With the graduation of its eighth cohort in May, the LaunchHollySprings (LHS) alumni community of small business owners and entrepreneurs reaches 150 members. Since it was chartered in 2018 by the Rotary Club of Holly Springs, LHS has been building an entrepreneurial ecosystem that contributes to the local economy and social fabric. LHS provides the four things that research shows entrepreneurs need most to build successful businesses: training, mentoring, community and support, and assistance finding funding.
Over 30 local entrepreneurs and business professionals have volunteered to mentor LHS cohort members for six months after they completed their 10 week training program. Over 20 local businesses have provided financial or in-kind support; including the Rotary Club and the Town of Holly Springs. Our 13-member, all volunteer leadership team works all year to create transformational experiences for those who earn a spot in each cohort. 30% – 50% of the leadership team is comprised of LHS alumni who want to help other small businesses receive the benefits they have received.
We are also grateful for the partnership with Wake Technical Community College as our long-term training partner and to Thrive Coworking who have hosted our information sessions and training classes for the past eight years.
This fabric of sponsors, partners, mentors, and volunteers is why over 80% of our graduates are still in business after five years, well above the national average of 70%. 40 of our graduates have grown from part-time, home-based businesses to full-time businesses. 37 now have offices or business locations. Several LHS graduates have revenues of over $1M/20 employees.
To see some of our graduates” testimonials, look on our website and/or add this link in your browser or see this article written by LHS graduate Donna Erikson in the August issue, From Dreams to Launch: Holly Springs Entrepreneurs Are Shaping the Local Business Landscape.
If you want to start or grow a small business in Holly Springs, please applications are being accepted until February 6th. 20 businesses will be accepted based on a three-step competitive process: application, attending a mandatory information session, and an interview.
Applications and informational session dates and registration can be found on our website (www.launchhollysprings.org)
