09/03/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/03/2024 13:26
Loudoun County's "Launch Loudoun" program, which supports small businesses and fosters local economic growth, has been recognized for excellence and innovation by the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) with a 2024 Achievement Award.
The Loudoun Department of Economic Development created the Launch Loudoun program to provide experiences and services for Loudoun entrepreneurs through the entire lifecycle of their small businesses. These include mentorship and coaching, access to capital and funding opportunities, networking events, educational workshops, and incubator space.
The Launch Loudoun program grew out of the COVID-19 pandemic when the county recognized the underrepresentation of small and minority-owned businesses in grant and financial aid applications. The Board of Supervisors approved funding for the program, which also includes community partnerships with the Small Business Development Center, the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, the Loudoun County Economic Development Authority and many others.
Since its inception in 2023, Launch Loudoun has seen more than 2,000 attendees at programs and events, and directly served more than 100 individual businesses.
More Information
More information about the services provided by the Department of Economic Development, including Launch Loudoun, may be found at biz.loudoun.gov.
Launch Loudoun was one of 45 recipients of the 2024 Achievement Awards for which VACo received 145 submissions. More information about the VACo awards program is available at vaco.org.
The Loudoun County government has many award-winning programs and services. Find out more at loudoun.gov/awards.
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