Mark & Mary always bring their A Game when it comes to making a presentation to their home club. Launch Lenawee, as we all know, is a very successful program helping budding entrepreneurs realize their dream! Mary began with an overview of this most successful program. She reminded club members that "As Rotarians we believe we have a a shared responsibility to take action on our world's most persistent issues: Promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water and sanitation, save mothers and children, support education and GROW LOCAL ECONOMIES". Launch Lenawee, she noted, is a small business development incubator project operating in the Adrian Armory Events Center. It follows an established program that has successfully grown in other communities. While opened to any Lenawee County resident, Launch Lenawee is also open to assisting women and minorities particularly who are hoping to start a business. The 4 pillars of the program, Mary said, are: MENTORING, EDUCATION, NETWORKING, AND MICRO LOANS. Launch Lenawee supports the entrepreneur by: Introducing them to connections at the right time, using the expertise of the community resources that are available. \During the program entrepreneurs will: - Meet with a representative of Launch Lenawee to assess their needs
- Commit to attending the 12 week educational component (Fast Trac)
- Attend networking functions through the Adrian/Tecumseh Chamber and Launch Lenawee
- Commit to pay a small fee & participate in this 6-month program
- Build relationships that may potentially help them access micro-learning opportunities
Launch Lenawee is the result of research and support from organizations like: Lenawee Now, Adrian/Tecumseh Smart Zone, Launch Detroit, Rotary International, Nashville Entrepreneur Center, Dallas Entrepreneur Center and our own amazing professional resources in Lenawee County. Mary then introduced past participants in the program: Lori Patterson with Creative Cravings, Mike Wells with Just-in Time, Jay & Gwynne Marks from The Marks Trading Company, Elizabeth Gentry & Matt Cross from Harvest Chocolate, and Jacob Wilson form W4 Productions. Also on hand was Travis Jeffrey from Launch Lenawee. Mark closed the program by thanking the club for their past support. He spoke about support through the CUB and L.I.O.N. funds. The next class is set to begin! |