Economic development boards are starting to take a look at the true value of their members, and the founder of Launchpad America, John Renesch, says the ongoing growth of Launchpad across the country shows this trend is here to stay. Renesch’s assertions are backed up by the fact that the number of entrepreneurs and startups using Launchpad America as their partner grew by 29%. This is already a 150% increase in the number of clients served, and is going to become even more widespread with the launch of Launchpad Americas just around the corner.
Launchpad America
Launchpad America is dedicated to creating sustainable economic growth in small businesses in America and helping American entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality. This year’s National Small Business Week (NSBW), held the first week in May, honors the people, families, and communities of America’s small businesses for creating jobs, generating wealth, and supporting local economies. Launched in 2018, NSBW will kick off with the Unity Launchpad Pitch Competition on Monday, May 7th, with a one-week celebration of small businesses across the United States.
Launchpad America held a series of meetings throughout the first quarter to help government leaders, policy makers and the public understand the changes that are taking place within the small business community and what business owners are asking from Congress and the White House. “Launchpad America and our Advisory Board members are dedicated to listening to the needs of America’s entrepreneurs and helping ensure their voices are heard,” said Nancy Frank, president and CEO of Launchpad America. “We are excited to introduce our Advisory Board and speak with small business owners to give them the best chance to succeed and succeed now.”
The Launchpad America Advisory Board
As part of Launchpad America’s inaugural year, the advisory board will also engage with the company to identify ways the program can expand its reach to entrepreneurs in all sectors and at all stages of the company’s journey to become successful. New ideas will be added throughout the year, as the organization looks to provide participants with the tools and support necessary to ensure they’re fully poised to grow into successful small businesses. “Our board is already made up of some of the most dynamic business leaders in the U.S.,” said Tracy Scanlon, CEO and co-founder of Launchpad America. “Our mission to help more entrepreneurs succeed begins with aligning and empowering the best small business leaders to bring about positive change in their industries and communities.
National Small Business Week
The advisory board includes members from a wide range of the national small business community. “The goal is to form advisory boards across the country that provide access to advice and connections,” said Raymond Valdes, the CEO of Launchpad America and the founder of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses. “We’re going to connect these advisors with the best people on the ground who have the best experience in their sectors and we’re going to provide resources that’ll help these businesses be successful.” It will feature several events throughout the week that will give small business owners opportunities to gather and share experiences, expand their networks, and access programs and tools designed to help them succeed.