Current & aspiring entrepreneurs sought for “LaunchWakeForest”

WAKE FOREST, NC - The Town of Wake Forest and the Rotary Club of Wake Forest are inviting local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to apply for “LaunchWakeForest,” a free program designed to help small business owners start, grow, and thrive. The online application is available through Friday, Aug. 14, at launchwakeforest.com.  

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements: 

• Own or plan to start a business in Wake Forest, NC 
• Ability to supply a product or service that can generate profit 
• Be interviewed by the selection committee 
• Complete in-person business training once a week for 14 weeks 
• Complete an executive summary of their business 

The Fall 2026 session begins Tuesday, Aug. 18, and will feature hands-on training, weekly guest speakers, networking opportunities, and resources that empower participants to take their business to the next level. Enrollment is limited to 20 participants. Over the course of 14 weeks, selected participants will: 

• Learn from experienced business owners and industry experts who provide practical, real-world advice. 
• Complete an executive summary of their business, built week by week through the program’s online student portal. 
• Gain insight into marketing, branding, sales, customer acquisition, and online presence. 
• Understand cash flow, bookkeeping, and how to secure funding to grow operations. 
• Put modern AI tools to work in their own businesses. 
• Connect with other local entrepreneurs to build relationships that lead to collaborations and referrals. 

The program culminates in Pitch Night on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Wake Electric Training Center, when participants present their businesses to a panel of judges, and the community is invited to attend. The winning pitch earns a four-day, three-night stay at Grandy Cove, a three-bedroom condo on the Currituck Sound near the Outer Banks.

"LaunchWakeForest is more than a class; it's an investment in the people who make our local economy work. This year's expanded program gives our small business owners more time, more tools, and more support than ever. Every graduate leaves with real momentum and a whole community rooting for their success," said Rotary Club of Wake Forest President Mark Scarbrough. 

Classes will be offered at the Wake Electric Training Center, 100 S. Franklin St., in Downtown Wake Forest, with meals provided each week by the Rotary Club of Wake Forest. For more information, visit launchwakeforest.com or contact Program Administrator/Instructor Brad Walker at 919-745-0377 or wakeforestrotary@gmail.com.