Harrisonburg Economic Development

Applications are due today to be in our next LAUNCH HARRISONBURG cohort. This is a chance to explore your business idea or grow your early stage business. https://lnkd.in/eGcCV_P

On November 2nd, we'll be presenting at the Horizon Conference in Harrisonburg. We'll discuss entrepreneurship, the job market, and starting & sustaining startups. You can register for the conference at: https://lnkd.in/ezgHJ4Dv "The Horizon Conference is a transformative event co-organized by Vijana Africa and Kiota Global, dedicated to empowering cross-generation leaders. Through interactive workshops, engaging sessions, and meaningful networking opportunities, we provide a dynamic platform for participants to engage with global issues, enhance their skills, and establish impactful connections."

Now let's hear from a LAUNCH HARRISONBURG graduate. You may have seen his truck around town. It's Josh Carderelli, owner of Clean 'Em Up Pressure Washing. "One year into my venture I ran into a friend who told me about Launch Harrisonburg, and encouraged me to sign up to further my knowledge with growing my business. It was a great decision to do so! Launch Harrisonburg offered many great tools to help me excel. Our class was led by awesome facilitators who were always engaging with everyone in our group, and helped me to look at my business from different perspectives! Networking is another huge plus with small business. Launch Harrisonburg offered that opportunity as well. Each class we had established local business owners speak on their own experiences, then took time to answer our questions! Whether you are in the beginning stages with an idea, or have a business already, Launch Harrisonburg will give you a new confidence moving forward!" Applications are due on October 28 https://lnkd.in/eGcCV_P

We are very excited to have someone new joining our LAUNCH HARRISONBURG team, and giving his time and talents to growing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Harrisonburg. A huge thank you to Craig Janney! Craig will be co-leading this (our 8th) cohort, yet he was actually a participant in our 1st LAUNCH cohort! Craig Janney is the founder and president of Greenfields Church Consulting, alumnus of the first Launch Harrisonburg cohort, and pastor of Saint Stephen’s United Church of Christ in downtown Harrisonburg. Craig has served in numerous ministry positions over the last 2 decades, including as pastor, university minister, athletic chaplain, youth minister, and music minister. Prior to founding Greenfields Church Consulting, Craig served the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship as Manager of Reference and Referral directing the work of ministerial transitions for churches and pastors across the United States. Craig has personally assisted over 1,300 ministers and 700 churches through the pastor search process. He has extensive experience working with search committees, listening to and understanding their needs, and recommending pastors for consideration. In addition to his ministerial credentials, Craig has expertise in strategic communications, marketing, recruitment, retention, event planning, and human resources. Rev. Janney received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from Chowan University and a Master of Divinity from Gardner-Webb University. He is a certified church consultant, interim minister, and executive coach. Craig and his wife reside in Harrisonburg. They have a daughter, and two rescue dogs - Zuma and Stella. Craig is a certified CO.STARTERS facilitator.

With LAUNCH HARRISONBURG applications due October 28, let's meet our entrepreneur facilitators! First up is Amanda Presgraves! In the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, among the Friendly City, mountainous trails, and local food abundance, Amanda serves as the Director of Community Enchantment for the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition. Driven to weave a tapestry of outdoor access and pathways to explore the joys of walking and biking, Amanda focuses her work around community building and opportunities that invite more people into these spaces that bring richness to life. Through her personal pursuits, Amanda explores her world and self as a World-Class Professional USA Off-Road Triathlete and Ultra-Runner. Believing that each bite, stride, and pedal stroke outside is an opportunity for examination and connection, she writes about her insights on the presence and nourishment in the practice of sport, courageous creations (often in the kitchen), and life’s seasonal elements. Practices and methods of whole-self nourishment spill into the pages of ‘The NonRecipe Book,’ where she encourages readers to create their own recipes not only in the kitchen, but also in life. Amanda also serves as a Mental Performance Coach, guiding teen athletes to unlock their full potential in and out of sport. Through every facet of her life, Amanda roots for boundless limits of the human spirit and equitable, community-centered outdoor spaces. With an extensive multifaceted background in entrepreneurship and startups, Amanda brings the founders of Launch Harrisonburg enthusiasm and belief, coupled with practical tools for pursuing a meaningful and aligned business and self. Amanda is a certified CO.STARTERS facilitator. https://lnkd.in/eGcCV_P

LAUNCH HARRISONBURG applications are due in one week. Apply to be in the next cohort! If you have a business idea or an early stage business, LAUNCH will provide you the guidance and knowledge to get your business started! Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/eGcCV_P

Entrepreneurship is an exciting journey, but the path isn’t always clear. LAUNCH HARRISONBURG might be for you if: -- You have a business idea, but have no idea how to actually start a business -- You have a creative hobby (like photography, baking, pottery, etc.) that you’d love to monetize -- You have a side-hustle, but you aren’t sure if you could turn it into a full-time gig -- You’ve started a business, but feel stuck trying to scale it or launch a new revenue stream

LAUNCH HARRISONBURG is back! We are now accepting applications for the fall/winter cohort. Have a business idea or an early stage business? LAUNCH is a ten-week program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action and turn a passion into a sustainable and thriving business. Find out more and apply at: https://lnkd.in/eGcCV_P Applications due: October 28 Cohort begins: November 6

Today is the last day to buy tickets for Valley TechCon! This is an opportunity to learn how technology can help your business grow/improve, and to network with folks from across the Valley. See you Wednesday! www.valleytechcon.com