A quarterly digest of news, events, and other updates
Fall 2022 Edition
Welcome Cohort 6
We want to welcome Cohort 6 to the LaunchAPEX Program! We are very excited to have a large and diverse range of new businesses in this year’s class. This year’s applicant pool was the largest ever! We had a very successful interview process and were able to place 15 businesses into the program. Classes are just underway as the first class was August 29th. We are excited to see these small businesses and entrepreneurs advance through the program!
- Barbara Belicic, LaunchAPEX Program Manager
Photos of Orientation for Cohort 6
New LaunchAPEX Website
This summer we launched a new website for the program. Check out the new website here!
Testimonial Video
Featured on the new website is a testimonial video with some LaunchAPEX graduates. Listen to them reflect on the impact the LaunchAPEX program had on them and their businesses.
Graphic: YouTube Video Link
Meet A Few Of The Entrepreneurs In Cohort 6
Name: Angela Kelley
Business: Angela Kelley Coaching
I am most excited for the mentoring relationship. I appreciate the opportunity to learn from others and to have the objective feedback and support that mentoring offers. I am especially excited to have someone to hold me accountable as I embark on this wonderful solopreneur journey.
Name: Michelle “Shelley” Psyk
Business: CollegeHound
What do you hope to gain from the LaunchAPEX experience?: I hope to improve my understanding of how to run and expand my business.
Name: Chrystal Holland
Business: Whiz Kidz Central LLC
What are you most excited for?: I am most excited about collaborating with my fellow cohort members!
Name: Leslie Lockhart
Business: Positively Apex
What do you hope to gain from the LaunchAPEX experience?: I hope to gain skills that will allow me to level up my business and become a better business owner.
Name: Jackson Davis
Business: Warrior Physical Therapy and Performance
What are you most excited for?:I am most excited to work with other small business owners who are in similar stages as myself and see how our businesses can grow through this program.
List Your Business in the LaunchAPEX Directory
Alumni, please list your business in the graduate business directory on the LaunchAPEX website. If you would like your business to be featured on the LauchAPEX website, submit your business information through our online form.
Alumni Share Their News and Accomplishments
Janett Cueto & Vincent Cueto - Join The Organized Mind for a free driver safety event for teens on October 22nd, RSVP here.
Louanne Casper - Join Executrixie for the kickoff of "Fearless Friday Lunch and Learn" on September 30th, RSVP here.
Salim Oden -Join Progressive Taekwondo Academy starting October 8th for DefenseFit classes, a women's self-defense exercise training program. Learn more here.
Kim Wise - NC Tutors & Educational Services was awarded a 2022 Apex PeakFest grant.
Salim Oden -Progressive Taekwondo Academy competed in the AAU Taekwondo National Championships where a student placed 1st in sparring.
Share Your News
We welcome alumni to submit their business-related news or business-related accomplishments to be featured in the next newsletter. Have news to share? Tell us!
September 28 - Small Business Meeting Purpose: To give small businesses in Apex an update on various Town projects and initiatives. Hosted by: Katy Crosby, Town Manager Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm Location: Apex Senior Center in the Salem Room and Saunders Room (Note: Please park at either the crescent parking lot by the John M. Brown Community Center and enter via the side door of the senior center or park in the Town Hall parking lot and walk around to the front of the building.) RSVP to Colleen Merays at email
November 26-Small Business Saturday Presented by Apex Economic Development and Apex Chamber of Commerce. This is a small business promotion to encourage businesses to create in-store specials, contests, discounts and events on Small Business Saturday, all aimed at boosting local excitement for the day. The goal is to bring customers into the Town of Apex for a full day of shopping, dining and exploring. More information to come on how you can participate in this promotion. If you have any questions contact Colleen Merays at email.
We would love for members of our past cohorts and those who have been mentors before to consider mentoring this year. Having a successful mentor relationship can play a critical role in the future success of our students and can be extremely fulfilling for the mentor. Your minimum commitment is roughly four hours per month. Since mentoring needs and styles vary, your investment can be as much as you and the mentee desire.
If you are interested in being a mentor for Cohort 6, visit the LaunchAPEX website to learn more and apply. We encourage anyone that is interested to attend one of our mentor information sessions facilitated by our mentor managers. You can register for an information session here.
Know business professionals who want to share their knowledge and expertise with small businesses and entrepreneurs in their community? Please share with them information about the LaunchAPEX mentorship opportunity. Questions? Please contact Barbara Belicic at email.
Become a Sponsor
Join our partners in supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in Apex! Our network of partners provides a broad spectrum of support and resources to the LaunchAPEX Program. Because of our partners, LaunchAPEX is able to deliver comprehensive business training, connection to financial resources, carefully paired mentoring, and networking with other business professionals. These opportunities are provided at no cost to our students.
Your sponsorship will help us expand the support and resources we offer to LaunchAPEX participants. Please consider one of the following sponsorships for this year’s program:
Advocate $750
Provide your business brochure/flyer to Cohort
Two invitations to Spring Alumni Networking Social
Recognition at LaunchAPEX Graduation in June
Networking & Event Sponsor Signage
Logo listing on LaunchAPEX Sponsor Webpage
Networking & Event Sponsor $500
Two invitations to Spring Alumni Networking Social
Networking & Event Sponsor Signage
Logo listing on LaunchAPEX Sponsor Webpage
Session Sponsor $250
Listing on LaunchAPEX Sponsor Webpage
15-minute introduction of self/company to Cohort at a class
Checks should be made out to Town of Apex (Memo: LaunchAPEX) and mailed to: Town of Apex
Attn: Economic Development Department
PO Box 250
Apex, NC 27502
Questions? Please contact Barbara Belicic at email.
Connect with the online community. Join the LaunchAPEX Facebookgroup for program updates.
