LaunchPad2X Announces Call for Applicants

ATLANTA - July 15, 2014 - PRLog -- July 15, 2014 – Atlanta — LaunchPad2X, an Atlanta-based women entrepreneurship program, announces today a call for applicants, seeking women founders and CEOs who are interested in accelerating the growth of their business, to participate in a month long educational and mentor program. The program offers entrepreneurs lessons in expanding business acumen, becoming investable and enhancing leadership skills from Fortune 1000 companies and private company executives, investors, academia, the U.S. Military, and professional service firms. The application deadline is August 15, 2014.

LaunchPad2X is intentionally designed exclusively for women-led businesses.  While women are outpacing men in launching companies, overall women-led and women-owned businesses remain smaller and trail in growth.  “Our goal is to reverse this trend by enhancing the skills and resources for women in entrepreneurial leadership roles, while providing them tools for igniting growth in their companies,” says Bernie Dixon, Chairman and President of the Atlanta Technology Angels, the foundational partner for LaunchPad2X program.

The program targets women running an early stage business who are ready to take their business to the next level and equips them with skills to grow rapidly from founder to Chief Executive Officer. Selected participants will be paired with experienced advisors to help guide them through leadership lessons and the process of getting "investor-ready.” The month long program includes three sessions that will cover a range of developmental courses addressing business strategy, tactics with investors and adopting a CEO-leadership style.

A panel of supporters and local business leaders will contribute to the program and review applications for acceptance. Supporters include Startup and Invest Atlanta, Advising Angels, Coles Business School at Kennesaw State University, The Cooks Warehouse, Frazier & Deeter, GH Consulting Group, KPMG, Morris Manning & Martin, Siavage Law Group, Trevelino/Keller and other key businesses throughout the Southeast. Additionally, Wells Fargo & Company  is the Enterprise-level banking sponsor for LauchPad2X. “Wells Fargo has a keen interest in supporting women entrepreneurs and new companies with innovative financial and business solutions. These up-and-coming leaders are positioned to have a huge impact and we want to partner with them to ensure their success,” says Sean Mabey, small business strategy director for Wells Fargo’s Southeast region. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for organizations interested in partnering with LaunchPad2X to support women entrepreneurs.

Past graduates of LaunchPad2X include companies that are beating the odds for startups; ninety percent of them are still in business, and all experienced a high growth period in the first year after the program - 300 percent revenue growth on average. The overwhelming majority of the companies have signed on huge customers such as GE, Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Apple, Aaron's, and Macys. “It’s inspiring to see how these companies have grown after graduating from LaunchPad2X,” continues Dixon. “They are hiring, working with contractors, growing revenue and becoming profitable early in the company's lifecycle. Our program also ensures that advisors and sponsors are available to provide ongoing assistance and serve the companies after graduation as needed.

Chosen applicants will attend LaunchPad2X sessions at various Atlanta business locations which provide participants an opportunity to interact and network with the local business community. Sessions will take place on Sept. 19, Oct. 3 and Oct. 14, 2014. Space is limited for this competitive program so interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply soon. To apply, download the application from angelatlanta.com/education/launchpad2x.

For questions, more information, or details about corporate sponsorship please contact Anne Hewitt at 609-616-2663 or hewitt.anne@gmail.com.

About LaunchPad2X

Launchpad2X is designed to foster the success of female entrepreneurs. The 2014 program, run in collaboration with Atlanta Technology Angels, is designed for women founders and leaders who want to take their business to the next level. Investors, venture capitalists, professional service firms, members of the Atlanta business community, and others will interact with participants during the program and receptions. Participants will have the opportunity to present to an advisory panel and receive individual coaching at the conclusion of the program, further increasing the potential for funding and growing their companies.  For more information visit: http://angelatlanta.com/education/launchpad2x/.

About Atlanta Technology Angels

The Atlanta Technology Angels (ATA) is an organization comprised of 125 accredited investors and sponsors.  ATA is a member led investment network that sources, performs due diligence, invests and provides post deal stewardship for early stage technology companies in Georgia and the Southeast.  ATA ranks in the top 10 networks in the U.S. in portfolio size, members, and opportunity flow and invests in technology-based companies with large market potential.