LAUNCH Updates: July 2026

LAUNCH Newsletter: July 2026

A MESSAGE FROM LAUNCH'S CO-CEOS

We hosted our largest KIC Nights ever and you SHOWED UP!

We’re talking 1,500+ people. 47 vendors. 5 entertainment groups. The most EVER!🎉

KIC Nights: Juneteenth wasn’t just a celebration. It showcased unity, compassion, and appreciation for Juneteenth and Chattanooga’s Black community, especially our small businesses.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! Thank you for showing up, supporting our entrepreneurs, and helping make this event a success.

A special thanks to our partners and sponsors for this event: Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, Chattanooga Business Elite, ArtsBuild, G93, and BetterFi.

Looking ahead, we’re finishing the summer season with some exciting updates:

🚀 Start-Up Matrix applications are now open for our Fall ‘26 cohort! Apply by August 24th using this link. It’s free to apply.

🎒 We’re partnering with The Nehemiah Project, Cross Culture Church and The Purpose Outreach Center to give away 1,000+ stuffed backpacks at Food Truck Friday in August. The Nehemiah Project is looking for crayon packs to stuff to backpacks – donate before July 18th and help us spread the word! More details under the upcoming events section.

📆 We’re actively planning our next KIC Nights with a never-before-seen theme and let’s just say, it’s thrilling. Want to partner, sponsor or be a vendor? Reach out to us by clicking here.

Hal Bowling & DeJuan Jordan

Co-CEOs, LAUNCH

AT A GLANCE

🚀 Start-Up Matrix Accelerator Applications OPEN: Our application for the Fall 2026 cohort is now LIVE! Apply by August 24^th for an in-person or online 10-week immersive in-depth introduction to entrepreneurship, paired with post-program business coaching and ongoing support.
📣 Submit a LAUNCH Shoutout: Help us spotlight outstanding LAUNCHpreneurs by submitting a nomination through our LAUNCHpreneur Shoutout Form. No limit on nominations. Self-nominations are welcome.
💰 Support LAUNCH: For 15 years, LAUNCH has supported real people with real dreams. In fact, we have trained nearly 1000 people across the Chattanooga area. Your gift today of $25, $100, $1,000, or any amount supports real people in our community. It says: "Your dream matters. We believe in you." Will you stand with us?
🎤 LAUNCH and Learn: Are you an expert in your industry, looking to share your knowledge with up-and-coming entrepreneurs? Learn more about this FREE professional speaking opportunity with LAUNCH by emailing our Director of Programs, Karen Collins.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Nehemiah Project: Pack the Backpacks | Jul. 18 | 8 AM - 2 PM

Come help The Nehemiah Project pack 1,000+ backpacks for students in need. Backpacks will be given away during Food Truck Friday on August 7th, 2026 at KIC (5704 Marlin Road). Volunteer here.

Canva 101 | Jul. 20 | 6 - 7:30 PM

No graphic design experience? No problem! This beginner-friendly class will introduce you to the ins and outs of Canva, while helping participants develop the eye of a graphic designer and marketer. Register for free here.

KIC Catalyst: Graduation & Pitch Night | July 27 | 6 - 9 PM

Our 17 KIC Catalyst students are graduating after 16 weeks of hard work. Come watch their pitch and celebrate the Spring ‘26 graduation from KIC Catalyst! Save the date.

Food Truck Friday: Back 2 School | Aug. 7 | 11 AM - 7 PM

The Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga is proud to partner with The Nehemiah Project, Cross Culture Church, and The Purpose Outreach Center to host a free backpack giveaway during our monthly Food Truck Friday event. Mark your calendar.

Canva 102 | Aug. 10 | 6 - 7:30 PM

Consumer Packaged Goods Roundtable | Aug. 12 | 6 - 8 PM

Interested in getting into the Consumer Packaged Goods space or just want to learn more? Come learn about the ins and outs of it all with Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga Director Mark Holland. Register for free here.

LAUNCHepreneur Shoutout

A Nibble in the Night: Congratulations to Terrence Locke on raising $5,000+ for Make a Wish East Tennessee, working alongside several incredible KIC members like Culturelicious, Down Home Bakes, The Island Vibe, That Grazin’ Gal & Byrd Brasi!
The Cookie Collection: Our current KIC Catalyst student Kera Edwards, owner of The Cookie Collection, was featured in Bold Journey Magazine! She shares more about her growth through owning a micro-bakery.
Down Home Bakes: You may have seen LAUNCHepreneur Cardell Davis on WDEF recently! He appeared on Let’s Chatt to chat about how LAUNCH has helped his business Down Home Bakes. Great job, Cardell!
Oui Oui Boulangerie: Join us in celebrating, Chef Johann Tremor, for the grand opening of his French bakery Oui Oui Boulangerie on Bastille Day (July 14) with special pastries, a DJ and a ribbon cutting. Save the date!
Johnny Poppers: Mark Lowery , owner of Johnny Poppers, was declared the winner of the 2026 Five Star Food Fight at the Chattanooga Market! Congratulations Mark, your dish was a hit!
The Island Vibe: Congratulations to Chef Maxene Fullaflava and LaShondra Thomas on celebrating their two-year business anniversary! 🎉 They celebrated at KIC Nights, selling out before the event even ended.

A SPECIAL EDITION OF FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

Help us spread the word!

The Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga (KIC) is teaming up with The Nehemiah Project, Cross Culture Church and The Purpose Outreach Center to support families in Hamilton County before the school year kicks off during KIC’s monthly ‘Food Truck Friday’ event.

Here’s what you need to know:

🕚 11 AM: Wicked Wieners: 100+ backpack giveaway
🕒 3 PM: The Nehemiah Project: 1,000+ backpack giveaway
🚚 10+ food trucks
🎶 Live radio broadcast & music
📍 5704 Marlin Road, Chattanooga, TN
📅 Friday, August 7th, 2026

Backpacks will be distributed while supplies last.

Save the Date | Volunteer on July 18

LAUNCH TEAM SPOTLIGHT

CONGRATULATIONS!

Our Co-CEO DeJuan Jordan is being honored by Chattanooga Business Elite (CBE) as one of The Crowned Influence Five, designed to recognize women whose leadership, excellence, and influence continue to open doors, create opportunities, and inspire the next generation of Black women leaders.

Come celebrate DeJuan on August 13th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

Only a few tickets remaining.

🎟️ Purchase Tickets Here

NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES

💰 Women’s First Loan: Typically used by women entrepreneurs and small business owners for business expansion, construction or renovation, inventory, working capital, or machinery or equipment upgrades. We work with you to learn your needs, craft the right funding solution, and support you every step of the way.

🏫 Resources for Veteran-Owned Businesses: For vets transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship, a wealth of resources exists, including free training, education, funding and networking opportunities to help ensure their new venture succeeds.

📚 Book Recommendation: The Soul-Sourced Entrepreneur: In The Soul-Sourced Entrepreneur, former songwriter and performer and then founder of Uplevel You (a multimillion-dollar business coaching company) Christine Kane shares the insights that have helped thousands find success without losing themselves.

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