Launch Loudoun

This week is National Entrepreneurship Week! We join organizations nationwide in recognizing #NatlEshipWeek and are proud to be part of a thriving ecosystem that drives innovation, creates jobs, and builds futures. We celebrate and support #entrepreneurs everyday through our Launch Loudoun programs. Since its inception in May 2023, Launch Loudoun has seen over 2,600 attendees at programs and events, served over 245 individual businesses with over 42% of those served being minority-owned. If you're an entrepreneur and need resources for success, reach out to us to discuss your business needs, regardless of where you are in your entrepreneurial journey 🚀

Throughout 2025, we will be offering a variety of QuickBooks classes in our Ashburn office! Hosted by Cheryl Wiehn, the classes will walk you through the essential financial concepts every entrepreneur should know, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, e-commerce, financial reports and budgeting. You’ll learn how to interpret and leverage these tools to make informed decisions, avoid common financial pitfalls, and ensure the financial health of your business. By the end of each class, you will have the foundational knowledge to take control of your business finances, improve profitability, and confidently make financial decisions that support your business’s growth and sustainability. Space is limited to 25 participants per class so secure your spot today! The next class is QuickBooks Accounts Receivable on February 13, 9-11am. Check out the schedule and register soon: https://hubs.li/Q0360fbZ0

You can still catch us at next week's February Lunch and Learn where we discuss taxes but make sure to get this on your radar, as well!

📢 Loudoun Economic Development seeks proposals from qualified vendors to implement and coordinate the Launch Loudoun Technical Assistance Pilot Program DED seeks proposals from qualified vendors to implement and coordinate the Launch Loudoun Technical Assistance Pilot Program in partnership and at the direction of DED. This Pilot Program will connect vetted Launch Loudoun clients with an identifiable need for technical support services with a pre-determined list of Loudoun-based service providers. The pilot program will: ☑️ Offer targeted, 1-on-1 professional support to small businesses. ☑️ Create a sustainable framework for connecting businesses with pre-vetted service providers. ☑️ Generate measurable outcomes to inform future iterations and funding opportunities. Responses due no later than COB Friday, February 28. Get full details of the RFP here: https://hubs.li/Q035fDrh0

Need additional tools to make your filing season successful? Join us on Tuesday, February 18 from 11am-1pm for the February Lunch and Learn: Tips for a Successful Filing Season and Tax Year!

Don't forget to join us tomorrow for the Launch Loudoun Lunch and Learn: Cybersecurity for Small Businesses. This workshop is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect their businesses from cyber threats and divided into three key areas: prevention, incident response, and tools. For more information and to reserve your spot ⬇️ https://hubs.li/Q032mScc0

Tomorrow kicks off the first #1MillionCups of 2025! Om Suthar is taking the 1 Million Cups floor to share his business journey with Personify and is seeking feedback about the tools you use and would like to see integrated. Additionally, he is looking for help identifying must-have capabilities that make adoption easier. 🎯 Product managers, marketers, and designers who work in digital services 📅 Date: Wednesday, January 8 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM 📍 Location: Venture X, 44679 Endicott Drive, Ashburn, VA 1 Million Cups Loudoun County https://hubs.li/Q0316cRk0

Next week, kick off your 2025 networking goals when you attend the Loudoun County Cybersecurity Professionals Meetup: Cyber, Lies, & Deepfakes: Looking Forward on Geopolitical Risk. We are excited to announce that this event features a fireside chat with Andrew McCabe, CNN Law Enforcement Analyst and Former Deputy Director of the FBI, and Gregory Crabb, CISO in Residence at Ballistic Ventures and Founder of 10-8, LLC! This fireside chat promises to be an eye-opening discussion on the evolving cyber landscape amid rising geopolitical tensions. We will delve into the real-world implications of ransomware, deepfakes, and misinformation, exploring how changes in global politics are reshaping cybersecurity priorities. The Meetup will be held at Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn on January 7 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. See more details in the link and confirm your spot today! https://hubs.li/Q030Vrq10

Chunky Vegan, a Loudoun Innovation Challenge finalist, was recently featured on a "How I Built This" podcast where the host, Guy Raz, talked with several small business owners who were in the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey. Camille, founder of Chunky Vegan, shared their mission to scale the company without compromising on quality. Check it out today! #LoudounPossible https://hubs.li/Q030J8Dw0

Don't forget to join us next week for the Launch Loudoun December Lunch and Learn: Build, Protect, Thrive: Trademark and Patent Strategies for Small Business Owners. This event will be held at the Brambleton Public Library on December 17, 11am-1pm. https://hubs.li/Q02_9SR_0