
Clayton, NC 27520 United States
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March 16, 2027

LaunchNEXT Financial Forecasting Part 1

5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
JCC Cleveland Center, 9046 Cleveland Road
Clayton, NC 27520 United States
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March 23, 2027

LaunchNEXT Financial Forecasting Part 2

5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
JCC Cleveland Center, 9046 Cleveland Road
Clayton, NC 27520 United States
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LaunchNEXT Frequently Asked Questions

WHO CAN APPLY?

Entrepreneurs who are Johnston County residents and are willing to commit to the timeline of the program. This program is appropriate for individuals who have established their business but want to grow and scale their business.

WHAT ARE THE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS?

Attend one class weekly (dinner provided) for 12 weeks, complete weekly homework assignments, actively participate in class, work with a mentor (at no cost to you) for six months to grow your business.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Courses may vary slightly, but include How to Start a Small Business, Financing and Cash Flow, Basic Bookkeeping, Labor Laws and Tax Essentials, How to Build Your Credit Score, Social Media and Marketing, and more.

I HAVE A BUSINESS PARTNER, SHOULD THEY APPLY AS WELL?

Yes, to get the most benefit of the program, we highly encourage business partners to take this journey together.

I DON’T HAVE A BUSINESS IDEA YET BUT AM HOPING THIS PROGRAM INSPIRES ME TO FIGURE IT OUT. CAN I APPLY?

Yes, but if you do not have an existing business, LaunchNOW would be the appropriate program.

WHAT IS THE TIMELINE FOR LaunchJOCO?

Applications are taken year-round, and classes begin each January. Mentorship begins in May. Graduation is in November.

CAN I PARTICIPATE REMOTELY?

This program will be offered in a live format. All courses are held live at the JCC Small Business Center.

IF I APPLY WITH MY BUSINESS PARTNER AND THEY MUST DROP OUT OF THE PROGRAM, MAY I CONTINUE THE PROGRAM MYSELF?

Yes, we will not penalize you if your partner leaves the program.

IS THERE ANY COST?

No, the only investment is the time and dedication needed to launch your business.
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