entrepreneurs. founders. dreamers.

This program supports emerging and existing entrepreneurs throughout Johnson County as they develop ideas into businesses that are essential to local economic development.

The program is targeted at smaller towns and areas that currently do not have ready access to regional and national resources, like the U.S. Small Business Administration, and would-be founders who simply may not have time to navigate those structures.

Launch Johnson County will provide:

One-on-one mentoring
Small group mentoring
Workshops
Pitch competitions

Business ideas of all types and sizes — whether a small community bakery or the next billion-dollar tech idea — are eligible for support through Launch Johnson County’s programming.

powered by

The program is made possible by a Community Collaboration Fund grant from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

get started

you are invited

Kickoff Celebration

4:30 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, September 10
Garment Factory Events Center

More resources and information about the program will be available.

Workshop: From Idea to Launch

4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 17
Franklin College

Focus on developing back-of-the-napkin ideas into a plan of action for a potential new business.

Pitch Competition

Tuesday, October 29
Custer Theater, Franklin College

Pitch participants can win

Top prize of $10,000
In-kind legal support, business formation and financial guidance
Office or retail space

APPLICATION

become a mentor

Are you interested in helping a new entrepreneur or someone with a great idea turn it into a successful business? Send us a note and let's have a conversation.

EMAIL US

what they say

about Launch Johnson County

"There is so much our communities have to offer. We know there are great ideas and people ready to support them. Launch Johnson County is here to help shine a light on them.”

- SaraBeth Drybread, Director, Edinburgh Community Center

“We are so excited to be able to get this going and see what ideas are out there in our community just waiting to be discovered. I really think this is going to bring people together and begin to change how businesses start in Johnson County.”

- Rosie Chambers, President/CEO, Franklin Chamber of Commerce

“The workshops and events are purpose-built to sharpen ideas and help get people ready for that pitch event. We’ll dig into what makes a solid business idea and how to share it in an engaging way. No one with an idea they’re passionate about should feel like they can’t take part in these programs.”

- Jeremy VanAndel, Director of Professional Development, Instructor of Business, Franklin College