News from Westchester’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Featuring news, entrepreneur profiles, and mentorship and growth opportunities
Westchester County Office of Economic Development Announces Return of Launch1000
 
The Westchester County Office of Economic Development announced Launch1000, an innovative, fully remote, self-paced program designed to turn concepts and ideas into business plans and startups, will return in 2022. New to the Program this year is the addition of a dual language cohort (English/Spanish) with a minimum of 100 seats available. All Launch1000 programming will be available in both English and Spanish, and bilingual participants will be supported by bilingual coaches and mentors. There will be workshops for just for the dual language cohort, as well as workshops combining the English-only and the bilingual Launchers.
 
Born out of a global pandemic, Launch1000 offers Westchester County residents the opportunity to gain critical business knowledge, connect with mentors and help their idea gain traction. In 2021, 218 residents completed the program and launched a diverse range of small businesses and nonprofits. The program is led by entrepreneurial expert Pam Hoelzle, who has coached tens of thousands of early-stage entrepreneurs. Launch1000 requires a commitment of 10-hours per week and is designed for individuals who can commit to steadily working on their idea throughout the remainder of 2022. Launchers who successfully complete the program will receive a $1,000 grant to help defray startup costs.
 
Applications will open this spring and interested individuals are encouraged to apply early. Potential participants can learn more about Launch1000 by visiting: WestchesterCatalyst.com/Launch1000. Organizations who would like to host an infosession (virtual or in-person) about the program and individuals who are interested in supporting Launch1000 by mentoring participants or otherwise sharing their expertise should contact Deborah Novick at 914-995-2998.
Element46 Alum Undercare Announces Partnership with JCPenney
 
Undercare Inc., an emerging designer of adaptive undergarments, bathing suits, and athletic wear, recently announced that its accessible easy-on and easy-off underwear line for men has been added to the J.C. Penney lineup and is available for sale. Undercare Founder and CEO, Susanne Leary Shoemaker, is pleased that Penney’s is joining the other large name brand retailers in making adaptive clothing available for disabled customers. Undercare is an alum of the first Element46 cohort.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Restaurant & Tourism Return to Work Programs

Join the WEDC to learn how to apply for tax credits ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for restaurants or grant money for tourism businesses. Attendees will leave understanding the two programs, if they can apply and their next steps.
 
Topics:

  • Do you qualify
  • Calculating your tax credit for the Restaurant Return-to-Work Tax Credit Program
  • Calculating your grant amount for the Tourism Return-to-Work Grant Program
  • Documentation needed
  • How to apply for each program
 
DATE: February 23, 2022
TIME: 10:00 AM
E-Commerce Technology: Level Up or Level Off?
 
You opened a business because you are passionate about creating a product or service you know customers need – but maybe you’re not quite as passionate about the technology part of the equation. Technology can have as many questions as it does answers, and a big one is whether your existing technology can scale with you to enable your business to succeed and grow.

The answer for most small businesses? No, it can’t. If your technology system can’t take your business where you want it to be five years from now, you need an exit plan that makes it easy to scale to that level. It may sound daunting, but you’re not alone. A good business or tech consultant can help you choose the right tools and technology to get you there.

In this session, from SCORE, FedEx Services Customer Technologies manager Christina Roushakes will share expertise on the need to re-platform technology, shipping systems and solutions, and dive into order and warehouse management options to grow your business.

DATE: February 24, 2022
TIME: 1:00 PM
Have entrepreneurial news or resources we should know about?
Drop us a line at Business-FIRST@westchestergov.com