Newsletter
SEPTEMBER 2019 LAUNCHcha.org
A NIGHT TO CELEBRATE On May 13, 2019, the training room at the BDC was packed and smiles abounded as family and friends gathered at the Incubator to celebrate the accomplishments of the recent LAUNCH CHA Business Entrepreneurship Academy graduates. There were three spring cohorts with one held downtown at the BDC and facilitated by Linda Bullard, the second located in Brainerd facilitated by Susan Freeman, and the third held at Mount Canaan Baptist Church and co-facilitated by Ternae Jr. and Demetria Jordan. Hard-working men and women met for 10 weeks to learn all aspects of owning their own business in a small group setting. Each week, participants had assignments including contact work which helped validate their business idea. Entrepreneurs practiced their pitches during class which culminated in an official Pitch Night. Graduation began with Marco Perez welcoming the audience followed by the facilitators handing out certificates. A highlight of the night was when the class representative, nominated by each cohort, gave a short presentation about his/her experience. Hal Bowling gave the charge to the graduates, then all gathered for dinner and cake!
Mount Canaan Baptist graduates with facilitators, Ternae Jr. and Demetria Jordan
Brainerd class graduates with facilitator, Susan Freeman
Class speakers, Lucia Versprille and David Richardson inspire the audience.
Haven’t made it to a LAUNCH CHA graduation yet? You’ve got to be there to experience the energy in the room and our mission in action. All are welcome! Next graduation is November 12th at 6:00 PM at the Incubator.
Facilitator Linda Murray Bullard with graduates from the Downtown class
100 CHEROKEE BLVD, SUITE 201 | CHATTANOOGA, TN 37405 | (423) 523-9307 | info@launchcha.org
LAUNCH CHA’s (not so) Secret Ingredient - The BEST BEA Facilitators! LAUNCH CHA’s Business Entrepreneurship Academy (BEA) is more than a 10-week course in entrepreneurship. It is often transformational. How? Why? LAUNCH CHA has been blessed for over 6 years to have two incredible facilitators who each bring their special gifts to the classroom.
SUSAN FREEMAN
LINDA MURRAY BULLARD
Susan Freeman came to LAUNCH CHA after her 19-year corporate insurance job was eliminated. She had started her business but decided she wanted to gain more knowledge and tools to sustain her newly launched business which led her to sign up for the LAUNCH CHA Business Entrepreneurship Academy. The LAUNCH CHA staff immediately recognized her gifts and abilities that would make her a wonderful facilitator. As the demand for the BEA grew and another location option was needed in the city, LAUNCH CHA asked Susan to facilitate. Susan has such a positive spirit and a kind heart that her participants instantly felt comfortable. She is also a master at keeping everyone on task and training in an engaging manner. In addition to the adult cohort, Susan agreed to facilitate a high school class and the students were just as appreciative of her gifts and learned so much. When asked why she wanted to facilitate LAUNCH CHA classes, Susan said, “I believe in their vision and I want to empower and encourage other potential entrepreneurs.” Her knowledge and training skills coupled with her dedication and warmth make Susan a powerful mentor for entrepreneurs. By the way, the business Susan launched, Susan M. Freeman Enterprises, offers a full range of insurance products and is thriving!
Linda is a natural trainer. She taught her siblings how to read, edited papers for family and friends and loves to learn. She always wanted to start her own business but found a career at Blue Cross Blue Shield for 26 years. In 2012, Linda heard about LAUNCH CHA and immediately thought of her good friend and recommended they both attend. The facilitator saw Linda’s gift for learning and instruction and asked her to help graduates write business plans. When LAUNCH CHA needed a facilitator, Linda was asked and she willingly agreed. Her participants benefit from her knowledge and encouraging manner. She is a promoter and definitely promotes LAUNCH CHA entrepreneurs! When asked why she has continued to stay with us and facilitate, Linda answers, “I believe in what LAUNCH CHA does. With the high job turnover in Chattanooga, there is a need for LAUNCH CHA to assist with small business development and support.” After a downsizing at BCBS, Linda started her consulting business, LSMB, which helps dreamers get their businesses out of their heads and into their lives. She puts a strong foundation under an idea. Linda’s hard work ethic, knowledge and leadership skills make her a wonderful resource for our entrepreneurs.
