Newsletter
NOVEMBER 2019 LAUNCHcha.org
LAUNCH CHA Startup Showdown and Micro-Business of the Year It was an exciting night for 7 LAUNCH CHA graduates who pitched their businesses to a panel of 4 judges from the community for a chance to win one of 3 cash prizes and the crowd favorite award. The LAUNCH CHA Startup Showdown was held at The Camp House on October 23rd during Startup Week. Ternae Jordan, Jr. was emcee and kept everyone entertained and informed. The crowd was captivated by the OFFICIAL EVENT talented business owners and innovative businesses! Everyone also enjoyed the yummy appetizers provided by LAUNCH CHA (L–R) Hal Bowling, catering businesses: Wings Top Tots, Jinan’s Kitchen, and Mahogany Hudgins El Quijote Catering. & Ternae Jordan, Jr. Though all were impressive, the judges chose the following winners: Grand Prize ($2,500) Mahogany Hudgins (Wings Top Tots Food Truck) Second Place ($1,500) Whitney Jones (Hair Works Hair Care) Third Place ($1,000) Kandyce Hudson (Made by Me Academy)
(L–R) Kandyce Hudson, Mahogany Hudgins & Whitney Jones
The crowd had a chance to choose their favorite and it went to Mahogany Hudgins (Wings Top Tots Food Truck).
(L–R) Erika & Stephanie Steiman
The LAUNCH CHA Micro-Business of the Year was awarded to Stephanie Steiman of Cheiman Tea! Stephanie has persisted with her business during many challenging times! All the while, she continued to grow her business through dedication, hard work, and innovation! The result? A delicious product enjoyed by many in the community and a growing demand! 100 CHEROKEE BLVD, SUITE 201 | CHATTANOOGA, TN 37405 | (423) 523-9307 | info@launchcha.org
Chattanooga’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Action +
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For entrepreneur David Richardson, it’s all about being ready for opportunities when they come. David participated in GreenSpaces Build It Green (BIG), which offers training to individuals looking to move into the green building field. According to Program Director Christian Shackleford, “David’s leadership skills were an asset to the class, and his entrepreneurial outlook helped him stand out.”
community. He finished the LAUNCH CHA program and was even selected by his classmates to represent their class at graduation! Also, David has completed an extensive amount of certifications, including OSHA-10 and supervisorlevel abatement through the EPA. With the skills he learned at GreenSpaces, LAUNCH CHA, and on-line certifications, he only lacks funding for the specialized equipment needed. Currently, he is working full-time to save for these items.
GreenSpaces and LAUNCH CHA had discussed ways to partner in the past. David’s potential and the need the city had for qualified lead abatement gave the perfect opportunity for the two organizations to team up. Having a construction background, David was interested in starting his own business, which made him an ideal fit for LAUNCH CHA’s BEA. David has a strong desire to give back to his community, so he decided to start a lead abatement business that could treat properties in his community and hire employees from that
How is the city involved? Well, Dwan Austin, who was an advocate for LAUNCH CHA in the formation years, now heads the lead abatement program for the city. They have a need for qualified contractors to perform lead abatement on many of the city properties. The need is there, and David is anxious to fill this need as soon as he is able. This is the power of partnerships and reflects the ecosystem in action. Keep your eye on David Richardson as his business grows!
The word “ECOSYSTEM” seems to be a buzz word these days but what does it mean in the context of entrepreneurship? An ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM is its people and the culture of trust and collaboration that allows them to interact successfully. An ecosystem that allows for the fast flow of talent, information, and resources helps entrepreneurs quickly find what they need at each stage of growth. As a result, the whole is greater than the sum of its separate parts. How can YOU be a part of an ENTREPRENEURS’ success journey? Connect him/her to your professional network and be an encourager!
SPACE
TRAINING & COACHING
NEXT LEVEL OPPORTUNITIES
466 ENTREPRENEURS SERVED BY LAUNCH CHA
GOVERNMENT MEDIA EXPOSURE
COMMUNITY CONNECTORS
CAPITAL
MENTORS & COACHES
ENTREPRENEUR
Spotlight
Wahab Alabib Jinan’s Arabic Kitchen
Wahab Alabib came to Chattanooga in 2012 as a refugee with a dream of owning his own business. It took 5 years of saving before he could open his catering company, Jinan’s Kitchen, with his wife Jinan and son Ahmad. We recently sat down with Wahab to learn more about his journey and his goals with Jinan’s Kitchen. We started by finding out why he pursued food and catering. “For me, it’s all about community, because here there is so much love. I lived in violence and a harsh environment, but when I came here it was about love, helping, volunteering. It’s a really beautiful community. And when I started, I looked around and I saw a lot of good food but the community didn’t have any authentic Arabic cuisine. And I wanted to give it as an option. Food, for me, is like music. When you hear it you love it, even if sometimes you don’t understand it, you still love it.” “I was a refugee for 17 years. I missed my family during that time and we lost each other. When I got Jinan and my sons to come here I wanted my business to be like a family reunion. Then, I wanted to do it in the right way. I didn’t know anything about the law and the business so I asked the TSBDC, who directed me to James McKissic (with the city at that time). James then told me about LAUNCH CHA.” Upon starting the Business Entrepreneurship Academy, Wahab says “LAUNCH was a major impact for me. I was so excited, confused but excited!” While working hard to understand everything, he says he got more help than he was expecting. “It was beautiful to hear
Wahab and Jinan Alabib
everyone’s experience because you are not alone. We still talk to each other. We know about each other’s difficulties and in fact, to be honest, the reason I’m still in it now and have survived is because of the people I met at LAUNCH. I’ve learned a lot from them.” Currently, Wahab and his wife Jinan are focused on catering and pop-ups. They have had popups with the Edney Building, The Hart Gallery, Mad Priest Cocktails and Coffee, as well as Wildflower Tea. When asked if a restaurant is in their future, he cautiously says, “This is what I learned from LAUNCH; if you don’t have enough money, don’t book yourself on it. Right now I’m not ready to have my own space financially. I can do with catering until I can find a way to have my own space.” To stay up to date on Jinan’s Kitchen (including their upcoming food truck), make sure to like them on Facebook.
JINAN’S KITCHEN www.jinanskitchen.com jinan.kitchen@gmail.com 423-771-1116 facebook.com/jinans.kitchen instagram.com/jinanskitchen
“The reason I’m still in it now and have survived is because of the people I met at LAUNCH CHA. I’ve learned a lot from them.” – Wahab Alabib
BUY LOCAL, BUY LAUNCH For the Holidays!
GIFTS Bella Marie | Tiffany Willingham (423) 207-2822 | bella.marie.3518@gmail.com facebook.com/BellaMarie3518 Instagram @bellamariedesign Bella Marie offers beautiful floral arrangements, centerpieces, boutonnieres and corsages, providing all your floral needs. They also specialize in hand lettered calligraphy to customize your gift.
Cheiman Tea | Stephanie Steiman (423) 605-7376 | cheimantea@gmail.com www.cheimantea.com Cheiman Tea is a homemade blend of black tea, creamy milk and rich spices that create a perfect instant Chai Latte mix. This family recipe is made by hand in small batches by a local mother/daughter team. Simply add hot water and stir! Serve hot or iced and comes in regular or decaf.
CPR Wrap | Felicia Jackson (423) 827-4535 | felicia@cprwrap.com | cprwrap.com The CPR Wrap is a revolutionary aid that simplifies CPR down to just four steps, making it possible for anyone to effectively perform CPR at a moment’s notice.
Kory Russell Art | Kory Russell (423) 243-0279 | koryrussellart@gmail.com KoryRussellart.com | facebook.com/koryrussellart Kory started working for himself in 2016 as an artist, following a 12-year hiatus after graduating from the University of Georgia Lamar Dodd art program. Kory now works in various media and styles, and is always open to commissions; especially portraits….one of his most revered skills.
Merry Little Christmas | Chelsea Colbert (423) 304-5052 | facebook: @MLChristmas chelseacolbert@yourmerrylittlechristmas.com We are a year-round Christmas business specializing in gifts and decor, both seasonal and Christmas. Our business motto is “Experience the Joy in Every Occasion.” We want people to have the joy of Christmas with every gift they receive, no matter what time of year it is.
TrailDrops | Meg Brasel (423) 402-0871 | TrailDrops.com | meg@traildrops.com TrailDrops is an outdoor nutrition company focused on hikers who are taking overnight trips or long day excursions. Delicious meals, ready within minutes!
HOLIDAY PARTY FOOD OR CATERING Chef Express | Terence Locke (423) 355-2045 | www.chefexpress4.com chefexpress4.0@gmail.com facebook.com/Chefexpress4 | Instagram: _chefexpress Chef Express is a food and bartending catering company. We specialize in customer service and quality food.
El Quijote Catering | Raquel Hidalgo (423) 598-3353 / Elquijotecatering@gmail.com www.elquijotecatering.com facebook.com/El Quijote Catering We specialize in authentic food from Spain such as tapas and paella’s to help you make your next event deliciously memorable!
High Haute Foods | Shane Stone (423) 883-0295 | shane@highhautefoods.com facebook.com/Highhautefoods A full service specialty caterer bringing “haute cuisine” to your table. Whether that table is in your kitchen or in an elegant event space, they’re ready to elevate your dining experience.
Jinan’s Kitchen IWahab Alabib (423) 771-1116 | jinan.kitchen@gmail com jinanskitchen.com | facebook.com/jinans.kitchen instagram.com/jinanskitchen Authentic ARABIC cuisine. A piece of heaven from the bottom of our hearts.
Rowe Catering | Pat Rowe (423) 504-4071 | bbqrowe.com Rowe Catering is a catering company based out of Chattanooga. We take pride in providing quality food and exceptional customer service. We want customers to walk away with an outstanding and memorable experience saying, “It’s the love you’re tasting!”
Wings Top Tots Food Truck | Mahogany Hudgins (423) 298-3252 wingstoptotfoodtru.wixsite.com/mysite-1 With her food truck, Mahogany provides delicious, never frozen chicken wings tossed in different homemade sauces and rubs. She also has tater tots that come with a variety of toppings like chili, cheese, bacon and more.
HOLIDAY PARTY PLANNING, ENTERTAINMENT AND CLEANING Chatt Pix | DJ Collins (423) 449-9749 | chattpix@gmail.com www.chattpix.com | facebook.com/ChattPix Chatt Pix is a fun and creative all around event photography company. Our focus is to capture the essence of every major event going on in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
eXclusive Cleaning Professionals | JaMaal Macon
GIFT CARDS The Chattery | Jennifer Holder info@thechattery.org | www.thechattery.org As a nonprofit, The Chattery brings an unlimited variety of educational classes to our community ranging from mixology to flower arranging to financial planning. They not only serve as ambassadors who bring awesome classes and workshops to Chattanooga but they also help cultivate and encourage your passions.
Cocoa Asante | Ella Livingston cocoaasante.com | ella@cocoaasante.com Cocoa Asante is a company that provides high quality specially crafted chocolate truffles for chocolate lovers, vegans and those who need a little extra relaxation (CBD infused truffles).
Kenya Iman Personal Stylist | Kenya Iman
(423) 313-9013 | exclusivecleaningpros@gmail.com facebook.com/exclusivecleaningpros Exclusive Cleaning Professionals strives to offer excellent and affordable cleaning services for both residential and commercial clients.
(310) 507-1256 | Style@kenyaiman.com www.Kenyaiman.com | @KenyaIman.PersonalStylist As a personal stylist, Kenya Iman believes that style is art in motion and a form of self-expression that everyone should be able to embrace and enjoy.
Grand Finale Events and Décor | Yanetta Bowman
The Local Juicery /Luis and Gisela Contreras
(423) 385-9008 | yanetta@grandfinalechatt.com www.grandfinalechatt.com Grand Finale Events and Décor is a full service venue decoration and custom design company. It has wedding and special event designers and coordinators.
info@thelocaljuicery A family-owned business established by immigrants with a dream to own a juice bar. This dream became a reality with The Local Juicery which serves cold press juices, smoothie bowls, and healthy foods. Come visit at the following 3 locations: Main Street, Erlanger Medical Mall, and Gunbarrel.
Squeaky Clean | Luis and Gisela Contreras (People’s Choice Winner 2019) (423) 444-0698 | Info@besqueakyclean.com besqueakyclean.com facebook.com/BeSqueakyClean Our company focuses on floor maintenance: carpet care, floor waxing, floor rejuvenation, buffing and any floor care needs.
(423) 521-5389 | www.TheLocalJuicery.com
Made By Me Academy | Kandyce Hudson (615) 601-1550 | www.madebymeacademy.com Info@madebymeacademy.com Made By Me Academy is a beginner to advanced school for sewing fashion and design specialized in teaching students how to use a home sewing machine to create professional results for a variety of sewing projects. Beyond classes, we also provide custom sewing services and make and sell original, one of a kind creations.
Perfect Portions by Cheri | Cheri Hudgins (423) 355-2724 | cherihudgins@gmail.com Affordable, healthy and convenient prepped meals for the everyday active person.
HIGH SCHOOL ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM
LAUNCH CHA is partnering with Brainerd High School’s Future Ready Institute of Entrepreneurship This year, Hamilton County has implemented Future Ready Institutes in each high school. LAUNCH CHA’s High School Entrepreneurship Program was adapted slightly to fit their model and is being used at Brainerd in two classes. LAUNCH CHA staff and facilitators are teaching and empowering in an experiential manner that engages the students, and will coordinate a pitch competition for the Brainerd students in the spring. LAUNCH CHA is excited to serve Brainerd High School in an advisory capacity as they establish their Future Ready Institute of Entrepreneurship.
Brainerd student working on her business canvas
In addition to Brainerd High School, LAUNCH CHA is also advising and supporting the entrepreneurship teachers at Red Bank High School and STEM.
Survey Says...
