LaunchJOCO Student Application

LaunchJOCO Student Application
Welcome to the LaunchJOCO Program! LaunchJOCO is a county-wide collaborative initiative that supports and fosters entrepreneurs and small businesses across Johnston County by providing business education, funding resource opportunities, networking, and business mentorships.

Applications will be screened for LaunchNOW or LaunchNEXT to see which program best suits the current stage of your business. If your business qualifies for LaunchNEXT, you will be asked to provide additional information.

The LaunchJOCO team is looking forward to learning more about your business.

LaunchJOCO Program Overview:

LaunchNOW: Do you have a business concept that you may or may not have executed yet? LaunchNOW partners with the Johnston Community College Small Business Center to assist with building your business framework. Meet with a professional business counselor and attend free courses while testing for value proposition and feasibility. Topics to be covered include Financial and Corporate Structures, Sales and Marketing, Basic Bookkeeping, Understanding Your Tax Responsibility, and more. This program is ideal for entrepreneurs who are considering startup or in the early stages of opening. After completing LaunchNOW with the Small Business Center, you will be invited to reapply for the 2027 LaunchNEXT Program.

LaunchNEXT: Are you an established business that is now generating income and looking to strengthen and grow in scale? LaunchNEXT is here to help you level up your business and network. If selected, participants are required to commit to a 14-week (once a week) Business Training/Entrepreneurship Academy Education Course, as well as 6 months of mentoring (approximately 2-4 hrs/month) one-on-one with a local business professional. Upon successful completion of LaunchNEXT, participants will be eligible to apply for grants based on participation and performance in the program. Each class begins with dinner at 5:30 and class from 6-9 p.m. from January to April 2026 (every Tuesday except April 7). Each class will end with a homework assignment (approximately 2-3 hours) designed to assist you in the growth and strengthening of your business. Mentoring is from May to October culminating in a graduation celebration in November.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
The following information is collected for statistical data and will NOT influence your eligibility
Gender Identity*
Race & Ethnicity*
Age*
Annual salary*
Highest level of education*
County you reside in*
Organization
What is your startup/business/company name?*
Briefly describe your business or business idea. What do you offer and who will be/are your primary customers?*
Date business started. If you have not yet launched your business, leave the date blank.
My business is active and has customers.*
If you already have customers, tell us which option best describes your current situation:
Is your business registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State or Johnston County, NC?*
If you are registered, please indicate your business entity:
Average Annual Revenue. Enter 0 if none.*
If applicable, enter your business website address.
If applicable, enter your business's social media handles.
If applicable, enter the founder's LinkedIn url.
Tell us what you believe you need from a standpoint of education, resources, or network.*
Why are you interested in participating in our LaunchJOCO programs?*
What else would you like us to know about your business or yourself?*
How did you hear about LaunchJOCO?*
Social media, word of mouth, press release, etc.
Participant Commitment:

If accepted into the program, I agree to the following: complete interview process if invited, attend the 14-week classroom sessions beginning January and ending in April, complete all required homework assignments, adhere to the classroom attendance policy with no more than 2 excused absences, participate in the mentoring resource portion of the program from May to November, attend LaunchEMBARK (Kick-Off/Graduation) on November 17, 2026, and present business pitch to stakeholders and community leaders at LaunchEMBARK (Kick-Off/Graduation) on November 17, 2026. My signature below is an acknowledgement and acceptance of the commitment required by the program.
Signature*

Clear
Should be Empty:

LaunchJOCO Student Application

The following information is collected for statistical data and will NOT influence your eligibility

Organization

Participant Commitment: