SPRING 2020 LAUNCHcha.org
LAUNCH and COVID-19 Hi Friends, I know each of us is struggling through this time in our own way, both personally and professionally and the world is not the same place it was a few weeks ago. I reach out to you to offer my sincere hope you and your loved ones are staying healthy and that business can return to the new normal soon. The LAUNCH team is dedicated to our mission of empowering underserved communities and individuals through entrepreneurship as we pivot and adjust to the new situation. A few ways we are doing just that are listed below: •
We are prioritizing support for the entrepreneurs who have been sorely impacted by the social and economic consequences of COVID-19. We started weekly calls to check-in and provide updates on the various financial resources available from the local, state and federal government. In addition, the calls allow us to learn about their unique challenges to better support individual needs as much as possible.
• We are working to conduct on-line classes, so that those with a dream to start a business, can work towards achieving that dream even during the quarantine. • We are working with businesses individually to strengthen their online presence. Our vision remains the same; a community that builds hope and equity for all individuals through entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, this is a very difficult season for many small business owners, so we continue to offer hope and encouragement to you and to them.
HOW CAN YOU HELP LAUNCH
ENTREPRENEURS? ORDER TAKEOUT/DELIVERY Many restaurants and catering businesses are offering curbside pickup and delivery.
SHOP ONLINE Many small businesses have a website or Etsy store. BUY GIFT CARDS Buy gift cards now to help businesses get through this time and enjoy using them when you can return in person. LEAVE POSITIVE REVIEWS If you’ve ever had a positive experience with a small business, visit their Facebook page and leave a good review! BUY LOCAL, BUY LAUNCH See inside for a list of LAUNCH businesses you can support!
Hal Bowling, Co-Founder and Executive Director, LAUNCH 100 CHEROKEE BLVD, SUITE 2101 | CHATTANOOGA, TN 37405 | (423) 523-9307 | info@launchcha.org