According to the post-class survey, students reported the impact of the LAUNCH CHA program:
A team collaborating on their business idea
and
100%
PARTNERSHIP UPDATE
80%
95%
95.6%
20%
89%
40%
80.4%
60%
0% My public speaking skills significantly increased
My knowledge of entrepreneurship and business significantly increased
My problem-solving skills significantly increased
The LAUNCH CHA program introduced me to new concepts and opportunities
To date, 161 students from three Tennessee high schools in different counties outside Hamilton County are using the High School Entrepreneurship Program to immerse students in entrepreneurship! This widespread effort is very exciting as LAUNCH CHA shares our model across the state to benefit students and communities with fresh thinking and an entrepreneurial spirit.
...too good to keep to ourselves!
WHY is the LAUNCH CHA program in other cities? Because it is needed, relevant, and impactful! CHATTANOOGA +19 PARTNERS IN 17 CITIES
City Partners LAUNCHing: Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Birmingham, Cincinnati, Dunlap, Grand Rapids, Greenville, Kansas City, Louisville, Thomasville, Memphis (4), Milwaukee, Nashville, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, and Rochester
Well Done, Mike... Your Legacy Lives On
Dr. Michael Hertzog
Dr. Michael Hertzog was a man whose life was characterized by service which abundantly blessed all who knew him. This service started in high school as an Eagle Scout before continuing professionally as a radiologist and personally through service as an elder and deacon at his church, a foster parent for over 20 children with Bethany Christian Services, and almost 38 years as a devoted husband and father of three children. LAUNCH CHA was fortunate enough to know Mike and to be partnered with him as a donor in our work. He believed deeply in LAUNCH CHA’s mission to empower underrepresented entrepreneurs and we are forever grateful for his support and for choosing LAUNCH CHA as one of two organizations to support following his passing earlier this year. Even in death, he served through this gift that provided LAUNCH CHA with 26 new donations totaling more than $2,500! In Mike’s honor, we are establishing the MIKE HERTZOG SCHOLARSHIP FUND which will provide an award each year to an entrepreneur who embodies the qualities of service, perseverance, and inspiration Mike embodied. May his legacy inspire us all to a life well-lived!
WELCOME to our newest City Partner, Urban Impact Urban Impact focuses on creating economic opportunities and revitalizing the historic 4th Avenue Business District and the Civil Rights District in Birmingham through support and services to assist individuals, businesses and developers. As the two organizations got to know each other over time, a partnership and alliance was formed. LAUNCH CHA provided training in September and the first class is scheduled in January 2020. Both organizations will continue to learn from each other as part of the StartSpark national network.
ALUMNI HAPPENINGS Calamansi Cafe, owned by LAUNCH CHA graduate Angie Adams (Class of 2016), had its Grand Opening at The Mill in Dalton, GA in September. Customers flocked to try the new Filipino-American Fusion restaurant! Angie started her business in Chattanooga but moved after her husband took a job opportunity in Dalton, GA. With her dream still alive, Angie pivoted as entrepreneurs often do and made her dream a reality. To say it was a success is an understatement! To learn more, check out her website: www.mansicafe.com. Eat Sip Walk, owned by LAUNCH CHA graduate (Class of 2018) Marilyn Goler, was featured in the Times Free Press. Find out what drew Marilyn to food tours and why Chattanooga is such a good fit https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/community/story/2019/sep/25/esip-walk-expands-palatesscenic-city/504047/. Jennifer Holder, LAUNCH CHA graduate (Class of 2013), and co-founder of The Chattery was featured in the latest Edge Magazine. The Chattery brings a variety of educational classes to our community. A large number of adults have benefited from this educational opportunity. In fact, The Chattery has hosted over 150 community members to lead a class including celebrity hosts, such as Austin Channing Brown!
Entrepreneurs are people who turn ideas into reality, charging directly into the headwinds to create something of value where there was no value before.
TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS
UPCOMING EVENTS November 12 Fall BEA Graduation
THANK YOU TO OUR PRODUCT SPONSORS
November 18 – 20 Fall Workshop Series January 13, 2020 New winter BEA cohort
Mark your ! calendars
February 24, 2020 The LAUNCH Games Fundraiser for the Legal and Real Estate Industries
At LAUNCH CHA, our passion and mission drive us to respond to the growing demand for the training and support we provide. Our desire is to offer an additional cohort in 2020 to meet this need which requires course materials, an instructor, as well as follow-up support for added entrepreneurs, which necessitates additional funding.
THEREFORE, LAUNCH CHA HAS A GOAL TO RAISE $45,000 BEFORE DEC. 31 to help fund these expenses, as well as our other cohorts. LAUNCH CHAs’ work impacts entrepreneurs and their families, children, and future generations. It allows for income growth, greater opportunities, and wealth-building. Would you consider helping us meet this year-end goal so LAUNCH CHA can provide training and support to even more entrepreneurs in 2020?
DECEMBER
00 $45,0 L! GOA