After eight years as the primary entrepreneurship ecosystem building organization in Holly Springs, LaunchHollySprings (LHS) spreads its wings to serve everyone in Holly Springs who is interested in entrepreneurship.
LHS began in 2018 with a first cohort of a few entrepreneurs and a five-member leadership team. Today, the organization is led by a 12-member team and has graduated 150 small business owners and entrepreneurs, with 20 more in the 2026 accelerator program. Its record of success lies in the nine-month curriculum that provides the four elements of success that studies show entrepreneurs need most: training, mentoring, help finding capital, and a supportive network.
Over a 10-week period, entrepreneurs and small business owners who earn a spot in the accelerator receive 30 hours of in-person training and complete 50-80 hours of mandatory coursework. This is followed by six months of mentoring from an experienced entrepreneur or business professional. Those who successfully complete all program requirements join the LHS alumni group and continue to receive benefits and assistance as they grow their businesses. To date, 85% of LHS graduates are still in business, well above the national average of 70%.
LaunchHollySprings success stories include:
Fera’wyn’s Artisan Chocolates: A dream business centered around a passion to create the very best truffles and chocolates.
Copper Creek Counseling: A boutique mental health practice that brings hope to clients and empowers them to live a more fulfilling life.
Christin Walorz Financial: An independent insurance agency helping clients protect what matters most — their legacy and family.
Loving Lessons Sleep Consulting: A sleep coach and postpartum doula who helps new parents reduce stress caused by sleep deprivation and fatigue so they can enjoy their new little one.
Initially a project chartered by the Rotary Club of Holly Springs, LHS became an independent 501c3 in 2024. More than 30 local businesses and many individuals have made financial or in-kind donations to LHS. The Town of Holly Springs has been a consistent cheerleader and strategic partner. In December 2025, LHS earned its first major grant—a $25,000 Small Business Impact Grant from the Duke Energy Foundation.
On March 22, 2026, LHS held its first annual Entrepreneurship Summit at the Holly Springs Cultural Center. One hundred people registered to see nine LHS graduates compete to share a $22,500 prize and to hear two informational seminars. Todd Lyden, director of the Wake Tech Small Business Center, educated attendees on the wealth of free resources available in the Triangle to help people start and grow businesses. Bob Shimmel, LHS program manager, shared LHS history, accomplishments, and vision for the future: Entrepreneurship for All.
The following successful LHS graduates won awards in the pitch competition:
$5,000
Holly Schwab — Zach’s Toy Chest
Sara Madras — DeNome Alliances Counseling Center
$2,500
Amy Bishop — Sawdust and Clay
Quaneisha Smith — For Girls Like Quaneisha Mentoring Program
Ariana Nester — Remedy Cocktail Company
$1,250
Jasmine Brown — FACTS for Youth
Nicole Meggerson de Martinez — Silver Lake Construction Co.
Heather Eck — Heather Eck Artist
Nicole Fella — The Bath Remodeling Center, LLC.
LaunchHollySprings is adding new services which will have an even greater impact on the economy and social fabric of Holly Springs. First, throughout the year, the LaunchHolly Springs Entrepreneur Center will offer free, in-person seminars and services that are available to anyone. The eSummit will become a free annual event enabling citizens to stay current on the local entrepreneurship ecosystem and trends. And the first annual Teen Summit will be held in 2027.
The new LaunchHollySprings landscape illustrates our commitment to Entrepreneurship for All and is our gift to the town that has provided fertile ground for our growth and that of so many of our graduates.
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