As a kickoff to Small Business Week, the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development is introducing Launch Loudoun, a new program that provides experiences and services for Loudoun entrepreneurs through the entire lifecycle of their small businesses. Current and future business owners can find value in Launch Loudoun programming, including large-scale events, targeted programs, partner advisory services, and personalized one-on-one networking with industry specialists.
“Small businesses are vital to our community and to our county,” said Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair-at-Large, Phyllis J. Randall. “87 percent of Loudoun businesses have 20 or fewer employees, and it is our goal to create an environment for their success. We are constantly working to maintain upward economic mobility and are pleased that programs and events such as Launch Loudoun and the Small Business Summit are available to Loudoun entrepreneurs because it helps the county, overall, achieve economic growth.”
The first event of the signature program is the Small Business Summit, an educational conference dedicated to connecting and providing resources for small businesses from all industries who are looking to start or scale their current concept or plan. It provides entrepreneurs practical support and networking opportunities through workshops that are facilitated by local experts and include topics such as finance and sales and marketing. The event also includes a keynote address from Marcus Lemonis, a nationally recognized speaker, star of CNBC’s “The Profit,” and CEO of Camping World.
The Small Business Summit headlines Launch Loudoun’s new portfolio of events that will be held throughout the year to cover the core focus areas of entrepreneurial business growth including finance, legal, human resources/workforce, sales/marketing, and ownership/leadership. These events will be in addition to existing programs such as 1 Million Cups, Seeds for Success, and other targeted programs, which provide deeper insight into areas such as trademarks, exporting, and e-commerce.
“We created Launch Loudoun as a coordinated program of tools and services designed to support entrepreneurs and our small businesses,” said Buddy Rizer, Loudoun Economic Development Executive Director. “Each business is unique, and their needs vary, so it is our mission to provide personal experiences relevant to each situation. This program will help ensure that entrepreneurs have the resources and support they need to achieve long-term #LoudounPossible success.”
Launch Loudoun is designed to support entrepreneurs at any stage in their journey, and to arm them with the tools needed to soar at any level of the business lifecycle.
“We’re building something that takes the guesswork out of entrepreneurship by taking it back to the small business basics and doing what needs to be done,” said Colleen Kardasz, Loudoun County Economic Development Assistant Director. “We want Loudoun small businesses to succeed.”
Loudoun Economic Development is excited to utilize this program to launch the next #LoudounPossible success stories.
To learn more about Launch Loudoun, please visit launchloudoun.com.
