Showing My Roots

06/01/2026

BIG NEWS!🚀

Applications are now OPEN for the LaunchJOCO class of 2027!🎉👏If you or someone you know is ready to "launch" their business to the next level, then LaunchJOCO is for you. Featuring expert entrepreneurs and local mentors, our program is ready to equip you with vital skills that every business owner needs.

📝Develop a business plan.
📊Learn marketing and promotional basics.
🤝Connect with a mentor.
📈Build lasting relationships with the business community...and much more!

🔗Apply TODAY at launchjoco.org! Apply by August 10 to be considered.

⭐Thanks to our program sponsors:
Presenting sponsor: KS Bank
Gold sponsor: Johnston County Economic Development
Silver sponsor: Johnston County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

06/01/2026

Applications Now Open: LaunchJOCO Class of 2027

LaunchJOCO is pleased to announce that applications for our 2027 class are now open. As a countywide initiative, LaunchJOCO supports and develops entrepreneurs and small business owners across Johnston County by providing access to education, resources, networking, and mentorship.

Our program guides participants through a structured business academy covering the essentials of building and growing a successful venture, including entrepreneurship foundations, value proposition development, market and competitive research, pricing strategy, financial forecasting, and pitch preparation. Following the classroom phase, each participant is paired with a dedicated mentor to provide ongoing guidance and support.

We invite all interested entrepreneurs and small business owners in Johnston County to apply. Applications are open now through August 10, 2026.

To learn more and to apply, please visit www.launchjoco.org.

We look forward to welcoming our next class of local entrepreneurs.

05/21/2026

"Got my mammogram Friday and I'm here to remind YOU that you are no good for anyone unless you love and take care of yourself first. 🩷

Real talk, this is your sign. Schedule the appointment. Show up for yourself. Sometimes self care is the hard stuff, the appointments we keep putting off.

I'm proud of myself today, and I want to cheer YOU on too. Who else is overdue? Let's hold each other accountable and drop a 🩷 if you've got yours scheduled or you're booking it TODAY!

"

05/19/2026

Launch Beyond had an outstanding class last month at the JCC Main Campus in Smithfield focused on cybersecurity for entrepreneurs.

Our April session, “Lock It Down: Cybersecurity Made Simple for Entrepreneurs,” featured presenters Bob Hildebrand and Crystal Pitts, who provided a wealth of knowledge and practical insights on protecting business data and securing digital workspaces.

The goal of this workshop was to give small business owners accessible tools and strategies to improve online security and better protect their businesses in an increasingly digital world.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion. We appreciate the continued support of our entrepreneurial community and our partnership with Johnston Community College.

A special thank you to our sponsors for helping make events like this possible:

• Confidence Financial Group
• Kehoe Insurance
• McGough Construction

05/11/2026

Another great week of IDEA TO IMPACT: The Entrepreneurial Mindset for Success!

Coach Fred and I are beyond excited watching this group step outside their comfort zones and truly embrace the mindset of growth. One of the biggest breakthroughs so far?

People are becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable — and that’s where transformation begins!

Our entrepreneurs are already knocking out their 30-second elevator speeches with confidence and purpose while diving into:

✨ Lesson 1: The Power to Choose
✨ Lesson 2: Recognizing Opportunities

The conversations, the courage, and the willingness to grow have been inspiring to witness. We can’t wait to hear more of their thoughts, ideas, and dreams as they continue this journey.

Success starts with mindset, action, and the
willingness to stretch beyond fear. Proud of every person showing up and doing the work!

05/11/2026

A significant milestone for Launch JoCo and for Johnston County's entrepreneurial community.

We're pleased to announce the successful completion of the classroom phase of our current cohort program.

This moment represents more than a program checkpoint. It reflects the caliber of entrepreneurs we have right here in Johnston County. Professionals who are serious about sustainable growth and committed to doing the work.

They now move into the mentorship phase, where they'll work one-on-one with experienced business leaders across the county for the next six months.

To our cohort: Well Done! The best is still ahead.

To those interested in serving as a mentor for future cohorts — we'd love to connect. Visit launchjoco.org to learn more.

05/07/2026

Don't forget to register for our upcoming LaunchBEYOND class!👏⭐

Have you started your own business but need a financial pick-me-up?💸 Get ready for your dream to become a reality with this in depth talk on funding paths for entrepreneurs. Hear from Small Business Center, Johnston Community College Regional Director Suzanne Ross as she explains resources available to local entrepreneurs, and hear from CDFI Program Director Scott Wolford on business development, capitalization strategies, and team management.📊 We'll also hear from KS Bank representative Charles Marcom, who will be discussing loan and financing opportunities for small business owners.

📍WHERE: JCC Small Business Center, 135 Best Wood Dr.
⏰WHEN: May 18 from 6-8:00 pm
🔗Register TODAY at web.claytonchamber.com/atlas/events/6857/details

Thanks to our program sponsors: Confidence Financial Group, Kehoe Insurance, and McGough Construction

04/24/2026

04/24/2026

⭐Join us for our next LaunchBEYOND class!

💰💸This month's class is titled, "Show Me the Money: Funding Paths for Local Entrepreneurs." This session explores grants, loans, and investment opportunities available to entrepreneurs. Participants will gain insight into funding readiness and how to navigate financial resources effectively.

📍WHERE: 135 Best Wood Dr
🕒WHEN: May 18th, 6-8:00 pm
🔗Register TODAY at launchjoco.org/event/launchbeyond-show-me-the-money-funding-paths-for-local-entrepreneurs/

⭐Thanks to our program sponsors, Confidence Financial Group, Kehoe Insurance, and McGough Construction.

04/21/2026

The energy in the room was unmatched! ✨They were excited to find out who their mentor would be.

As we near the end of our classroom journey with Miss Katie, tonight was all about the big reveal… 🎉

Smiles, laughter, and a whole lot of excitement filled the space as everyone discovered who will be walking alongside them in the next phase of their journey. And now… we wait in anticipation as we wrap up these final classroom moments before stepping fully into mentorship.

I am beyond excited to watch each student continue to grow, stretch, and BLOOM 🌸 through this next milestone. The future is bright, and this is just the beginning!

Here’s to purpose, progress, and powerful connections 💕