Thank you, Linda and Susan! We are so grateful to have both of these women, each with their own startup experience, on our team! They are amazing people who care deeply about entrepreneurs starting their journey. They are a large part of the reason LAUNCH CHA is having such a powerful impact among entrepreneurs in our city.
Need insurance? Susan is a Licensed Insurance Agent & CEO of “Susan M. Freeman Enterprise”, a Health Insurance Company. Get more information on her website: www.smf-enterprise.com
Need business consulting? Learn about LSMB and Linda Murray Bullard’s services at www.getthebusiness.org
ENTREPRENEUR
Spotlight
Kaleena Goldsworthy The Bitter Bottle
An aha moment can be as simple as remembering where you put your keys or something bigger, like a business idea. The latter is exactly what happened for The Bitter Bottle owner Kaleena Goldsworthy. Kaleena’s journey to entrepreneurship began as a thirst for knowledge. While a manager at The Flying Squirrel, she was driven to utilize more local products into their bar program and began studying herbalism and volunteering at Crabtree Farms. Kaleena then proceeded to make allergy tonics and was reminded of the importance of using local botanicals and honey for this. She noticed the world was flocking to other states for allergy remedies and thought, “Well this won’t work... we need something from HERE.” In realizing these herbal remedies mirrored cocktail bitters and no one in Tennessee was making them, Kaleena had her aha moment, “I realized that no one was making bitters, which meant no one was working with local Tennessee products to create something authentic to our region and manufacturing it on a large scale. I decided I would do it.” Kaleena’s company, The Bitter Bottle is a cocktail solutions company that creates herbalbased products using the techniques of modern herbalism but curated for the palates of the food and beverage industry. With a BA in music business and voice, Kaleena says she never would have considered herself someone that would get into this industry, let alone own her own business.
“LAUNCH was an incredibly helpful resource for me. It reminded me why I wanted to do this business in the first place.” Although she admits, “I think I’ve always had a characteristic deep within myself that craved the sort of independence and leadership that entrepreneurship has to offer.” Along her journey to making The Bitter Bottle a reality, she heard about LAUNCH through the startup community, and more specifically Ella Livingston of Cocoa Asante, a LAUNCH alumni. Ella recommended the program and with the belief that when you start a business you need all of the help and guidance you can get, she signed up for the Business Entrepreneurship Academy. Although Kaleena found LAUNCH after working on her business for almost 2 years, she
Looking for any of these services? Reach out!
says the program was what she needed. “LAUNCH was an incredibly helpful resource for me. It reminded me why I wanted to do this business in the first place. It’s really the community that is created within that experience that does something to you. I still talk to people from that class and it means so much when they check in on you and see how you’re doing. It’s almost an accountability thing - while there is no pressure, it’s a great driving force to think about others in the trenches with you when you fight the good fight to make your dreams come true.” In addition to offering bitters and tinctures, The Bitter Bottle has done work with start-up bars, restaurants, and distilleries on beverage consulting, menu development, staff education, etc. Kaleena also teaches educational cocktail classes for the community - for enthusiasts and professionals. “Whatever it is the community is looking for, we have a solution, a person, or an idea to help.”
The Bitter Bottle kaleena@thebitterbottle.com www.facebook.com/thebitterbottle www.instagram.com/thebitterbottle
BUY LOCAL, BUY LAUNCH 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.
Cocoa Asante | Ella Livingston
EnJoy Creations | Joy Underwood (423) 364-4597 facebook.com/enjoydesigncreation joyunderwood1@gmail.com EnJoy Creations specializes in customized paper flowers, wreaths and gift baskets for weddings, parties, baby showers, bridal showers, nursery decor, home decor, hospital rooms and many more occasions.
Monstrous Incantation / Lucia Versprille Monstrousincantation@gmail.com Instagram @MonstrousIncantation Facebook.com/MonstrousIncantation Twitter:@M_Incantation MonstrousIncantation.com Monstrous Incantation is creating artisan products for TTRPG like dice, accessories and more. Promoting femininity, empowerment and inclusion in the community through gaming.
cocoaasante.com | ella@cocoaasante.com Cocoa Asante is a company that provides high quality specially crafted chocolate truffles for chocolate lovers, vegans and everyone in between.
CATERING OR TREAT YOURSELF 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 Authentic ARABIC cuisine. A piece of heaven from the bottom of our hearts.
Perfect Portions by Cheri | Cheri Hudgins (423) 355-2724 | cherihudgins@gmail.com Affordable, healthy and convenient prepped meals for the everyday active person.
