Inaugural LaunchGarner Class Graduates
GARNER, NORTH CAROLINA – The first cohort of LaunchGarner, an intensive ten-week entrepreneurship program, graduated at a ceremony at the Rand-Bryan House in Garner. A total of 13 entrepreneurs completed the ten-week program and will soon begin a six month mentorship with a local business leader.
Back Row (left to right): Brian Henderson, Susan Beavers, Alfred Camano, Sean Allen, Antonio Dunn, Dr. Larry Woods (Wake Tech), Mary Smalling, Tasha Regina-McNeill Simpson, Michelle Winstead. Front Row (left to right): Sherry Rumph, Jerusha Allen, Katie Gailes (Wake Tech), Belinda Madujibeya, Laina Marie Yeisley (Not Pictured: Jeanne Pearce)
The Town of Garner partnered with Wake Tech, the Garner Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Garner Association, the Garner Economic Development Corporation (GEDC), and both of the Garner Rotary Clubs to bring LaunchGarner to the community. This 10-week immersive entrepreneurial course is designed to help prospective entrepreneurs and current small business owners get in-depth knowledge on how to develop and execute a business plan. The program also partners students with a mentor, who for six months, will help the student gain further insights in to how to operate a successful enterprise.
On November 18th, the first class of the LaunchGarner program graduated.
The graduating class consisted of:
Alfred Camano -- Mas Marketing Digital
Antonio Dunn-- Funnel Cakes by Tonio
Sean and Jerusha Allen -- Optimum Mobile Rehabilitation
Brian Henderson -- A.S.L., LLC
Laina Marie Yeisley -- The Triangle Homeschool Resource Center
Belinda Madujibeya -- BJM Speech Language Therapy & Rehab. Inc.
Susan Beavers -- USHEALTH Advisors
Mary Cooper Smalling -- Banks House Bed & Breakfast
Michelle Winstead -- Selections Entertainment
Sherry Rumph -- Virtual Administration Solutions
Tasha Regina-McNeill Simpson -- Soaring Eagles Track Club
Jeanne Pearce -- OH Taste and See
During the graduation each member of the class were required to give their elevator pitch as well as speak about what they gained through taking the class. Many of students commented on the technical knowledge they received and how the instruction was going to help them grow or start their business. Representatives from the community partners also spoke at the graduation.
With the in-class portion of the program behind them, the students will now be partnered with a local business leader to commence their six-month mentorship.
Those interested in the LaunchGarner program that were unable to participate in the 2021 cohort are encouraged to apply for the 2022 program. Applications will begin being accepted in the Spring of 2022. If you have questions regarding the LaunchGarner program, please contact Joe Stallings at the number or email below.
For more information regarding economic development matters in the Town of Garner, contact Joe Stallings at 919-773-4431 or jstallings@garnernc.gov.
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