A recent Zoom meeting of the LaunchDETROIT committee included Rotarians from the Rotary Clubs of Dearborn, Taylor, Trenton and Detroit.
By MARGARET BLOHM
For the Times-Herald
LaunchDETROIT is accepting online applications from local entrepreneurs interested in receiving education, mentorship and networking opportunities.
Spearheaded by Rotary Club volunteers from Rotary District 6400, this multi-faceted program has assisted nearly 80 entrepreneurs since it began in 2012.
Online applications are now available at www.LaunchDETROIT.org for the entrepreneur class of 2021, scheduled to begin in October. The deadline to apply for this year’s program is Aug. 20.
The LaunchDETROIT committee reviews the applications to invite a select number of applicants to be interviewed about their business goals and interests in participating.
In addition to business training, mentorship and networking, qualifying participants are eligible to apply for a micro-loan of up to $2,500.
“Just as businesses and organizations have had to pivot since the onset of the pandemic, we’ve done the same,” LaunchDETROIT Chairwoman Margaret Williamson said. “While meeting virtually and providing online education opportunities, we continued this program in 2020 with the selection of 12 entrepreneurs.”
Williamson shared how several alumni of the program including Willie Brake of All About Technology, Dazmonique Carr of Deeply Rooted Produce, and Latricia Wright of Olive Seed LLC, were able to expand their businesses despite the pandemic and shared their experiences with the current class of LaunchDETROIT entrepreneurs.
“As our program has evolved, recent participants have expressed their greatest interest in mentorship and networking,” Williamson said. “Participants also receive access to the wealth of information and variety of expertise from our Rotary volunteers.”
One of the expert presenters to this year’s class of entrepreneurs was Plymouth Rotarian Wayne Titus III, certified public accountant and author of “The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Financial Well-Being.” Titus is also a past district governor of Rotary District 6400.
“Not only did Wayne give a copy of his book to each entrepreneur, but he also provided an excellent presentation about financial topics for entrepreneurs that prompted a very positive response and plenty of questions from all who participated,” said Dearborn Rotarian Bob Ziolkowski, who serves as a LaunchDETROIT mentor and trainer.
For more information about LaunchDETROIT and to apply, click here.