LoAdebar / Norma Maloney
(281) 685-2068 | Info@loadebar.com facebook.com/loadebar instagram @loadebar www.linkedin.com/in/norma-maloney-94a43642 We specialize in handmade certified organic energy bars that are specifically formulated for endurance athletes and those seeking a more healthy alternative to processed snack foods. Our bars are vegan, gluten-free and free from any preservatives or additives and are excellent in taste.
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 Wing Top Tots believes good hot food will make the soul happier. Chef Mahogany puts care into every wing, as well as her homemade sauces and iced tea.
BUY LOCAL, BUY LAUNCH 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 (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.
Grand Finale Events and Décor | Yanetta Bowman (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.
Squeaky Clean | Luis Silva (423) 444-6998 | Info@besqueakyclean.com facebook.com/BeSqueakyClean www.besqueakyclean.com Our company focuses on floor maintenance: carpet care, floor waxing, floor rejuvenation, buffing and any floor care needs.
SERVICES Blades Creative | Gabby Blades
Kickstand Bicycles | Jacobo Salazar Jr
(423) 802-2477 | gabrielle@bladescreative.com Instagram @BladesCreative facebook.com/BladesCreativeChatt www.bladescreative.com A branding and print design company that focuses on small businesses, non-profits, and larger organizations/ businesses.
(503) 804.6399 | www.kickstandbicyclefixes.com facebook.com/kickstandstelmo We buy, sell, trade, and fix bicycles. I have an overall deep passion for cycling!
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.
Dee’sign Nails | Demetria Jordan (423) 892-6612 | info@deesignnails.com facebook.com/designnailsalon Quality nail care offering individualized treatment and service including spa manicures, pedicures and gel nails. Services provided by appointment to ensure the finest experience.
Kenya Iman Personal Stylist | Kenya Iman (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.
R2 delivery service | Eric Sizemore (423) 637-8062 | r2deliveries@gmail.com Local delivery service specializing in time management moves.
Ryn Loren Photography | Ryn Loren www.Rynloren.com | rynloren@gmail.com instagram @rynloren Ryn is a Tennessee-based destination wedding and elopement photographer. She specializes in providing an incredible experience for adventures and reckless kinda loves!
Timber Creek Construction | Noah Bowling (423) 503.8965 | noah@timbercrk.com facebook.com/BuildTimberCreek Instagram @timber.creek.construction pinterest.com/timbercreekconstruction/ Timber Creek Construction was born out of the desire to provide unmatched quality, integrity, and excellence through the construction experience. At Timber Creek, our focus is on residential construction, additions, remodels and new home builds. We look forward to discussing your construction needs with you!
...too good to keep to ourselves!
Meet our newest StartSpark partner…. Progeny Startups located in Memphis, TN. Progeny Startup’s mission and vision are to serve as community collaborators by fostering the expansion of multi-generational equity and prosperity in marginalized people and communities through entrepreneurship and STEAM-related workforce development. The Chief Executive Officer, Rhonnie Brewer, was asked why she and the other founders (Lori Edwards, Emahn James) started Progeny Startups. Her answer was that the founders are passionate about eradicating generational poverty in marginalized people and communities because it was their life experience. They understand the impact that providing these services has, not just on the individual, but communities as a whole.
Entrepreneurship benefits us all. “Entrepreneurship empowers individuals, improves standards of living throughout a community, and creates jobs, wealth, and innovation in the economy. In fact, most of the net new jobs in the U.S. are created by new and young companies.” (Kauffman Foundation, EShip Summit Playbook Draft 2.0, 2018)
We are excited to have Progeny as our 18th StartSpark partner! We are well on our way to beating our goal of 20 partners by 2020!
High School Entrepreneurship Program
Student proudly holding the curriculum
A new school year has begun which means LAUNCH CHA’s High School Entrepreneurship Program (HSEP) is underway. Students in Red Bank High School, Brainerd High School, and STEM School will learn how to develop an idea for a business and turn it into reality through the HSEP. LAUNCH CHA uses experiential learning and design thinking elements to engage students and help them achieve the best results. By introducing students to the concepts of creativity, market opportunities, viability, feasibility, and innovation, the program teaches students the skills needed to be successful employees or business owners. Additionally, LAUNCH CHA has trained facilitators and will be advising them as they implement LAUNCHing Bright Ideas, the LAUNCH CHA high school program, in 7 schools across Tennessee. This is part of a wider effort to see the High School Entrepreneurship Program introduced in every county in Tennessee over the next several years. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting expansion. Team working through a Business Switchboard
LAUNCH CHA’s Executive Director Selected for Kellogg Fellowship LAUNCH CHA team member Sandy Berry sat down with Hal Bowling, Co-Founder & Executive Director, to find out more about the Kellogg Fellowship he was awarded and what it means for the organization and for Chattanooga. What is the purpose of the Kellogg Fellowship and is this related to the cereal company? Yes, this fellowship is related to the cereal company, Kellogg’s. The W. K. Kellogg Foundation was founded in June 1930 as the W. K. Kellogg Child Welfare Foundation by breakfast cereal pioneer, Will Keith Kellogg. The Foundation has also been a funding partner of our work for the past several years. The Kellogg Fellowship is a collaboration between the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL®) and W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF). This fellowship serves as a way for local leaders from across the nation to connect, grow and lead transformational change on behalf of children, families, and communities. How did you hear about the Kellogg Fellowship opportunity? I was a Balle Local Economy Fellow in 2016 and through that network, was made aware of the Kellogg Fellowship. Additionally, a local funding partner reached out and encouraged me to apply, so I gave it my best shot. What was the selection process? Over 800 people applied for this fellowship and only 17 were chosen for the national cohort of which I am a part. It involved an application with writing on a number of subjects, a series of phone interviews, a video component, and a face-to-face interview in Chicago.
Why Does LAUNCH CHA Matter in Chattanooga? LAUNCH CHA exists to build a thriving Chattanooga where every individual who dreams of a business can be confident that the community will stand with them, removing obstacles and creating opportunities for their success.
Hal Bowling What does the Fellowship involve? The fellowship will meet 6 times over two years for training and networking. In between sessions, there are assignments and cohort members communicate and work on a group project. There is also individual mentoring with an executive coach and obviously there are a lot of potential outcomes that can’t be planned for. What have you learned from the Fellowship and how will it benefit Chattanooga? We’ve met twice so far and both times have been amazing. The fellowship is a powerful mix of networking with leaders from across the country, working on a group project, training in leadership and racial equity, and working with an executive coach who is personally helping a lot with my own capacity as a leader. The Foundation’s focus on children and families is unique and they really look at all aspects of society that keep children and families from thriving. As I participate in the Fellowship, I’m thinking constantly about the context of Chattanooga, what our city needs, what’s missing, where the gaps lie and always about how LAUNCH CHA can continue to have an impact through our work and partnership with other organizations. I’m grateful to be challenged in my thinking and to be able to process these thoughts with others on a national level. This Fellowship is helping me become a better, stronger leader and a more powerful advocate for children and families in our community.
LAUNCH CHA’s vision is vital for the future of our community because business ownership: • • • • • • • • • • •
Helps people find pathways to economic prosperity1 Provides full-time or supplemental income Provides the opportunity to improve their quality of life2 Allows for economic mobility3 Strengthens confidence - which leads to improved quality of life and more rigorous pursuit of goals4 Removes obstacles Bridges the gap that educational barriers have created Creates generational impact Empowers populations that have been historically marginalized5 Facilitates job creation6 Builds resilience in the community
Details on references 1-6 can be found at issuu.com/sandyberry/docs/why_statement_launch
UPCOMING EVENTS
TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS
Mark your ! calendars
September 9-10 Fall Business Entrepreneurship Academy (BEA) Cohorts Begin High School Entrepreneurship Program Begins
October 14 The LAUNCH Games Fundraiser for the Legal and Real Estate Industries October 23 Startup Showdown - 6:00 pm at The Camp House - come out during Startup Week and watch talented LAUNCH CHA entrepreneurs pitch and vote for your favorite business
THANK YOU TO OUR PRODUCT SPONSORS
November 12 Fall BEA Graduation Early December High School Entrepreneurship Program Pitch Competition
LAUNCH CHA is so grateful for your interest in and support for our work! As a nonprofit, we depend on faithful and generous donors like you to continue the good work of empowering underserved communities and individuals through entrepreneurship. Your contributions make a difference! To support our work, please: • Go to LAUNCHcha.org/take-action • Text @LAUNCH to 50214 • Mail a donation to: P.O. Box 903 Chattanooga, TN 37401